All libraries will be closed on Sunday, March 31, for Easter.

Maurice Sendak Exhibit

About the Exhibit

The Maurice Sendak Exhibit is a retrospective of original works by the beloved children’s book illustrator and author of Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak.

The exhibit includes 50 of Sendak’s works celebrating his heartfelt art. We encourage library customers of all ages and backgrounds to dive into the WILD world of Maurice Sendak this summer and enjoy his art exhibition as well as his books at the Library.

The art will be displayed in the atrium at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library from June 15 – July 9, 2019.

Sneak a Peak of the Exhibit Art

 

Special thanks to the lenders to the exhibition and to AFANYC for their support.

 

 

About Maurice Sendak

Sendak is the author of more than 20 books and the illustrator of over 80 books. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and spent much of his time gazing out his bedroom window while drawing. Sendak’s work is significant because of his use of surrealism in children’s literature. When Where the Wild Things Are was released in the early ‘60s it was controversial for its dark thematic material for a children’s story. Sendak chose to depict an imaginary world that was rooted in reality, because he believed in being honest with his young audience. He said he did not want to depict his characters as he thought they looked, but as he thought they felt. Sendak passed away in 2012, at the age of 83, from complications of a stroke. His art lives on in the heart of both children and adults around the world who have cherished his books.

 

WILD About Reading Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading program (June 1 – July 31) gives children, teens and adults the opportunity to earn prizes while they read for fun and promote the importance of reading in our communities. We are excited for this year’s theme to include Maurice Sendak, honoring his contribution to children’s literature. It is our goal to get our customers truly WILD about their reading experience and we encourage you to join us for a variety of programs throughout the summer.

Learn More about Summer Reading

 

Making the Connection

Parents are encouraged to read some of Sendak’s works to their child and talk about the familiar-looking art in the exhibition that they may recognize from his books. They may also want to engage with their child by asking questions about the characters and themes depicted in Sendak’s books. Asking simple questions and listening is a great way to get your child thinking more deeply about a book or experience and a great way for parents to make memories with their children.

 

Planning Your Visit

You do not have to be a customer of the Metropolitan Library System to visit the exhibit; however, we would encourage you to sign up for a library card during your visit. Tickets are not required to get into the exhibit. Paid parking is available on the street around the library as well as in the Arts District Parking Garage across the street from the library. The exhibit is self-guided.

The Downtown Library is a stop for the Oklahoma City Streetcar. Fares start at $1 and allow you to visit Midtown and Bricktown.

Exhibit Dates

Saturday, June 15th -  Tuesday, July 9th, 2019. 
The Maurice Sendak Memorial Exhibit will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, 2019. 

 

Exhibit Hours

Monday - Thursday 9am - 9pm

Friday 9am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 1pm - 6pm

The Ronald J Norick Downtown Library is located at 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

 

Events @ the Downtown Library

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Live Piano Music

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Atrium (Downtown)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Live Performances & Entertainment
Event Description:
Join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday that the library is open down in the first floor atrium. We have fantastic volunteer pianists playing our baby grand piano. There are plenty of tables for you to sit and enjoy your lunch or read a book whil...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Job Fair-Cancelled

9:30am - 12:00pm
Downtown Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Friends Room (Downtown)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Careers & Jobs
Event Description:
Are you looking for a job? The Downtown Library and the Center for Employment Opportunities are teaming up to present a Job Fair on March 30, 2024, from 9:30 AM to Noon. Several employers will be in attendance, including Second Chance employers. ...
This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.

Saturday Storytime

1:00pm - 1:45pm
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Children's Program Room (Downtown)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Books & Reading, Child Development & Parenting, Storytimes
Event Description:
Join us every Saturday for storytime at the Downtown Library! Sing songs, read exciting new books, and connect with families in your community!  ...
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Teen Book Bag

All Day 4/1 - 4/7
Downtown Library
Registration
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Downtown)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Books & Reading, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Description:
Here at the Downtown Library, we’re always looking for fun ways to connect readers with our collection of books. Thus the idea of a library book “subscription”, a connection between YOU the reader and US, your friendly neighborhood librarians. We w...

Disclaimer(s)

We can only guarantee one kit per registration.  Please register individually to ensure that kits are appropriately distributed.  Special notes should not be used for additional registrations.

Thank you for your help!

This event is in the "Kids" group.
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Downtown)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Science & STEAM
Event Description:
Interested in learning more about agriculture in Oklahoma?  This take-home kit can introduce kids ages 4-10 to several of Oklahoma's cash crops and includes information about their history in the state and their role in agriculture today. This k...

Disclaimer(s)

We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.

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

Plant a Pollinator Garden Take-Home Kit

All Day 4/1 - 4/14
Downtown Library
Registration
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Downtown)
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: DIY & Hobbies
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Description:
This Earth Day, plant a pollinator garden that will help support your local ecosystem! This take-home kit will provide plenty of seeds and all the information you'll need to plant your own backyard wildflower garden with seeds that will help attract ...

Disclaimer(s)

We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).

This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group.

¡Cantar Conmigo!

10:00am - 10:45am
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Children's Program Room (Downtown)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programs, Storytimes
Event Description:
¡Hola, y bienvenidos a nuestra biblioteca! Tenemos una programa nueva, y se llama "Cantar conmigo". Esa programa es mensual, donde familias que hablan espanol pueden cantar, tocar nuestros instrumentos, leer cuentas, y tener un buen tiempo con biblio...

Disclaimer(s)

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program. 

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Live Piano Music

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Atrium (Downtown)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Live Performances & Entertainment
Event Description:
Join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday that the library is open down in the first floor atrium. We have fantastic volunteer pianists playing our baby grand piano. There are plenty of tables for you to sit and enjoy your lunch or read a book whil...

 

Sponsored by

Best of Maurice Sendak