Oklahoma History

Interested in exploring Oklahoma’s storied history?

Metropolitan Library System has curated numerous Oklahoma resources, so you’re bound to strike information gold. Our Special Collections department maintains the Oklahoma Collection which is located in the Oklahoma Room on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Library. The collection contains books about Oklahoma and Oklahomans, or those written by Oklahomans, as well as maps, photos and other documents useful to the understanding of Oklahoma history. 

Don’t forget to check out our newly reformatted Digital Special Collection for Oklahoma-related content that is only available at Metro.

Blogs

New eBooks from the Oklahoma Room

Metro Library's Special Collections presents two new eBooks from the shelves of the Oklahoma Room now available in the local interest area of Overdrive and Libby. 

 

A Tour on the Prairies is an original classic in the lore of Oklahoma history. First published in 1835 this book bri...

Cooking Up Some History

As we begin to gear up for holiday dinners and do our best to make sure our neighbors have food to eat, it's easy enough to get caught up in the here-and-now demands and anxieties. 

(Related content: "Ditch the Potluck Stress" from the November 2025 issue of UMAmi)

But in all of ...

Events

This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Our Oklahoma History: April event

2:00pm–3:00pm
Teens, Adults
Bethany Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Bethany Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Bethany)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Community & Civics, Continuing Education, Cultural Experiences
Event Description:

During the Our Oklahoma History series, historians will share fascinating and lesser-known tales from Oklahoma's rich history. Join us, you won't want to miss it!

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Rock Painting for Route 66

11:00am–12:00pm
All Ages
Midwest City Library
Registration Required
Registration will close on April 18, 2026 @ 11:00am.
Library Branch: Midwest City Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Midwest City)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies
Registration Required
Event Description:

Get ready to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma’s iconic Route 66 by creating your own hand-painted rocks inspired by the “Mother Road”!

This event is in the "All Ages" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

Adventures of the Prairie Librarian with the Edmond History Museum

2:00pm–3:00pm
All Ages, Kids
Edmond Library
Library Branch: Edmond Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Edmond)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids
Program Type: Books & Reading, Community & Civics, Cultural Experiences, Family Programs, Live Performances & Entertainment
Event Description:

Meet the true pioneer librarian who tamed the Wild West by bringing books to the prairie of Oklahoma Territory! In 1889, George and Jennie Forster came to Edmond to stake a claim and start a new life.

This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Our Oklahoma History: May Event

2:00pm–3:00pm
Teens, Adults
Bethany Library
Library Branch: Bethany Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Bethany)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Community & Civics, Cultural Experiences
Event Description:

During the Our Oklahoma History series, historians will share fascinating and lesser-known tales from Oklahoma's rich history. Join us, you won't want to miss it!

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "All Ages" group

LEGO - Get Your Bricks on Route 66

6:30pm–7:30pm
All Ages
Warr Acres Library
Library Branch: Warr Acres Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Warr Acres)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Family Programs, Games & Gaming
Event Description:

Join us for a special May LEGO program packed with color, creativity, and fun! Celebrate Oklahoma history on Route 66 by building cars, roadside attractions—or invent your own twist.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Oklahoma Originals: Jordan Tang

2:00pm–3:30pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Community & Civics, Cultural Experiences, Family Programs, Museums at MLS
Event Description:

Come celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month here with us at the Ralph Ellison library branch. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord Pickens Museum proudly presents Oklahoma Originals: Jordan Tang. Dr.

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Databases

A B C E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U V W

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.

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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.

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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.

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Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids

An educational tool intended to teach K-12 students about our nation’s Federal government, history and political structure. Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. 

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OK2Explore

Ok2Explore is a free searchable index of births and deaths that occurred in the state of Oklahoma. Included is limited information on births occurring more than 20 years ago and deaths occurring more than 5 years ago. You may search the index using any combination of the subject’s name, date of event (birth or death), county of event, and sex.

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Oklahoma News Sources

Provides full-text access to dozens of local, statewide, and college/university newspapers and transcripts from television stations across Oklahoma. Includes full-text and image editions of The Oklahoman and Tulsa World, including today’s full-color, digital edition of The Oklahoman.

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Collections

Logo of Metro Library Podcast

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.

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