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Community invited to the Almonte Library ribbon cutting with the City of OKC, Metropolitan Library System

Post Date:05/08/2024 9:41 AM

Link to Almonte Library rendering

Oklahoma City residents and friends of the Metropolitan Library System are invited to the ribbon cutting for the new Almonte Library, 2727 SW 59th St., at 10 a.m. May 15.

“The grand opening of the Almonte Library is not just about unveiling a new building; it's about opening doors to a world of knowledge, imagination, and opportunity,” CEO of Metropolitan Library System Larry White, Ph.D., said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that libraries are more than just repositories of books; they are vital community spaces that promote literacy, foster lifelong learning, and provide equal access to information for all. The Almonte Library embodies our commitment to inclusivity, digital access, and the preservation of knowledge, serving as a beacon of enlightenment and empowerment for generations to come."

The new library is over 20,000 square feet, nearly double the previous location. It features a Makerspace, podcasting studio, drive-up book drop, shaded outdoor space for story time, playground equipment and more. The library’s collection includes more than 40,000 books, magazines, DVDs and other forms of media in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The building also features two large artworks by local OKC artists.

  • Muralist Scott Henderson with SCHmurals/Whiteboard Exhibits created a trompe l'oeil bookcase mural on the northeast corner of the building to celebrate Oklahoma's rich literary heritage. The three-dimensional illusion invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world of books - an added element that uses the windows to illustrate the book spines. The mural also has a space for guests in the interior to look out of, becoming the featured character in the book.
  • Inside the library, mother-daughter artist duo Nicole Moan and Aztrid Moan created a mosaic tile mural titled “Tree of Lanterns.” Trees are symbols of strength, growth and the interconnectedness of everything. Each tile mosaic lantern has the word “Welcome” in different languages, like Vietnamese, Burmese, Cherokee and more, to represent the surrounding population. The words are meant to greet library visitors with hospitality.

The previous Almonte Library opened in 2011 as a temporary location while Southern Oaks Library was being renovated. The temporary location was so popular that the MLS kept the temporary location in hopes of eventually building a new library. The new $6.6 million library was paid for through the voter-approved Better Streets, Safer City Bond Issue.

Almonte’s grand opening celebration

Almonte Library's grand opening celebration continues from May 16 - June 1, with ample activities for everyone. See the list of events below.

  • May 16 – 24: MLS Studios: Customize Your Tote Bag
  • May 18 from 11 a.m. – noon: Echoes of Tradition Presented by Native American Student Services
  • May 23 from 6 - 8 p.m.: Meet the Almonte Artists
  • May 23 from 4 - 6 p.m.: Recording Equipment for Beginners
  • May 25 from 1 - 3 p.m.: Recording Equipment for Beginners
  • June 1 from 1 - 3 p.m.: Summer Reading Kickoff

The complete list of future programming at Almonte Library can be found at metrolibrary.org/locations/almonte.

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Media Contacts:
Kristy Yager, City of OKC
Kristy.yager@okc.gov
(405) 297-2550

Kelly Dexter, Metropolitan Library System
(405) 606-3754
Kelly.Dexter@metrolibrary.org

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