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
April is National Poetry Month 📖
“We need mental and spiritual food along the way as much as we need food, clothing, and shelter - that is where poetry comes in. Poetry always appears at times of transition, transformation, and shift, and for times of grieving, for getting work done, and for joy."
- Joy Harjo, 23rd P...
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...
Events
Color Our World when you come to the Northwest Library in June! Stop by the table near the Info, color and decorate one popsicle stick. These will be assembled in a collage to create a piece of Community Art!
Come join Ralph Ellison Library for an educational scavenger hunt about OKC metro landmarks! Find all the pictures of the landmarks hidden around the library and you can earn a prize!
*Prizes available while supplies last.
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Join other LEGO fans to engineer some fun! Imagine, create, play, and learn as we build with LEGOs.
Blast off with your imagination at the Ralph Ellison library Lego Club. Lego dreamers of all ages and experience levels welcome.
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
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.
Step into a living display of transformation! Visit our side-by-side tanks all summer long as we explore the beauty of nature and color in motion. One tank features tiny caterpillars growing and changing into vibrant butterflies.
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Be Advised: This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.
By Attending, you consent: To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.
For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer
Create a torn paper collage inspired by artist Edgar Heap of Birds' Neuf painting series. Rip colorful paper into jagged pieces to create shapes like mountain peaks, rocky canyons, and tree leaves.
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
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.