Info Magazine - December 2021

info magazine

inside info: A Real Gem p4 A Century of Service p8

visit us at metrolibrary.org

December 2021

December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine

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new info As we enter December, Metro Library staff look forward to commemorating the centennial of the Ralph Ellison Library. This month, you’ll learn how the Black community rallied to fight segregation and other acts of racism, eventually leading to a thriving community hub that’s welcoming to all. Take note of the virtual celebration we’ll host on Dec. 16 and watch as we stream it live from our Facebook page.

In addition, our Special Collections and Research Department highlights B.C. Clark of BC Clark jewelers.

Although SCR wouldn’t let me title the story “The King of Bling,” we all know this gemstone titan has etched a permanent place in the hearts of many Oklahomans. Read about the history of this intrepid jeweler and then scan our QR code to go straight to the Metro Library Podcast detailing the history of the BC Clark Christmas jingle.

And we recognize our staff and customers alike are in holiday mode this month as we prepare for gatherings with friends and family. All of those at Metro Library want to wish you a safe and happy holiday season, no matter the holiday you celebrate, and assure you we’re here with holiday magazines, cookbooks and bakingrelated take-home kits to make the season a little sweeter.

Morgan Day Morgan Day Marketing Manager

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info magazine · Metropolitan Library System · December 2021

MLS Executive Director Larry Nash White, Ph.D., M.S.L.S.

inside info

Publisher Morgan Day

4 A Real Gem

Editors Victoria Stephens Kim Terry

If December brings to mind a certain holiday advertising jingle for you, then you'll love what our Special Collections and Research Department cooked up this month. They took a deep dive into the history of B.C. Clark, the man behind Oklahoma's oldest jewelry store, and the retailer’s recognizable holiday sale ad.

Designer David Hoffner Contributing Writers Emily Williams Kelly Leslie Reagan Kloiber Todd Podzemny Sheldon Beach

6 In Review

We’re back with another roundup of staff recommendations and this month, we’re leaning into tropes. One librarian shares her pick that brings her favorite fantasy tropes to life in “Blade of Secrets,” and another finds the “final girl” horror trope is alive and well in "The Final Girl Support Group.”

info magazine METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM 300 Park Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Editorial: (405) 606-3754 Email: morgan.day@metrolibrary.org

8 A Century of Service

This year marks the centennial of the Ralph Ellison Library, which underwent many iterations in name and location throughout those 100 years. Join us in commemorating this library that persevered through acts of racism and segregation.

MLS Commission Ann Caine, Chair Brian Alford, Vice Chair Craig Woodruff, Disbursing Agent Larry Nash White, Secretary (non-voting) Nancy Anthony Bo Birdsong Jennifer Edmunson Chaya Pennington Arlita Harris Shamia Jackson Rachel Johnson Elizabeth Larios Penny McCaleb Tracy McDaniel DJ Morgan

Richard McQuillar Mukesh Patel Kim Patterson Leah Rubio Jay Scambler Jim Shonts Judy Smith Beth Toland Susan Tucker Tracey Zeeck

11 Featured Events

featured events

Head to our calendar of events and pick a few events and activities to get into the holiday spirit. Register for take-home kits to create giftable mittens, holiday terrariums, gingerbread houses, gnome ornaments or decorated cookies.

Ex Officio OKC Mayor David Holt County Commissioner Brian Maughan The official magazine of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County, Info, is published monthly by MLS Marketing & Communications, 300 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

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December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine

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A Real Gem

With $50 in his pocket, 23-year-old B.C. Clark embarked on a dream. That dream came to life with the BC Clark jewelry store, now the longest-running retailer in Oklahoma.

By Sheldon Beach, Special Collections & Research Department

With this time of year being the busiest time for retail, we thought it might be fun to ask a little trivia question. Do you know what the oldest retail business in Oklahoma is? I’ll give you a hint: It’s been in operation since 1892. If you remember the words to a certain local Christmas jingle, you might have guessed that the business is BC Clark. While we all hear the commercial jingle every year beginning right after Thanksgiving, you may not know the story of Mr. B.C. Clark himself.

Benton Clyde “B.C.” Clark was born in Mississippi on Jan. 15, 1869, one of 10 children of B.A. and Mary J. Clark. While in his late teens, the young B.C. moved to Abilene, TX. It was there that he began his career in the jewelry business, working for his brother.

Eventually B.C. decided to set out on his own, and he headed to Chickasha at the age of 23 with his personal belongings, $50 and a dream.

But a funny thing happened on the way to Chickasha. When he got off the train at Purcell, Clark realized that he had lost his wallet along with the $50. With little more than his ambition, B.C. decided to stay in Purcell.

There he started a small jewelry store in the corner of a five and dime in 1892 selling and 4

repairing watches. Eventually he expanded his business. In addition to watches, he later sold the jewelry that the store is now known for, as well as phonographs, refrigerators and radios.

He even sold cars at one point. And with Purcell being a railroad hub, Clark also became the official inspector of pocket watches for the railroad, as all railroad workers were required to have their watches inspected regularly to make sure they were in tip top working order.

Not one to shirk his civic duties, B.C. Clark was an active member of the community of Purcell until he moved to Oklahoma City in 1929, serving as president of the Purcell Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Purcell Rotary Club, chairman of the Board of Education, and even city treasurer for one term.

B.C. Clark was also devoted to the Methodist church, serving on the Conference Sunday School Board as early as 1898, later serving on state and national boards and as a delegate to national conferences. In fact, when the Oklahoma Conference divided, he was chosen as the lay leader for the west conference.

Eventually there would even be two churches named for him in Oklahoma City, B.C. Clark

info magazine · Metropolitan Library System · December 2021

Memorial Church on NW 23rd Street and Clark Memorial Chapel in Walnut Grove.

B.C. Clark remained busy with his business, church and civic duties until he passed away in 1963 at the age of 94. But as we mentioned earlier, the jewelry business is still in operation in Oklahoma City, where it has been run by generations of Clarks.

If you’d like to learn more about the BC Clark Christmas jingle, scan the QR code to check out our Metro Library Podcast episode about it. u

Scan to listen to the Metro Library Podcast episode "The Story of the BC Clark Christmas Jingle."

Introducing NEW Experience Passes!

We’ve added two new Experience Passes to our collection.

In addition to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, library customers can now borrow passes to the Oklahoma History Center and Museum of Osteology starting in November.

How do they work?

Each of our 19 Metro libraries has one Experience Pass per venue. Visit your local library to check out the pass, which will admit you to the venue of choice for free. Each pass has its own set of guidelines for number of visitors admitted and whether special exhibits are included.

Find those at metrolibrary.org.

December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine 5

in review

Blade of Secrets

by Tricia Levenseller

Science Fiction/LEV

If Ur Stabby

by Kaz Windness

Fiction/WIN

Available formats: book, e-book (Libby), e-audiobook (Libby)

Available formats: book

Teenage blacksmith Ziva prefers making magical swords to talking to people. Having social anxiety means she leaves the customer-facing parts of her booming business to her sister Temra.

When Ziva realizes she has accidentally made a weapon too deadly for the world, she embarks on a quest. The weapon must be destroyed, and until she figures out how, it needs to be kept out of the hands of an evil warlord with world-conquering machinations.

This high fantasy is refreshingly original, but also includes some of my favorite fantasy tropes: unlikely heroes, a handsome mercenary, a ragtag group of traveling companions, a twisted and power-hungry villain and lots of banter between the characters. Be forewarned the ending will leave you wanting more! The second book in the duology, “Master of Iron,” is out next summer.

“If Ur Stabby” is a tale of a jaded, sarcastic unicorn disenchanted with life. His tendencies of stabbing people with his alicorn lead to hostility and anger. After failing to succeed as a balloon salesman, his rejection from society leads him to become a writer. By marrying a slice of pizza, he shows us that sometimes living your best life is by drinking coffee, not wearing pants and cursing Noah’s ark. Like the unfortunate soul who was impaled by doing a trustfall onto Stabby, you must surrender yourself to this book. It will make you laugh in an evil manner that will concern your family.

It's told in a collection of macabre parodies and delightfully dark illustrations. It also portrays Stabby as the subject of many classical pieces of art throughout the book. I was absolutely delighted with this selection. If you have ever looked at your day and thought: “NOPE!!” this book is for you. The tone of the book harkens back to Gary Larson’s “Far Side” but with a touch of Avery Monson.

reviewed by: Emily Williams is the teen services manager for Metro Library. When she's not librarianing, she paints pet portraits and uses her superpowers to manifest getting the No. 1 parking spot.

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info magazine · Metropolitan Library System · December 2021

reviewed by: Kelly Leslie is an artist, aspiring writer and gold medalist in competitive hiding. She's a determined dreamer, a lover of cake and a ruthless critic of film, TV and literature. When she's not creating a mess in her art studio, she's swimming, haunting local bookstores and working on her spectacular vernacular.

The Final Girl Support Group

by Grady Hendrix

Fiction/HEN

Available formats: book, e-book (Libby), e-audiobook (Libby) The first book I read by Grady Hendrix was “Horrorstör,” and as someone who got that spooky feeling while getting lost in an Ikea with my daughter, this book really resonated with me. So, I was delighted when a co-worker announced that she was reading Hendrix’s newest novel, “The Final Girl Support Group.” Not only did I put it on hold to read, so did almost everyone else at my library branch, and it ended up becoming somewhat of an unofficial library book club. For those of you that want to pick up this book while you can (rumor has it that it is being developed into an HBO series, which means the holds wait will become long when that happens) and join our accidental book club, keep in mind that for me “The Final Girl Support Group” fell more into the thriller genre than the horror one, which did lead to a bit of disappointment on my end. However, it’s a fun concept based on the final girl horror trope; as a group of the last surviving women of horror movie inducing events are all in one therapy group together and what happens when they realize that their stories haven't really reached their finales just quite yet. reviewed by: Reagan Kloiber is an engagement specialist II at Ralph Ellison Library. She’s a watercolor/ mixed media artist and spends way too much time making music playlists for herself, watching horror movies and daydreaming about her future beach house.

Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment

by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony and Cass R. Sunstein

153.46 K129N

Available formats: book, e-book (Libby), e-audiobook (Libby) When a judge hands down a more severe verdict due to racial or social prejudice, that's bias. However, the severity of verdicts can also be affected by whether the local sports team just won or lost a game, the weather, how long ago the judge last ate and whether it’s the defendant’s birthday. These random confounding variables are noise, and they're everywhere.

Drawing examples from the worlds of medicine, law, advertising and social media, the authors meticulously lay out the many ways our brains fall prey to noisy decision making. While there's no way to completely eliminate noise, learning how it works can help us limit its effects on our personal and professional decisions.

While it may sound like an arcane subject, the narration is lively, the examples are interesting and the math is kept so simple even a librarian can follow it. I'd recommend this book to fans of Kahneman’s previous books, “Nudge” and “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” or anyone who is interested in learning more about how our brains skew our perceptions. reviewed by: Todd Podzemny is the manager of Southern Oaks Library. He finds books about the brain fascinating, but is increasingly suspicious of the fact that his brain is the one who told him so.

December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine

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A Century of Service

Despite segregation and other acts of racism, a thriving and successful library took root, growing and transforming into what we now know today as the Ralph Ellison Library.

By Victoria Stephens, Marketing & Communications Department

Editor’s note: Metropolitan Library System communications largely adhere to AP Style, which outlines the usage of the term Black, capitalized, as an adjective in a racial, ethnic or cultural sense. However, you’ll see this story reflects the language of the times, which we believe is necessary to understand the full scope of our library system’s history and the role the library system played in the lives of the Black community.

Establishing the Ralph Ellison Library was not an easy journey. When we celebrate 100 years of its service to the community, we celebrate not only the good it’s brought to so many lives but the individuals who fought to ensure libraries in Oklahoma City were accessible to everyone.

Before we existed as the Metropolitan Library System we know today, libraries in Oklahoma were home-grown operations, with beginnings in spare rooms with only a small collection of books.

A wave of women’s study clubs, including the Philomathea Club of Oklahoma City, first sparked an interest in establishing local libraries. The Philomathea Club started a small library operation in an unused room in the Commercial Club, which would later become the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

However, OKC residents who wanted to use the library had to purchase stock in the Public Library Association. After the Philomathean collection grew to 600 volumes, the group pursued a grant from famed businessman and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.

With a $25,000 grant from Carnegie, the first library was established in Oklahoma City at NW Third Street and Robinson Avenue in 1901. Carnegie’s intention was for libraries to be institutions of learning that included everyone; however, in 1921, the Library Board “moved, seconded and carried that the negroes be excluded from the use of the Central Library.”

Despite this act of racism, a thriving and successful library took root — but not without 8

the strong voices of the “negro” community who attended board meetings and made clear that they needed access to the library.

They requested that they “be allowed equal privileges with white people at the main Carnegie Library.” The commissioners would only agree to “an opportunity to judge the success of the branch library that is now being equipped for use of negroes.”

In October of 1921 at the regular meeting, the Library Board moved that “the rent of the building for the colored branch, at $60 per month be ratified by the board.” The motion

location of negro branch.”

Meanwhile, “negro” community members maintained they should be allowed in the Carnegie Library. Despite their persistence, the Library Board continued to oppose their requests.

“I believe negroes should have library privileges the same as white people, but that does not necessarily mean that I think they should liken the same library,” Mike Donnelly, commissioner of accounting and finance, said in a 1921 article published in The Daily Oklahoman.

"For reasons that are so well known that they do not need repeating here, it would have been unwise to have extended to the Negroes the privileges of the main Carnegie Library. Nor was it advisable to give them facilities equaling those which were provided for the white people in the city. The negro population of Oklahoma City is comparatively small and the negroes pay only a small portion of the taxation. The branch library will give the negroes a fair apportionment of the library money."

– Dec. 27, 1921, The Daily Oklahoman was approved unanimously. The library system opened a storefront location in Slaughter Hall on NE Second Street and Stiles Avenue for “negro” library patrons.

“For reasons that are so well known that they do not need repeating here, it would have been unwise to have extended to the Negroes the privileges of the main Carnegie Library.

Nor was it advisable to give them facilities equaling those which were provided for the white people in the city. The negro population of Oklahoma City is comparatively small and the negroes pay only a small portion of the taxation. The branch library will give the negroes a fair apportionment of the library money.”

– Dec. 27, 1921, The Daily Oklahoman At a regular meeting of the board, members suggested establishing a more permanent location and that “the Chairman appoint a committee of negros to make a selection for

info magazine · Metropolitan Library System · December 2021

“The Sum of $5,000 was spent for the establishment of a branch for colored people.

Library equipment, books and magazines have been purchased. If this branch performs the service that is expected, I recommend that others be opened in connection with the colored schools. The effort to do consecutive work with the colored people is progressing as rapidly as we had any reason to expect.”

– 1921-22 annual report of the library In 1926, the Dunbar Library location opened, named for Paul Laurence Dunbar, a Black American poet, novelist and short story writer. Lillian Youngblood was the first librarian at the Dunbar Library location. She was also a teacher at Dunbar Elementary until her retirement in 1930.

In August 1966, the Urban Renewal Authority purchased the Dunbar Library location for $12,250. In 1969, another temporary storefront location (Creston

The Ralph Ellison Library opened under its current name in June 1975.

Hills Library) opened, replacing the Dunbar Library. In 1972, by community request, the name of the library changed to Ralph Ellison.

A few years later, in 1975, the permanent Ralph Ellison Library location that we now know opened.

Today, Library Manager Kimberly Francisco says she sees multigenerational users of the Ralph Ellison Library. She grew up in the area and says she remembers the library being built between 1973 and 1975.

“To have an opportunity to authentically tell the story of our beginning, while showcasing how the community rallied to assure a viable library was available, is an honor,” Francisco said.

16 at the Ralph Ellison Library. Customers may watch the commemoration streaming live on Metro Library’s Facebook page.

The commemoration will include a virtual ceremony with local performers, a display with photos, testimonials and newspaper clippings; and a special souvenir program booklet with information about the library. Look for a potential traveling display throughout the library system as well.

What will the next 100 years hold for this special library branch full of rich history?

Francisco said she hopes they continue to meet community needs and look for ways to make library services as accessible to their community as possible.

families living with and among one another,” Francisco said. “I hope that the community isn’t saddled with language of deprivation that overlooks the immense assets in and of this community. I envision, as we are today, Ralph Ellison Library being an integral part of this community, serving our patrons to the best of our ability while living the core values in all our work and endeavors.” u

“The Sum of $5,000 was spent for the establishment of a branch for colored people. Library equipment, books and magazines have been purchased.

If this branch performs the service that is expected, I recommend that others be opened in connection with the colored schools. The effort to do consecutive work with the colored people is progressing as rapidly as we had any reason to expect.”

– 1921-22 annual report of the library Even amid a pandemic, our Centennial Planning Committee is orchestrating a commemoration of this huge milestone for a beloved library to take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec.

“Our hope is that this community is again a thriving mecca of businesses and community outreach and self-regulation; vibrant and thriving with multi-generational

Urban renewal caused the Dunbar Library to close, and a bookmobile took its place at NE 36th Street and Kelley Avenue.

December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine

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december featured events To see the latest information about library programs and events, click on the Attend menu on the MLS website: metrolibrary.org. All events are virtual unless otherwise noted.

Metropolitan Library Commission Meeting Downtown Library All Metro Libraries Closed Friday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 25

Dec. 9 at 3:30pm

Pre-K Storytime* Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 1-8 Dec. 1 at 10am

Dec. 6-12

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 1) Adults Dec. 6 at 6pm Family Storytime* All Ages

Dec. 6 at 7pm

Teen Anime Club* Teens

Dec. 7 at 6pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 1) Adults Dec. 8 at 6pm Sketch Savvy: Winter Wonders* All Ages

Cuéntame Un Cuento Bilingual Storytime* Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 20 at 7pm

Teen Anime Club* Teens

Dec. 21 at 6pm

Teen Anime Club* Teens

Dec. 28 at 6pm

Belle Isle Library

Dec. 8 at 7pm

Elementary Take-Home Kit: Paper Plate Snowflake Yarn Art** Kids Dec. 13 Dimensional Candle Holders** Adults

Joy of Reading Book Club: “Royal Holiday”* Adults Dec. 21 at 12:15pm Early Childhood Take-Home Kit: Mosaic Snowflakes** Birth-Pre-K Dec. 26

Bethany Library Spoticus Out of This World** Kids

Dec. 6-12

Cozy Tea Tasting Take-Home Kit** Teens, Adults

Dec. 6-12

Gingerbread House Take-Home Kit** All Ages

Dec. 6-12

Dec. 13-19

Adult Kit: Wooden Ornament** Adults

Virtual Rocket Readers* Kids

Dec. 13-19

St. Nicks Scary Flicks* Adults

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 1) Adults Dec. 13 at 6pm

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Dec. 14 at 6pm

info magazine · Metropolitan Library System · December 2021

Dec. 14

Early Childhood Take-Home Kit: Mosaic Snowflakes** Birth-Pre-K Dec. 20

Teen Kit: Litcraft Ornament** Teens

Teen Anime Club* Teens

Dec. 1

Early Childhood Take-Home Kit: Paper Plate Ornament** Birth-Pre-K Dec. 6

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 1) Adults Dec. 1 at 6pm Family Kit: Joy Fest Holiday** All Ages

Dec. 15 at 10am

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 1) Adults Dec. 15 at 6pm

Teen Gift Book Bags** Teens

Almonte Library Adult Kit: Gnome for the Holidays** Adults

Mother Goose on the Loose - AT HOME!* Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 6 at 4:30pm Dec. 7 at 7pm

Computer Coach Adults

Dec. 8 at 10am

Outdoor Stories and Fun Birth-Pre-K, Kids

Dec. 12 at 2pm

Miniature Food Mania** Kids, Teens, Adults

Dec. 13-19

Virtual Rocket Readers* Kids

Dec. 13 at 4:30pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 6) Adults Dec. 16 at 6pm OKC Mobile Market All Ages

St. Nicks Scary Flicks* Adults

Dec. 14 at 7pm

Computer Coach Adults

Dec. 16 at 5pm

Outdoor LEGO Club Kids

Teen Book Club* Teens

Dec. 18 at 2pm

Outdoor Storytime Birth-Pre-K

Coffee Filter Snowflakes Take-Home Kit** All Ages Virtual Rocket Readers* Kids

Dec. 20-23 Dec. 20 at 4:30pm

Dec. 18 at 9am

Choctaw Library Dec. 1 at 4pm Dec. 7 at 10am

Teen Time: DnD Teens

Dec. 7 at 1pm

Beyond the Book: TBA! - Outdoor Program Kids

Dec. 8 at 4pm

Computer Coach Adults

Dec. 21 at 2pm

Outdoor Storytime Birth-Pre-K

St. Nicks Scary Flicks* Adults

Dec. 21 at 7pm

Teen Time: DnD Teens

Dec. 14 at 1pm

Computer Coach Adults

Dec. 22 at 2pm

Outdoor Gamefest Kids

Dec. 15 at 4pm

Novels at Night* Adults

Capitol Hill Library Capitol Hill After School Events Kids, Teens

Dec. 2 at 4:15pm

Teen Time: DnD Teens

Holiday Nostalgia Share* Adults

Outdoor Storytime Birth-Pre-K

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 6) Adults Dec. 7 at 6pm Holiday Shoppe* Kids

Dec. 8 at 4:30pm

Dec. 16 at 6:30pm

Outdoor Storytime Birth-Pre-K

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 6) Adults Dec. 2 at 6pm Dec. 6 at 10am

Dec. 14 at 10am

Dec. 21 at 10am Dec. 21 at 1pm Dec. 28 at 10am

Del City Library CLC High School Equivalency Classes (HSE 1) Adults

Dec. 2 at 1pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 6) Adults Dec. 9 at 6pm

The Book Drop - Teen Book Box** Teens

Dec. 3

Spoticus Out of This World** Kids

Dec. 13-18

The Book Drop Junior - Youth Book Box** Kids

Dec. 3

Cookie Decorating Kit** All Ages

Dec. 13-17

Giftable Mittens Take-Home Kit** Adults

Dec. 3-11

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 6) Adults Dec. 14 at 6pm

CLC High School Equivalency Classes (HSE 1) Adults

Dec. 7 at 1pm

Latin American Film Club* Adults

Teen Virtual Dungeons & Dragons Teens

Dec. 7 at 4pm

Dec. 15 at 6pm

December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine

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Cozy Mystery Book Club* Adults

Del City Library, cont.

CLC High School Equivalency Classes (HSE 1) Adults

Dec. 9 at 1pm

Dec. 7 at noon

English as a Second Language Classes - Advanced Beginner (ESL 7) Adults Dec. 7 at 2pm

CLC High School Equivalency Classes (HSE 1) Adults Dec. 14 at 1pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Intermediate (ESL 11) Adults Dec. 7 at 5pm

Teen Virtual Dungeons & Dragons Teens

Citizenship Classes* Adults

Dec. 14 at 4pm

CLC High School Equivalency Classes (HSE 1) Adults Dec. 16 at 1pm

Dec. 8 at 4:30pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Advanced Beginner (ESL 7) Adults Dec. 9 at 2pm English as a Second Language Classes - Intermediate (ESL 11) Adults Dec. 9 at 5pm

Downtown Library Take-Home Kit: Viewing the Geminids Meteor Shower** Kids, Teens Dec. 5-12

Book Bunch Book Club* Adults

Dec. 11 at 1:30pm

Music Time* Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 7 at 11am

Virtual Storytime* Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 13 at 9:30am

Story & Song: Trees!* Birth-Pre-K, Kids

Dec. 7 at 11am

The Magic Tree House Book Adventures Club: Viking Ships at Sunrise* Kids Dec. 13 at 4pm

COLLEGE PREP “RAP” Session* Teens, Adults Crystal Growing Kit** Kids Story & Song: Opposites!* Birth-Pre-K, Kids

Dec. 8 at 6:30pm Dec. 12-18 Dec. 14 at 11am

Tweens & Teens Take-Home Kit: Glitter Resin Bookmark** Kids, Teens Dec. 14-20 Hand-Stitched Deer Ornament Take-Home Kit** Adults

Dec. 14-23

Santa and Sticky Star Ornaments Take-Home Kit Ages 2-5** Birth-Pre-K Dec. 14-20

Take-Home Kit: Lord of the Rings 20th Anniversary Craft** All Ages Dec. 16-23

Shrink Art Creations Take-Home Kit Ages 5-9** Kids

Story & Song: Winter!* Birth-Pre-K, Kids

Dec. 21 at 11am

English as a Second Language Classes - Advanced Beginner (ESL 7) Adults Dec. 14 at 2pm

Story & Song: Cookies!* Birth-Pre-K, Kids

Dec. 28 at 11am

English as a Second Language Classes - Intermediate (ESL 11) Adults Dec. 14 at 5pm Edmond Writing Group* Adults

Edmond Library Citizenship Classes* Adults

Dec. 1 at 4:30pm

Dec. 14-20

Dec. 14 at 7pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Advanced Beginner (ESL 7) Adults Dec. 16 at 2pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Advanced Beginner (ESL 7) Adults Dec. 2 at 2pm

The In-Be-TWEENS: Urban Legends Series Presents* Kids, Teens Dec. 16 at 4pm

The In-Be-TWEENS: Cartooning Class* Kids, Teens

English as a Second Language Classes - Intermediate (ESL 11) Adults Dec. 16 at 5pm

Dec. 2 at 4pm

English as a Second Language Classes - Intermediate (ESL 11) Adults Dec. 2 at 5pm

Virtual Storytime* Birth-Pre-K

Virtual Storytime* Birth-Pre-K

The Booknerds: YA Book Boxes - FAIRY TALES** Teens Dec. 27-Jan.2

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Dec. 6 at 9:30am

info magazine · Metropolitan Library System · December 2021

Dec. 20 at 9:30am

The Booknerds: YA Book Box - FAIRY TALES** Teens

Dec. 27-29

The Magic Tree House Book Adventures Club: Viking Ships at Sunrise* Kids Dec. 27 at 4pm

Harrah Library Online D&D Teens

Dec. 2 at 4pm

Online D&D Teens

Dec. 9 at 4pm

Online D&D Teens

Dec. 16 at 4pm

Jones Library Jones Storytime Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 2 at 10am

Jones Storytime Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 9 at 10am

Jones Storytime Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 16 at 10am

Midwest City Library Dec. 1-23

Rhyme of the Month Club Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 6-23

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop Adults

Shelf Indulgence: YA Book Club (Zoom Program) Teens, Adults Dec. 9 at 6pm STEAM SATURDAY Patio Program: Build a Marble-Driven Computer Using a Turing Tumble Kit Kids, Teens Dec. 11 at 1pm STEAM SATURDAY Patio Program: Build a Marble-Driven Computer Using a Turing Tumble Kit Kids, Teens Dec. 11 at 2pm Northwest Kids’ HOLIDAY STORY and STEM! Jingle a Polar Maze Take-Home Kit** Kids Dec. 15-18 DIY 3-D Paper Ornaments Take-Home Kit** Adults

Dec. 15-18

The Gingerbread Challenge** All Ages

Dec. 19-23

Northwest Kids’ HOLIDAY STORY and STEM! Fly a Rein-DOG Take-Home Kit** Kids Dec. 22-28 Northwest Kids’ HOLIDAY STORY and STEM! Build a Sled Take-Home Kit** Kids Dec. 29-4

Ralph Ellison Library

Make It Together: Seasonal Scented Sachets** All Ages

Wire Beaded Snowflake Take-Home Kit Teens

Make a Handprint Keepsake Take-Home Kit (Early Childhood)** Birth-Pre-K Dec. 8-11

Nov. 1 at 8am Dec. 7 at 5:30pm

Northwest Library Northwest Kids’ HOLIDAY STORY and STEM! Disguise the Gingerbread Man Take-Home Kit** Kids Dec. 1-4

Ralph Ellison Centennial Ceremony (Streaming Live on Metro Library’s Facebook Page) All Ages Dec. 16 at 6:30pm CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 1) Adults DIY Candle Making Take-Home Kit** Teens, Adults

Dec. 2 at 9:30am Dec. 6-12

CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 1) Adults

Dec. 7 at 9:30am

CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 1) Adults

Dec. 9 at 9:30am

Wintry Circuit Card** Kids, Teens, Adults

Dec. 13-19

DIY Fleece Hand Warmers Take-Home Kit** Adults

Dec. 1-4

No-Tech Coding for Teens Take-Home Kit** Teens

CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 1) Adults Dec. 14 at 9:30am

Dec. 8-11

CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 1) Adults Dec. 16 at 9:30am

Northwest Kids’ HOLIDAY STORY and STEM! Catch an Elf Take-Home Kit** Kids Dec. 8-11

Bookish Teen Subscription Box** Teens

Dec. 20

December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine

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Southern Oaks Library Eco-Friendly Holiday Craft Kit: Turn a Card into a Special Custom-Made Gift Box** Adults Dec. 1-15 CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 3) Adults CLC U.S. Citizenship Classes (CIT 2)* Adults

Dec. 1 at 6pm Dec. 2 at 6:30pm

Tweens & Teens Take-Home Kit: Mini Winter Terrarium** Teens Dec. 6-17 CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 3) Adults

Dec. 6 at 6pm

CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 3) Adults

Dec. 8 at 6pm

CLC U.S. Citizenship Classes (CIT 2)* Adults

Dec. 9 at 6:30pm

DIY Gnome Ornaments** All Ages

Dec. 12-23

Tweens & Teens Take-Home Kit: Bottlecap Snowmen** Teens Dec. 13-21 Preschool Activities* Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 13 at 10:30am

CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 3) Adults

Dec. 13 at 6pm

Movie Club* Teens, Adults

Dec. 14 at 6pm

CLC Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE 3) Adults

Dec. 15 at 6pm

CLC U.S. Citizenship Classes (CIT 2)* Adults Toddler Aerobics* Birth-Pre-K

Dec. 16 at 6:30pm Dec. 20 at 10:30am

The Village Library Music with Ginger Outdoors!* Birth-Pre-K Full STEAM Ahead Online + Take-Home Kit** Kids Teen Take-Home Lit Kit** Teens

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Dec. 2 at 10am Dec 9 at 4pm Dec. 14

info magazine · Metropolitan Library System · December 2021

Early Childhood Take-Home Kit** Birth-Pre-K

Nov. 14

Children’s Take-Home Kit** Kids

Nov. 14

Warr Acres Library Christmas Card Grab Bags** Kids, Teens, Adults

Dec. 1-8

English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 4) Adults Dec. 1 at 2pm English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 4) Adults Dec. 6 at 2pm English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 4) Adults Dec. 8 at 2pm Winter Book Nook: Family Craft** All Ages

Dec. 13-23

Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Parent and Me Take-Home Kit** Birth-Pre-K Dec. 13-23 English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 4) Adults Dec. 13 at 2pm English as a Second Language Classes - Beginner (ESL 4) Adults Dec. 15 at 2pm

Wright Library Art Around the World: Norway - Rosemaling** Kids, Teens, Adults

Dec. 7-11

Winter Solstice Family Fun Kit** Kids, Teens, Adults

Dec. 14-18

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)* Adults

Dec. 1 at 10am

Teen Book Hotline Teens

Dec. 3 at noon

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)* Adults

Dec. 6 at 10am

System Wide Programs Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)* Adults Children Reading to Dogs* Kids

Dec. 8 at 10am Dec. 9 at 6:30pm

Tailored Titles Live Reading Recommendations All Ages Dec. 9 at 6:30pm

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)* Adults

Dec. 13 at 10am

Harry Potter and the Good, Bad and Ugly Book Talk All Ages Dec. 14 at 6:30pm Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)* Adults

Dec. 15 at 10am

Tailored Titles Live Reading Recommendations All Ages Dec. 21 at 10am

Community Libraries Teen Led RPG Teens

Dec. 6 at 1pm

Teen Led RPG Teens

Dec. 13 at 1pm

Teen Led RPG Teens

Dec. 20 at 1pm

*Registration required **Take-home kit, supplies limited

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December 2021 · Metropolitan Library System · info magazine

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MLS LIBRARIES

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1 ALMONTE 2914 SW 59, OKC, (405) 606-3575

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

2 BELLE ISLE 3621 NW Expressway, OKC, (405) 843-9601

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

3 BETHANY 6700 NW 35th, Bethany, (405) 789-8363

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

4 CAPITOL HILL 327 SW 27th, OKC, (405) 634-6308

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

5 CHOCTAW 2525 Muzzy Street, Choctaw, (405) 390-8418

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

6 DEL CITY 4330 SE 15th, Del City, (405) 672-1377

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

7 DOWNTOWN 300 Park Ave., OKC, (405) 231-8650

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

8 EDMOND 10 S. Boulevard, Edmond, (405) 341-9282

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

9 HARRAH 1930 N. Church Avenue, Harrah, (405) 454-2001

9-6 9-8 9-6 9-6 9-6 9-5 —

10 JONES 9295 Willa Way, Jones, (405) 399-5471

9-6 9-8 9-6 9-6 9-6 9-5 —

11 LUTHER 310 NE 3rd, Luther, (405) 277-9967

9-6 9-8 9-6 9-6 9-6 9-5 —

12 MIDWEST CITY 8143 E. Reno, MWC, (405) 732-4828

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

13 NICOMA PARK 2240 Overholser, Nicoma Park, (405) 769-9452

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TH

9:30-5:30 9:30-5:30 9:30-5:30

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S

9-5

9-5

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14 NORTHWEST 5600 NW 122nd, OKC, (405) 606-3580

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

15 RALPH ELLISON 2000 NE 23rd, OKC, (405) 424-1437

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

16 SOUTHERN OAKS 6900 S. Walker, OKC (405) 631-4468

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6

17 THE VILLAGE 10307 N. Penn. Ave., The Village, (405) 755-0710 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6 18 WARR ACRES 5901 NW 63rd, Warr Acres, (405) 721-2616 19 WRIGHT* 2101 Exchange, OKC, (405) 235-5035

9-9 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-5 1-6 —

9:30-5:30 9:30-5:30 9:30-5:30

9-5

9-5

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*Closed from 12:30-1pm. Visit metrolibrary.org for the most up-to-date hours, curbside service hours and opening/closing information.

visit us at metrolibrary.org

December 2021