The Metropolitan Library System sends this information as posted below:
This month, the Metropolitan Library System honors culture, creativity and curiosity with a series of exciting events. Visit metrolibrary.org for details. Some programs require registration or have limited supplies.
We’re honoring Native American Heritage Month with events across our library locations.
- The Life and Legend of Jim Thorpe: Live Podcast Recording – Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at Belle Isle Library – All ages. Join the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame for a live podcast recording exploring the remarkable story of Jim Thorpe, legendary athlete, Olympian and member of the Sac and Fox Nation.
- Choctaw Social Dance Demonstration – Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library – All ages. Experience traditional Choctaw social dancing in the atrium.
- Choctaw Nation Pottery Class – Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at Southern Oaks Library – Teens & Adults. Discover the rich traditions of Choctaw pottery in this Choctaw Nation workshop.
- Basketry with the Choctaw Nation – Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at The Village Library – Teens & Adults. Learn the art of traditional basket weaving and create your own piece.
- Author Talk & Three Sisters Salad Demonstration with Chef Loretta Barrett Oden – Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. at Belle Isle Library – All ages. Meet Emmy Award-winning Indigenous chef and cookbook author Loretta Barrett Oden (Citizen Potawatomi Nation). She’ll share stories from her culinary journey and demonstrate how to make a traditional Three Sisters Salad using corn, beans and squash.
- Oklahoma Fancy Dancers: Powwow Champions Performance – Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at Northwest Library – All ages. Enjoy a colorful and educational performance from the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, made up of tribal champions from across the state.
Author Talk: Step into the world of storytelling with this acclaimed actor, bestselling author and audiobook narrator.
- An evening with Julia Whelan: Author Talk and Signing – Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at
Midwest City LibraryUPDATE: Due to popularity, this event has been moved to the Rose State College Student Union Ballrom – Teens, Adults. Julia will discuss her journey into audiobook narration, the founding of her audio publishing company, Audiobrary, and her advocacy for libraries and free speech. The event includes a Q&A, book signing, and complimentary books provided by Second Story Books.
Poetry at the Library: We’re proud to welcome Hallie Waugh as the new Poet Laureate of the Metropolitan Library System. Celebrate her first event with us:
- Poetry Night with Hallie Waugh & the Society of Urban Poets – Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at Ralph Ellison Library – Teens, Adults. Join Hallie and the Society of Urban Poets for an evening of insight and creativity. Hallie will read her work, share writing tips and connect with the poetry community.
In honor of Veterans Day, libraries are hosting programs that recognize the stories of veterans.
- Women Veterans in History – Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at Southern Oaks Library – Teens & Adults. Hear from a speaker with the Oklahoma Women Veterans Organization as we explore the powerful legacy of women in military service, from WWII to today.
- Macramé mini-American flag wall hanging – Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at Warr Acres Library – for adults of all skill levels.
- Libraries are offering Veterans Day activities and take-home kits throughout November.
- Northwest Library: Add a thank-you card, memory, or photo to the Gratitude Wall for veterans.
- Warr Acres Library:
- Contribute a photo to the Wall of Honor for family members who served.
- Write a card to be delivered to the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center.
- Visit the Missing Man Table memorial honoring fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members.
- Capitol Hill Library:
- Pick up a family interview take-home kit Nov. 3-11 to help record a veteran’s story.
- Get a macramé mini-American flag wall-hanging kit for adults from Nov. 3–9, while supplies last.
- Ralph Ellison Library:
- Family interview kits available Nov. 8–22.
It’s Dinovember, bringing big imaginations and little dinosaurs to life with themed programs.
- Tea Rex Party – Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at Edmond Library. A dino-sized tea party with crafts and activities.
- Dinovember Celebration – Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. at Midwest City Library – All ages. Stomp in for dino games, hands-on activities, crafts and a storytime.
New program available: The Metropolitan Library System now offers the Excel Adult High School Program, which allows adults 24 and older to earn an accredited high school diploma online in two years. Applicants must live in Oklahoma County and have a Metro Library card in good standing. Learn more at excelhighschool.org/library/metrolibrary.
Free Press curates press releases from organizations and people we know to be reputable. If you would like to submit a well-written press release for us to publish on our site, please click the email icon at the top of this page.
