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
Events @ the Downtown Library
In the air, water, and even under foot, insects inhabit every domain of our daily lives, performing essential functions that balance our fragile ecosystem on earth.
Adult Book Box: Women's History Month
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a book box! Inside, you’ll receive a handpicked fiction or nonfiction book that highlights the stories and resilience of extraordinary women.
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!
Make your own felt beetle magnet! Partnering with the incredible Small Wonders photography display currently hosted at the Downtown Library branch, learn about beetle anatomy while you make your own magnetic colorful creature.
Join us every Monday and Friday that the library is open down in the first floor atrium. We have fantastic volunteer pianists playing our baby grand piano.
Blast off into creativity! Join us for Space Sand Art and design your own out-of-this-world masterpiece using colorful sand. From swirling galaxies to bright planets, your imagination is the limit. Perfect for young space explorers!
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.
Join us in this astronomical buffet!
Learn about life in space and indulge in different astronaut snacks and meals!
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.
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.
CANCELED - Child Development and Autism Screening
Developmental, Speech Language, Autism, and Behavioral screenings available at no charge!
For children birth through age 5.
Sponsored by
Best of Maurice Sendak
-
Alligators all around: an alphabet
View Catalog Entry -
Bumble-ardy
View Catalog Entry -
Chicken soup with rice: a book of months
View Catalog Entry -
Hector Protector; and, As I went over the water: two nursery rhymes with pictures
View Catalog Entry -
In the night kitchen
View Catalog Entry -
One was Johnny: a counting book
View Catalog Entry -
Outside over there
View Catalog Entry -
Pierre: a cautionary tale in five chapters and a prologue
View Catalog Entry -
We are all in the dumps with Jack and Guy: two nursery rhymes with pictures
View Catalog Entry -
Where the wild things are
View Catalog Entry