Last Updated on April 4, 2024, 10:14 AM | Published: March 28, 2024
The Metropolitan Library System sends this information as posted below:
In April, the Metropolitan Library System presents many engaging opportunities for the community, ranging from contests and author visits to workshops and Earth Day celebrations. National Poetry Month highlights include take-home kits and events. For nature enthusiasts of all ages, the Metro Grows program offers gardening workshops and other activities. Additionally, science enthusiasts can delve into the solar eclipse with distinctive experiences, featuring take home kits and events.
• Fan Fiction/Fan Art Display from April 1 to April 11 and Awards Ceremony, April 20 from 10am at Southern Oaks Library – The Fan Fiction/Fan Art Contest Gallery 2024 at Southern Oaks Library showcases diverse entries celebrating original characters and beloved copyrighted figures until April 19. The Fan Fiction/Fan Art Awards Ceremony April 20 invites all ages to honor contestants’ achievements with prizes and certificates, fostering camaraderie and celebration. Attend the event or use pickup options to join in commemorating creativity and dedication. Visit www.metrolibrary.org/fan for details.
• Author Dean King Book Talk and Signing, April 2 from 7pm at Bethany Library – Author Dean King discusses his book, “Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship That Saved Yosemite” about John Muir and his editor’s fight to save Yosemite and explores the birth of the environmental movement. This event is perfect for lovers of nature and engaging nonfiction.
• Young Writers’ Workshop with Mariana Llanos, April 4 6pm at Bethany Library for ages 12 to 18 and April 11 4:15pm at Belle Isle Library for ages 9 to 12 – Learn writing tips from award-winning author Mariana Llanos, covering poetry, short stories, and the publishing process for aspiring writers.
• Taylor Swift Tortured Poets Album Release Celebration, April 19 10am at Bethany Library – Drop in as you can!
• Common Enemy: Documentary Screening & Discussion Panel, April 20 2pm, for Adults, Downtown Library – film screening with guest speakers.
National Poetry Month events
• April 1, 6pm: “Finding Your Voice – A Poet’s Journey to Self Expression” at Northwest Library with Mary B. Gray.
• April 1-8: “Roll-a-Write!” kits available at Ralph Ellison Library for writing poetry.
• April 10-30: Poetry Walk at Village Library – Enjoy poetry while walking, featuring printed signs, Braille signs, and an audio recording.
• April 11, 5pm: Poetry Reading with Ken Hada at Bethany Library.
• April 18, 5pm: “Dig in Poetry Workshop” at Bethany Library with Jane Vincent Taylor – Rework your favorite poem into a new form.
• April 20, 10:30am: “Poetry Month (Library Version)” at The Village Library – Crafts and activities to celebrate National Poetry Month and Taylor Swift’s new album.
• April 25, 5pm: “Playlists and Poetry” at Bethany Library – Teens write poetry inspired by their playlists.
• Last Monday of each month: “Urban Poets” at Ralph Ellison Library, featuring Open Mic Poetry Night.
Upcoming “Metro Grows” Events at Your Local Library
“Metro Grows” initiative provides gardening tools and classes for all levels, aiming to promote healthier eating habits, particularly among adolescents. Supported by a health grant, it offers informative events on health and gardening. Details and a full list of events at metrolibrary.org/metrogrows. Explore nature with us through a variety of engaging programs:
• April 1, 6pm: “Spring Beginner Gardening classes” at multiple libraries
• April 1-8: “Pizza Garden workshops for kids” at multiple libraries
• April 1-14: “Plant a Pollinator Garden Take-Home Kit” available at Downtown OKC Library
• April 16, 5:30pm: Earth Day celebration at Bethany Library – Join OKC Beautiful and learn all about composting and recycling!
• April 18, 4:30pm: Grow with Us – Self-watering tool program at Almonte Library
• April 20, 2pm: Beekeeping course at Midwest City Library
• April 22, 9am: Earth Day festivities at Del City Library – Free trees for kids, partnering with Neighborhood Forest
• April 23-27: “Look for the Monarchs” take-home kit at Wright Library
Solar Eclipse Take-Home Kits and Events
On April 8, 2024, North America will witness its longest land-based total solar eclipse in over a decade, traversing Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Approximately 40 million people across 15 U.S. states, parts of Mexico, and five Canadian provinces will be able to observe it. Local libraries offer various opportunities to experience and maximize enjoyment of the solar eclipse.
• April 1-7: Eclipse Viewer Take-Home Kits and New Moon Journaling Take-Home Kits available at Bethany Library for creating pinhole viewers and reflection during the eclipse.
• April 1-8: Solar Eclipse Kit distribution with crafts, resources, and eclipse glasses for families at Luther Library.
• April 2-6: Solar Eclipse Family Fun Take-Home Kit offering activities related to the eclipse at Wright Library.
• April 4, 4pm: Eclipse Painting event at Almonte Library where participants create eclipse inspired paintings. Solar glasses provided.
• April 6, 2pm: Solar Eclipse Fest at Edmond Library with learning activities, crafts, and eclipse preparations. Limited space and eclipse glasses available first-come, first-served.
• April 6, 2:pm: Solar Eclipse Saturday at Del City Library featuring activities exploring space science, constellations, and eclipses, along with a space traveling trunk exhibit.
• April 8, 1pm: Hosting eclipse viewing parties at Capitol Hill Library and Ralph Ellison Library featuring telescopes and Sunspotters. Solar eclipse glasses are limited.
• April 8, 1pm: Eclipse party at Village Library with glasses and activities.
• April 8, 1:30pm: “Eclipse art time” at Midwest City Library offering chalk art creation and eclipse viewing.
About Metropolitan Library System
The Metropolitan Library System provides library services for more than 800,000 residents of Oklahoma County. We have 19 physical locations as well as 24/7 access to our digital resources as metrolibrary.org.
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