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 Metro Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge!
How it works:
Participants earn 1 point for every minute they read, plus up to 100 bonus points by completing fun literacy activities. The goal? Reach 600 points and earn prizes like free books or a Metro Library tote bag!
Track progress with the Beanstack app or a paper log. Prize pickup runs through July 31, and prize drawing winners will be announced in August.
To join, you’ll need a valid Metro Library card linked to Beanstack. Sign up today.
Vinta Boat Storytime and Mosaic Painting w/ KAPWA OKC
July 8, 2-3 p.m.
Capitol Hill Library, 327 SW 27th Street
Age: Birth-PreK
Registration required
Little ones will hear a story from the Philippines about the colorful Vinta boats and make a mosaic painting of the boats to take home.
Also held July 11 at the Edmond Library and July 30 at the Ralph Ellison Library.
Alcohol Inks & Shrinky Dinks with Science Museum Oklahoma
July 9, 4-5 p.m.
Almonte Library, 2727 SW 59th Street
Age: Teens
Registration required
Celebrate color and creativity by making vibrant alcohol ink designs on clear plastic, then transforming them with heat to create unique shapes.
Also held July 7 at Del City Library.
Needle Felted Sculptures with Oklahoma Contemporary
July 10, 6-7 p.m.
Northwest Library, 5600 NW 122nd Street
Age: teens
Registration required
Learn how to needle felt soft wool sculptures with step-by-step guidance.
*Find more MLS events hosted by Oklahoma Contemporary where participants can learn embroidery, needle felting, visible mending, wool painting and more.
Balloon Art for Beginners
July 10, 10 a.m.
Midwest City Library, 8143 E Reno Avenue, Midwest City
All ages
Registration required
Join the Bricktown Clowns to learn the basics of balloon art. Also held July 18 at the Del City Library, July 21 at the Almonte Library and July 22 at the Capitol Hill Library.
Introduction to the Orchestra, Featuring “Peter and the Wolf” with Heartland Orchestra
July 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Nicoma Park Library, 240 Overholser Drive, Nicoma Park
All ages
Registration required
Experience the beloved classic “Peter and the Wolf,” introducing children to the orchestra, followed by an interactive “Instrument Petting Zoo” where kids can meet performers and explore instruments up close.
Also held July 19 at Southern Oaks Library, July 23 at Del City Library, July 26 at Bethany Library and July 29 at The Village Library.
Larry “the Snake Guy”
July 12, 2-3:30 p.m.
Belle Isle Library, 5501 N. Villa Ave.
All ages
Snake enthusiast and expert Larry Daniel shares information about snakes (coloration, patterning and physical appearance) as well as safety around them. He shares what snakes do and do not make good pets, and also how to care for a pet snake! Audience members will have a chance to ask questions and get to touch or hold a snake!
Also held July 3 at the Capitol Hill Library, July 8 at Lilyfield in partnership with the Wright Library, July 17 at the Del City Library, July 18 at the Jones Library, July 26 at the Downtown OKC Library, July 28 at the Almonte Library and July 31 at the Northwest Library.
Threads of Tradition: Beading Our Cultural Colors
July 17, 10-11 a.m.
Del City Library, 4330 SE 15th Street, Del City
All ages
Registration required
Participants will learn about the significance of beading in Choctaw culture and have the opportunity create their own beadwork.
Also held for kids on July 16 at the Luther Library and for all ages July 16 at the Jones Library, July 17 at the Midwest City Library, July 22 at the Belle Isle Library, July 22 at the Northwest Library, July 29 at the Almonte Library and July 29 at the Capitol Hill Library.
Color Your Canvas
July 19, 2-4 p.m.
Jones Library, 9295 Willa Way, Jones
Age: adults
Enjoy a fun, step-by-step guided painting session with no experience needed! All materials are provided, including the canvas, paints and brushes. The instructor will help you create a masterpiece to take home.
Also held for kids on July 22 at the Ralph Ellison Library and for adults on July 26 at The Village Library and July 29 at Del City Library.
Rainbow of Rocks!
July 22, 2-3 p.m.
The Village Library, 10307 N Pennsylvania Ave, The Village
Ages: 5-12
Registration required
Geologists from the Oklahoma Geological Survey will introduce kids to the colorful world of rocks, minerals and soils! They will explore why minerals come in different colors, see how light can change a specimen’s appearance and discover glowing rocks through the science of fluorescence. Each child will also build and take home their own mini rock collection!
Also held July 1 at Capitol Hill Library, July 7, 10 a.m. at Harrah Library, July 9 at Midwest City Library, July 12 at Ralph Ellison Library, July 16 at Warr Acres Library, July 17 at Bethany Library, July 25 at Southern Oaks Library and July 28 at Del City Library.
Neighborhood Arts
Enjoy a series of weekly performances across OKC libraries, featuring music, circus arts, opera, dance, and more! Find the full schedule.
Featured Performers:
Sugar Free Allstars
Oklahoma Violin Ensemble
Lyric Theatre
Lucas Ross
Inspyral Circus
Painted Sky Opera
SMARTiPOPS
RACE Dance Collective
Clips and Hips
Groovemeant Community
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.
