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
Hispanic/LatinX Heritages Month
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with Special Collections & Research! From September 15th to October 15th, we are spotlighting the rich history and contribution of Hispanic and Latino Americans with a new mini exhibit showcased in the Oklahoma Room.
The mini exhibit ...
Marvelous, monumental, memorable: The Myriad Convention Center
The Myriad Convention Center opened its doors on November 5, 1972, in the booming City of Tomorrow. The newest mini exhibit, centered around the history of the Myriad, is now on display in the Oklahoma Room on the second floor of the Downtown Library.
Hosted by Special Collections & Res...
Events
Join Jeff Provine, author of the Haunted Oklahoma book series, for tales of local hauntings and urban legends!
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
Businesses and sponsors embrace the Halloween spirit by offering games and trunk-or-treat activities suitable for kids of all ages. Join us for a festive celebration filled with spooky fun!
Disclaimer(s)
This event is scheduled to take place outside weather permitting. Customers are encouraged to wear sunscreen and their masks. Customers may also bring a blanket or lawn chair. Please watch your email for updates to change of avenue or cancelation.
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
Join us for a panel discussion moderated by OKC non-profit history organization Bottom Rail History. The panel will feature organizations involved in recording the individual histories of Oklahomans.
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
Share Your Stories and Photographs of Stockyards City
Share Your Stories and Photos of Historic Stockyards City!
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.
Join us for a hands-on building adventure as we recreate some of Oklahoma’s most iconic landmarks!
Come celebrate Native American Heritage Month here with us at the Ralph Ellison library branch. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord Pickens Museum proudly presents Oklahoma Originals: Te Ata.
Databases
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Collections
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.