Things to Do in October at Metro Libraries - MetroFamily Magazine

Things to Do in October at Metro Libraries

By Metropolitan Library System

by Rebecca Fast

Reading Time: 5 minutes 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage!

It’s National Hispanic/LatinX Heritages Month at Metro Libraries from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and there is so much to discover to celebrate Hispanic culture, art, writing, and more with events and take-home kits! Some of those events include:

Oct. 4
Our Oklahoma History: Stories Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Bethany Library for teens and adults. 2-3 p.m.

Oct. 9
Storytime with award-winning author Mariana Llanos at Warr Acres Library for children. 10-11 a.m.

Oct. 24
Yumaré Folk Dance Performance at Southern Oaks. All ages welcome. 2-3 p.m.

For more events, visit metrolibrary.org/hispanicheritage.


Choose Your Own Adventure

From Sept. 18 to Nov. 8, join us for Choose Your Own Adventure: The Art of the Art by Denis Duong and Gabriel Friedman at Metro Library – Ronald J. Norick Downtown. This exhibition features sketches and models from these local artists. Visit Metro Library – Ronald J. Norick Downtown for a glimpse into the creation process for their large-scale public art. You’ll see the planning, experimentation and artistry that go into making over 25 of the Oklahoma City artists’ sculptures and murals come to life.


TeenTober

Calling all teens because October is TeenTober! TeenTober is a nationwide celebration hosted by libraries to celebrate teens and their place in libraries. We’re promoting teen library services and the ways these services help teens learn new skills and fuel their passions. Find something new to read, explore our databases, or sign up for an event! This month will feature painting workshops, escape rooms, take-home kits, button making, life-size “Clue” and more! Several of our locations will be hosting a ‘90s murder mystery party at their locations to celebrate TeenTober! More information at metrolibrary.org/teentober.


Freedom to Read

Join us for “Freedom to Read: Showing of ‘Banned Together” with special guest Luanne James at Ronald J. Norick Downtown on Oct. 10. James will share her experience standing up against censorship before the documentary screening. Registration is required for this event. Ages: teens and adults. 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

Oct. 4 & Oct. 10
Join Metro Library and author Michael Korenblit for “Let Books Be: Protecting Democracy & Diverse Voices!” at Ralph Ellison Library on Oct. 4 from 2-3 p.m. He will also present on Oct. 10 from 2-3 p.m. at Bethany Library in observance of Banned Books Week. Ages: teens and adults.

Oct. 28
Join us for a screening of the award-winning documentary “The Librarians” at Midwest City Library, followed by a discussion about intellectual freedom, censorship and the freedom to read. Ages: 12 and up. Registration required.


Spooky Season

It’s spooky season at the library! Celebrate with us at the following events or see what’s going on near you through our searchable calendar OR search for events at your specific branch!

Halloween Storytime for Kids with author Jen Anyong

Oct. 17 at Edmond Library from 2-3 p.m. and Warr Acres Library from 10-11 a.m.
Oct. 19 at Southern Oaks Library from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 31 at Del City Library from 10-11 a.m. and Ralph Ellison Library from 2-3 p.m.

Spooky Sounds with the Heartland Orchestra

Oct. 25 at Edmond Library from 2-3 p.m. All ages welcome.

Trick or Treat! Family Storytime

Oct. 31 at Edmond Library from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Ages: 0 to 5. Registration required.

Halloween Parties

Oct. 29 at Midwest City from 5-7 p.m. Ages: teens. Registration required.
Oct. 30 at The Village from 10-11 a.m. Ages: 0 to grade-school-aged children.
Oct. 31 at Midwest City from 5-7 p.m. Ages: teens. Registration required.
Oct. 31 at Patience S. Latting Northwest from 10-11:15 a.m. Ages: 0-6. Registration required.

Halloween Costume Parade

Oct. 31 at Ralph Ellison from 2-3:30 p.m. Ages: 0 to grade-school-aged children.


Online Resources & In-Person Help

Beyond in-person events, Metro Library provides access to an extensive collection of online learning resources that support classroom instruction, homework, and independent skill-building. Students can receive live tutoring and writing assistance through HelpNow, learn programming languages with Fiero Code, prepare for standardized tests using LearningExpress Library, or strengthen literacy skills with TumbleBooks. And in-person events such as: Homework Help at the Library

Whether supporting early readers, helping students prepare for exams, or providing engaging activities after the school day ends, Metro Library offers resources that extend learning beyond the classroom. More information is available at metrolibrary.org.


New Resource for Kids!

We have added a new resource that features screen-free fun and learning for kids with no Wi-Fi or other tech needed. This pre-loaded speaker with songs, stories, activities, and more, is called “Whazoodles” and is available now at library branches. You can grab up to two per card, but please keep in mind that they cannot be put on hold.


Read for Adventure

Metro Library is combining forces with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s for their statewide literacy program, Read for Adventure. Library card holders who check out and read the book “Juniper’s Butterfly Garden” and 30 other books titles will receive a voucher redeemable for free admission to the OKC Zoo upon the book’s return.


Clubs for All Interests at Metro Libraries

Metro Library locations offer a wide variety of clubs including Coding, STEM programs, LEGO Club, Chess Club, Pokémon Club and Magic: The Gathering. Visit metrolibrary.org to find a club near you.

 

 


More resources:

A boy watering a plant through Metro Grows, one of the free events at metro libraries Gardening for All Ages as a part of Metro Grows! More information at Metrolibrary.org/MetroGrows.

Metropolitan Library System provides access to a wide variety of online learning platforms, such as:

  • Creativebug: Thousands of arts and crafts video tutorials by expert artists.
  • Fiero Code: Interactive coding lessons for ages 8-18.
  • HelpNow: Brainfuse service offering live tutoring, practice tests, and skill-building for students from elementary to high school.
  • LearningExpress Library: Study guides and practice tests for exams like GED, ACT, SAT, and more.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Self-paced video courses in business, technology, and creative skills.
  • Tumblebooks: Children’s reading comprehension support with quizzes and read-aloud stories.

 

Wanting even more free events and activities at Metro Libraries? All of the library branch programs, events and activities can be accessed via an easily searchable calendar.

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