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.
Free events at Metro Libraries in July:
Join us this month for Summer programming at the library. The Summer Reading program, which is essential in boosting and maintaining childhood literacy. Plus, our Neighborhood Arts and Summer Fun programs bring arts and education to the forefront, making learning hands-on for all ages. Explore all events at metrolibrary.org/events/upcoming.
“Childhood literacy is the foundation of good community work,” says Tara Golden, a librarian at Belle Isle Library who leads the successful children’s program Wiggly Wednesdays.
Golden said, “Whenever we’re reading with children early and we’re letting them engage in early literacy skills, they are getting a chance to see a world beyond theirs. They’re getting problem solving skills, critical thinking skills. They’re learning how to express big emotions and empathy.”
Summer Reading at Metro Libraries
For 94 years, the Metropolitan Library System’s Summer Reading program has helped Oklahomans of all ages build a love of reading and learning. This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” encourages readers to discover new books, hidden histories and stories waiting to be uncovered. Summer Reading helps young children strengthen early literacy skills, while school-aged students can stay engaged and avoid the “summer slide” by continuing to read throughout the break.
“Students participating in Summer Reading may find it a helpful way to build confidence in reading skills, and that reading skills they gained over the school year are maintained instead of lost,” said
Emily Williams, Teen Services Manager, about the program.
Teens and adults can join the fun too by reading, earning prizes and participating in library activities all summer long. Summer Reading runs June 1 through July 31. Learn more and pre-register at metrolibrary.org/summerreading.
This year’s program includes:
- A 600-point goal for all readers, with one point earned for every minute read
- Easy progress tracking through the Beanstack app or paper logs
- Prizes for all ages, including books, a Metro Library baseball cap, coupons and grand prize drawings
“The library’s goal with Summer Reading is to foster a community of readers,” Williams says. “A love of reading comes from the kinds of transformative experiences you have while reading, when empathy and understanding are fostered or when you make connections and think critically, generating a habit of lifelong learning.”
Unearth a Story
In addition to regular Summer Reading programming, libraries across the system are offering hands-on, prehistoric-themed activities that bring the “Unearth a Story” theme to life. Families can explore dinosaur science, art, crafts, storytelling and creative play through programs led by library staff and community partners. Highlights include dinosaur digs and fossil-focused programs, hands-on art projects such as mixed media dinosaur sculptures, dino diamond art, embroidery, cross stitch and felted wool creations, plus science and discovery events with partners like Science Museum Oklahoma. Families can also find drawing workshops, puppet-making, prehistoric playtime, dino trivia, escape-room style activities and take-home-inspired crafts at locations.
Neighborhood Arts
The Neighborhood Arts program is a summer staple at Metro Library with a stacked lineup of energetic performances from favorite artists for all ages.
Performances are sponsored by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Oklahoma Arts Council and aim to provide access to music, dance, and visual arts education to the community. This month continues with awesome performances from Hurrey-Up Cultural Arts Initiative, Kismet Theatre, Painted Sky Opera, OKC Improv, Lyric Theatre, Magician Michael Corley, Groovemeant Community, and Inspyral Circus. Performances take place at library locations and off-site locations like Scissortail Park. A full list of performances taking place throughout the summer can be found at metrolibrary.org/neighborhoodarts.
Summer Fun
Our Summer Fun program brings together our community partners like the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Zoo, SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and more, for all-ages fun at your library. Events include everything from exploring the history of comics to finding out how birds are dinosaurs closest modern relatives. We’ll even be making felted geodes with local artists. For a full list of events, visit metrolibrary.org/summerfun.
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:
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.
