Free library events for my kids near me? Yes, please! In addition to providing books to check out and other services, your local Metropolitan Library System branch provides dozens of programs and events each month for kids of all ages and adults. These range from story times for the very young to adult craft nights and informative programs such as how to use A.I.
All of the library branch programs, events and activities can be accessed via a searchable calendar. You can search for events at your specific branch!
These programs are FREE but some do require preregistration, info you’ll find clearly stated on the event listings below. Their event system also makes it easy to see if the events are held one time or if they are repeated during the month at that location.
BONUS: Want to learn and be creative at home with your kids? Take advantage of another popular library program, Take Home Kits that are available during certain time periods at the branches.
Each month, we’ll highlight our favorite, in-person free programs, events and activities so you and your family won’t miss any of the fun at your local branch (or any branch!) of the Metropolitan Library System.
10 top-notch free events at Metro Libraries in February:
Ice Cream Man, Ice Cream Man: Celebrating Augustus Jackson
Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m.
Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23rd Street
Ages: kids
Discover the legacy of the “Father of Ice Cream,” a 19th-century Black inventor, and join a fun, interactive activity where kids can create their own unique ice cream flavors inspired by his work.
Crochet Night – A Dozen Roses
Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Capitol Hill Library, 327 SW 27th Street
Ages: teens and adults
All skill levels welcome to come crochet a dozen roses for Valentine’s Day — kits available while supplies last!
The Groovemeant Community
Feb. 7 at 11a.m.
Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S Walker Avenue
Ages: all ages
Registration required
Celebrate Black History Month with the Groovemeant community group. Enjoy an interactive street-dancing showcase and try out a few moves.
STEM Club: 3D Glasses & the Magic of Colors
Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.
Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63rd Street, Warr Acres
Ages: kids
Registration required
Little ones and their grown-ups are invited to a fun-filled event featuring stories, silly songs and engaging activities.
Readerpalooza! A Book Fair for All Ages
Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.
Northwest Library, 5600 NW 122nd St.
All ages
Enjoy a come-and-go celebration for book lovers of all ages! This event features book displays, swag and giveaways, bookish crafts, prize drawings and activities for kids. Bring the whole family or come solo to enjoy hot cocoa, fill your “to be read” list and meet others in the reader community.
Slam Poetry with Sharika Browne
Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.
Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue
All ages
Registration encouraged
Celebrate Black History Month with poet Sharika Browne for an amazing afternoon of poetry.
Imagine Lab: Paper Circuits
Feb. 12, at 4:00 p.m.
Belle Isle Library, 5501 N. Villa Ave.
Ages: kids
Registration required
Create light-up Valentine’s Day cards using paper circuits at Belle Isle’s Imagine Lab. Children will collaborate, experiment and have fun while developing their creative skills.
Black History Jeopardy Night
Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23rd Street
Ages: kids and teens
Registration encouraged
Children are invited to learn through this interactive game about important African American achievements, leaders and historical moments.
Rap Workshop with Emmy Award Winner Jabee
Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.
Downtown Library in the atrium (1st floor), 300 Park Avenue
Ages: kids and teens
Registration encouraged
Emmy-winning artist and activist Jabee leads a free workshop exploring creativity through rap.
1921 Race Massacre: Survivor Stories with Dr. Karlos Hill
Feb. 15 at 2 p.m.
Downtown Library in the Auditorium (4th Floor), 300 Park Avenue
Ages: adults
Registration encouraged
Join Dr. Karlos Hill, Regents’ Professor at OU and author of The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A Photographic History, for a presentation on survivor stories and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase.
Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale
Feb. 22–23
Oklahoma Expo Building
With over 500,000 books, DVDs and other media available for purchase, this is the perfect opportunity to find your next great read, collect rare books or stock up on gifts. The sale is free to attend, but Friends members can enjoy early access during Preview Day on Feb. 21.
- Preview Day (Friends Members Only): Friday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Public Sale: Saturday, Feb. 22: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 23: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sensory-Friendly Shopping (Sunday, Feb. 23): 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The book sale will include a Sensory-Friendly Shopping period with limited capacity for a quieter, more accessible experience for those with mobility issues.
The sale offers books of all genres, rare finds, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, magazines and more—all at unbeatable prices. Proceeds benefit library services and support the DPIL program. By participating in the sale, you are helping promote early childhood literacy and ensuring that local children have access to the resources they need to succeed.
More resources:
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.
