Whether through story times or fun STEM-based take-home kits, many parents are familiar with the free programs for kids offered by Metropolitan Library System. But MLS also has free resources and library classes for adults to help them build strong financial habits, get in shape, find their dream job, and learn a new skill.
These unique library programs for adults are available system-wide, and many can be accessed from the comfort of home.ย
Library classes for adultsย
MLS caters to all schedules and learning styles. Adults can access books and databases for self-guided learning, perfect for those with busy schedules. For those seeking in-person library classes for adults, MLS holds events at each branch.ย
Financial resources
Looking for more resources to learn how to be better with money? Of course, the library has all the business and finance books youโve been meaning to read to build good money habits and they make it easy to find them.
โOur catalog automatically pulls in the NYT Bestsellers lists, and the list of bestselling business books is a great place to find new finance books,โ said Janeal Walker, director of collection services and development.ย
Walker recommends using MLSโs Tailored Titles service to help build good financial habits. Patrons can share topics theyโd like more information on and details about what they like to read, and a reading expert will create a personalized list. Tailored Titles can be used for any type of self-help, educational or fun reading materials.ย
โThis is a great service if you need help planning your investment strategy for the upcoming year, filing 2024 taxes as a small business, or building a family budget to save for buying a house in 2025, or any other financial milestone you may need to research,โ said Walker.ย
To get your tailored list, simply fill out the reader survey at metrolibrary.org/discover/using-the-library/reader-services/tailored-titles.
For those looking for help with their investment strategy, access the Morning Star Investment Research Center easily from home or your local library. This database helps you make informed investment decisions and build good money habits by providing information on mutual funds, stocks, exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds.
As tax season approaches, MLS helps patrons print tax forms or find the federal or state office needed to correctly file taxes. For more information, visit their online tax help resources.
Health resources
Improving health and fitness is a popular New Year’s resolution, but with so many expensive diet plans available, itโs hard to know where to start.
MLS offers resources to cut through noisy sales pitches so you can hit the ground running. The A to Z Food America database provides articles about the culture and history surrounding American food, as well as recipes to help you find new meals to try in your health journey.ย
In February, the Edmond Library will host a Diabetic Nutrition and Wellness Workshop to help patrons with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes manage their condition through food and exercise. Plus, MLS offers fitness classes. Check out Beginnerโs Tai Chi at the Southern Oaks branch or Yoga and Meditation in Edmond.
Career resources
If youโre seeking a new career in the new year, the Blue Career database helps patrons navigate a list of skilled trades and connects them with employers and training materials.ย
If additional schooling is your next step, the Skillsurfer Learning Library and LearningExpress Library prepare you for college and graduate school entrance exams. Plus, the Del City Library helps patrons prepare for the High School Equivalency (HSE) exam.
LinkedIn Learning teaches valuable career-building skills in CAD, coding, web design and video production. This database of thousands of online courses lets you learn in-demand skills from real-world industry experts. For those looking to level up their computer coding skills in person, a Web Developer Boot Camp with Fiero Learning at the Choctaw Library teaches CSS, Javascript and HTML.
Skills resources
The new year is a great time for self-improvement in any area of life, and MLS provides resources to help grown-ups develop new creative or life skills.
Home Improvement Source gives patrons user-friendly information on how to tackle home improvement projects. Creativebug lets you access on-demand arts and crafts video tutorials to knit that sweater or build that dollhouse. Hobbies & Crafts Source connects you to full-text articles from leading craft and hobby magazines.
If this is the year youโre committed to learning a second language, Mango Languages offers courses in more than 70 languages, each broken down into structured, bite-sized lessons. Plus, the Southern Oaks Library provides Introductory English as a Second Language in-person classes.
For hands-on learning, visit the MLS Studios makerspaces. From sewing and 3D printing to video production, these spaces empower patrons to create with specialty equipment in a collaborative environment. Record a podcast, try an embroidery machine, or test a Cricut before buying. MLS Studios equips patrons with the tools and staff to bring projects to life; all required is a library card.
Ready to learn more?
To see all the unique library programs for adults available:
- Visit metrolibrary.org, click โFindโ and choose a topic under โResearch and learn.โ
- Explore the events calendar based on age and topic. If thereโs an event youโd like to see at your local library, you can request it.
- Ask a librarian! Whether youโre looking for specific resources, need help navigating the library’s tools, or want recommendations tailored to your goals, they are there to guide you every step of the way.
