Expand Your Horizons
Learn a new language with online Mango, read about the perfect local restaurant with our travel guides, or attend a performance from artists representing different cultures and forms. Your Library is your key to exploring the world whether you are traveling there or enjoying it here.
Blogs
Spring has sprung early at Special Collections and Research!
We are thrilled to announce a new addition to our archives, The Oklahoma City Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. Collection, which spans from the founding of the organization in 1921 to the present day. Previously housed at Will Rogers Gardens, the cache of thirty two scrapbooks and official council m...
Frozen in Time: The Rise of Ice in Oklahoma City
If you plan to make a trip downtown, be sure to stop by the library to check out our new mini exhibit on the history of ice in Oklahoma City! A small collection of historic ice-related items from various collections within our archive will be shown in the window of the Oklahoma Room at the Downto...
Events
Cycling Oklahoma is a love letter to cycling culture here in Oklahoma. Submit your biking pictures, stories, or favorite routes via this QR code here or in-person at NW LIBRARY. All of your submissions will be printed and published digitally.
Learn about Women's History Month by participating in a Scavenger Hunt on the adult side of the library then collect a prize at the adult reference desk.
The Southern Oaks Library Fan Fiction and Fan Art contest was founded by John Hilbert. In dedication to John's work, the contest continues to recognize the remarkable talents of people in our community.
Learn the basics of becoming a U.S. Citizen! The Southern Oaks Public Library is partnering with Community Literary Centers to provide free weekly classes that explore the steps of the naturalization process.
Disclaimer(s)
This event is an online event offered through video and web conferencing software. If you register for this program, you will be emailed the link to connect digitally. Please note, you may need to install an app or computer application to attend this program. If you have any issues connecting, please reach out to askalibrarian@metrolibrary.org.
for numbers only
Learn to Make an Origami Pelican with Instructor-Guided Step-by-Step Instructions in a Classroom Setting!
Databases
A to Z Food America
This resource contains more than 2,000 state, regional, and ethnic recipes - including food culture articles - as well as historical and reference articles including an ingredients section. This is the largest food database of its kind focused solely on diverse American cuisine.
A to Z Maps Online
Provides access to over 100,000 various types of maps for the U.S., world countries and continents. A to Z Maps Online contains a large number of specialized maps like antique maps, bathymetric and fishing maps, climate change maps, environmental maps, geography and geology maps, Holy Land maps, tree and bird distribution maps, and more. It also contains flags from world countries and international organizations.
A to Z the USA
This database contains state, county and city information for all U.S. states and territories. It lists facts and statistics about arts and culture, climate and weather, demographics, flags and seals, government and politics, history, maps, photos, and more.
A to Z World Food
This resource contains 7,000 traditional recipes from 174 countries, along with thousands of ingredient, food culture, and reference articles, making this the largest food database of its kind.
A to Z World Travel
Contains travel guides for over 200 world cities. Each guide contains helpful information about a particular city's food and restaurants, climate and weather, embassies/consulates, health and medical services, travel essentials, money and banking, electrical and telecommunication requirements, and more.
Bibliography of Indigenous Peoples in North America
Contains citations to books, journal articles, magazines, newspapers, and U.S. and Canadian government documents (with coverage going back to the seventeenth century) about the culture, history and life of indigenous peoples in North America. This resource is provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Collections

Grass Roots Press - Hoopla
Grass Roots Press is a niche publisher, specializing in resources for adults with limited literacy skills. They have an international reputation for publishing high-quality materials for adult basic education and English language learners. This collection can be accessed through Metro's subscription to Hoopla digital. It can be found independently by searching for "Grass Roots Press" in the publisher field using the Advanced Search function.

Metro Library Podcast
Offering Oklahoma-themed podcasts celebrating Oklahoma arts, culture and history as well as the lives of influential Oklahomans today, the Metro Library Podcast is produced by the Special Collections of the Metropolitan Library System.