PRESS RELEASE: Metropolitan Library System events for March

Last Updated on March 4, 2024, 8:49 AM | Published: March 4, 2024

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The Metropolitan Library System sends this information as posted below:

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The Metropolitan Library System continues to share exciting programming in March. Continuing are Crowns Tea events, plus the addition of Women’s History Month events, a book signing with Gwenna Laithland also known as Momma Cusses on TikTok, STEAM Break activities, and a special virtual discussion through the library’s partnership with the International English Library in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Women’s History Month at the Library 

“Celebrate the Women of Oklahoma: A Film for Women’s History Month”
March 7, 6:30pm at Belle Isle Library (5501 N. Villa Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112)
Oklahoma’s history is rich with pioneering women who broke barriers and made lasting impacts. From the “Wild West Women” of the late 1880s to the first woman elected to political office in the state, a transformative high school coach, and a community-focused banker, these women’s stories are celebrated in an award-winning OETA series. 

“Celebrate Excellence in Women’s History” series
March 4 to March 30 at Warr Acres Library (5901 NW 63rd St., Warr Acres, OK 73132)
The Warr Acres Library is offering opportunities to dive into the works of notable women authors through history with scannable images located at the library branch with different women being the focus of different weeks in recorded readings.  

• March 4 to March 10 – Christina Rossetti: English writer of romantic, devotional and children’s poems and author of numerous books of poetry. The series will feature a recording of Rossetti’s “No Thank You, John.”  
• March 11 to 17 – Marianne Moore: American modernist poet, critic, translator, and editor noted for her formal innovation, precise diction, irony, and wit. The series will feature a recording of Moore’s “A Jelly-Fish.” 
• March 18 to 24 – Amy Lowell: American poet of the imagist school, which promoted a return to classical values, posthumously won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1926. The series will feature a recording of “Monadnock in Early Spring.” 
• March 25 to March 30 – Emily Dickinson – American poet who was little-known during her life but has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. The series will feature a recording of “A wounded deer leaps highest.”

In My Grandmother’s Footsteps

March 16, 10am at Downtown OKC Library (300 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102)

Join us this Women’s History Month for a journey into the past with Clare Westmacott as she delves into “And Now I Am All Alone,” the upcoming memoir of her grandmother’s diary and experiences during World War II. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the firsthand accounts of WWII-era Cologne, Germany through the eyes of her grandmother, Klara Mehlich Seuffert, as recorded in her diary. Clare Westmacott will lead a thought-provoking conversation on March 16 at the Downtown OKC Library , offering insights into Klara’s life, frustrations, fears, and hopes for her children in London and Germany during the war, as documented from 1940 to 1944. Moderated by Professor Michelle Brockmeier, this discussion promises to shed light on the varied experiences of women during World War II. Join us from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the 46th Star Auditorium for an engaging exploration of history. Then, join us at noon for refreshments and community-building. Registration is required for this collaborative event, which guests can attend either in person at the Downtown Oklahoma City Library or virtually via Zoom. Reserve your spot today at metrolibrary.org/Westmacott.

Crowns Tea at the Library 

“The Crowns Tea” hosted by Thick Descriptions celebrates the rich heritage of church hats, inspired by the book “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats.” Attendees express cultural pride by showcasing their splendid headpieces, creating a vibrant tapestry of diversity. The event invites reflection on the historical significance of church hats, fostering intergenerational connections. Participants, dressed in their “Sunday Best,” contribute to a stylish celebration of heritage, tradition, and timeless elegance. “The Crowns Tea” transcends fashion, offering an enriching and unforgettable experience in African American culture. To experience the magic of The Crowns Tea, register at [email protected] or call 405-397-0584.

• Sat, March 2, 2pm at Belle Isle Library (5501 N. Villa Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112)
• Sun, March 3, 2pm at Bethany Library (6700 NW 35th St., Bethany, OK 73008)
• Sat, March 16, 2pm at Del City Library (4330 SE 15th St., Del City, OK 73115)

Book Signing: Momma Cusses with Gwenna Laithland

March 7, 7pm at Midwest City Library (8143 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City, OK 73110)

Join us for a special event and book signing with Gwenna Laithland, local author and creator of @mommacusses on TikTok. She’s known for her funny and honest take on modern parenting. Attendees can be among the first to grab her new book, “Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting & Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kids Need Therapy.” Copies of her new book will be available from Full Circle Bookstore at the event. Laithland’s book offers relatable stories and insights into parenting struggles, emphasizing responsive parenting over reactive approaches. Rejecting the notion of having a perfect recipe for parenting, she presents herself as an ordinary parent navigating the frustrations, overwhelm, and exhaustion of raising kids. Join us for an evening of laughter and wisdom as she navigates the ups and downs of parenting. Don’t miss this chance to connect with one of the leading voices in modern parenting at her own childhood library.

STEAM Break at the Library

Metro Library locations will host “STEAM Break” events celebrating Science, Technology, Art, and Math during STEAM month.

• The Village Library (10307 N. Pennsylvania Ave., The Village, OK 73120) presents “Full STEAM Ahead” on March 14 at 4:30pm.
• Warr Acres Library (5901 NW 63rd St., Warr Acres, OK 73132) hosts STEM Club – Science Fun events on the second Thursday of each month.
• Del City Library (4330 SE 15th St., Del City, OK 73115) has a week of STEAM Break activities from March 11 to 15.
• Almonte Library at Trinity Lutheran Church (5701 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73119) has a Teen STEAM event on March 19 at 2:00pm.
• Bethany Library (6700 NW 35th St., Bethany, OK 73008) has a molecule scavenger hunt from March 10 to 30 and “Putting it all Together” on March 4, 11, and 12, and a Stopmotion Video event on March 16 at 2pm for ages 8-17.
• Capitol Hill Library (327 SW 27th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73109) has a Slime Series on March 12 and 26 at 4pm.
• Downtown Library (300 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102) has STEAM Break from March 18 to 23 with daily programs and take-home kits.
• Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73142) has “Robot Madness” on March 23 at 10:30am and Race Car Science on March 2 at 3pm.
• Ralph Ellison Library (2000 NE 23rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111) has a STEAM storytime on March 6 at 10am and a “Let’s Excavate” event on March 27 at 2pm.
• Southern Oaks Library (6900 S. Walker Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73139) has a Star Trek Team Trivia event on March 10 at 2pm, and Mondays at Southern Oaks Library are “Maker Mondays” with a different activity every week.
• LEGO Club meets at Luther Library (310 NE 3rd St., Luther, OK 73054) on March 4 at 4pm, Midwest City Library (8143 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City, OK 73310) on March 5 at 4:30pm, and Choctaw Library (2525 Muzzy St., Choctaw, OK 73020) on March 6 at 4pm.

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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