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Book Bingo
On January 1, 2026, we're kicking off Book Bingo, a winter reading challenge for adults. Participants who read 5 books between January 1 and February 28, 2026 will earn a library-branded mug (while supplies last) AND be entered in a drawing for an exclusive prize pack. Participants who read 25 books between January 1 and February 28, 2026 will be entered into a grand prize drawing that includes an iPad, a YMCA annual membership, and 2 VIP tickets to Literary Voices featuring author Johnathan Franzen.
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| The Queen Who Came in from the Cold by S.J. BennettIn 1961 England, Queen Elizabeth II and her private secretary Joan discreetly investigate after a lady-in-waiting claims she saw men disposing of a body on the royal train. Before it's all sorted, the queen travels on the royal yacht around the Mediterranean and helps a Soviet defector. This fun 5th outing for the queen and Joan works for newcomers. Try this next: Allison Montclair's A Royal Affair. |
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| Everyone in the Group Chat Dies by L.M. ChiltonA year after the death of Esme, a true-crime influencer obsessed with a 1990s serial killer, a text arrives from her: "Everyone in the group chat dies." The group, made up of former 20-something flatmates in small-town England, includes aspiring journalist Kirby Cornell, and when members start dying, she tries to figure out what's going on. Try this next: Kristen Perrin's How to Solve Your Own Murder. |
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| The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie GodfreyIn 1979, 12-year-old Miv lives with her lonely father, her opinionated Aunty Jean, and her mother, who had a breakdown and no longer speaks. With the (real-life) Yorkshire Ripper terrorizing the area, curious Miv investigates with her loyal best friend. Though steeped in crime, this isn't as much a traditional mystery as an atmospheric coming-of-age tale. Great for book clubs, it explores friendship, community, prejudice, and loss. Read-alike: Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney. |
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| Silent Bones by Val McDermidIn 2025 Scotland, a motorway landslide unearths the body of investigative journalist Sam Nimmo, who'd gone missing 11 years ago after his girlfriend was murdered. In her compelling 8th outing, DCI Karen Pirie of Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit digs into the case that has ties to Scottish independence, gambling, and Edinburgh's the Scotsman Steps. Try these next: Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae mysteries; Jane Casey's Maeve Kerrigan novels. |
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| The Burning Grounds by Abir MukherjeeIn 1920s Calcutta, India, where the dead are burned by the river, a popular British philanthropist is found murdered. Police detective Sam Wyndham is assigned to the case, giving him a chance to reignite the career he sacrificed to help his wrongly accused colleague, Surendranath Banerjee. Meanwhile, Banerjee has returned from Europe to look for his missing cousin, leading the two to reunite in order to help each other in their gritty, intricately plotted 6th outing. |
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| The Botanist's Assistant by Peggy TownsendRoutine-loving 50-something Margaret Finch is dedicated to her job helping a talented botanist at a small university. But when he dies and it's said to be natural causes, Margaret disagrees, noticing small things that make her sure it was murder. With the help of a former journalist turned custodian, Margaret investigates, turning her precise world upside down. For fans of: Zoe B. Wallbrook's History Lessons; Jesse Q. Sutanto's Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. |
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Books You May Have Missed
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| Karma Doll by Jonathan AmesRecovering from injuries, ex-cop turned PI Happy Doll has been laying low in a Mexican beach shack with his dog and studying Buddhism. But after witnessing a murder that he's then framed for, he's on the run from the authorities and the cartels while looking for the real killer and trying to get back to Los Angeles with an expired passport. Atmospheric, violent, and darkly humorous, this 3rd in the Happy Doll series works fine for newcomers. |
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| Fever Beach by Carl HiaasenDale Figgo has been kicked out of the Proud Boys for stupidity (he mistakenly vandalized a Confederate statue), but propped up by a congressman and a couple of billionaires, he aims to make the new far-right Strokers for Liberty a success. Mix in money laundering, child labor, a disgruntled wealth director, a rich social justice warrior, fake dating, and more, and you've got "Hiaasen at his finest" (Publishers Weekly). |
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| How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen PerrinAnnie Adams moves into the English country house she inherited from her great aunt Frances, which also contains Frances' diaries notating village secrets. Fortune teller Peony Lane mysteriously visits Annie, then is found murdered inside the locked home, leading Annie to investigate. This sequel to How to Solve Your Own Murder once again uses dual timelines with parts set in the 1960s. Try this next: Brandy Schillace's The Framed Women of Ardemore House. |
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| Beartooth by Callan WinkIn Montana's rugged Beartooth mountains, two brothers, 27-year-old Thad and 26-year-old Hazen, try to survive while burdened by their dead father's medical bills and a falling-apart off-the-grid house. Luckily, they know how to hunt and deal with the elements. Not so luckily, their long-gone mom reappears and a local man tempts Hazen into illegally gathering elk horns in this gritty, evocative crime novel. For fans of: Peter Heller; the 2016 film Hell or High Water; TV's Yellowstone. |
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Friends of the Library Booksale
Join us at the Friends of the Library Booksale at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Sat, Feb 21 from 9a-5p and Sun, Feb 22 from 10a-4p. Fri, Feb 20 from 1-7p is a Members Only Pre-Sale event while Saturday and Sunday will be open to the public for free. MEMBERSHIP SALES WILL CLOSE Jan 30, 2026, and you can become a member of the Friends for only $15 at https://supportmls.org/fol/booksale/.
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African-American History Online
Covers more than 500 years of African-American history using biographies, primary sources, images, videos, timelines, maps, and charts.
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Newspapers.com
Dating from the early 1700s into the 2000s, Newspapers.com Library Edition contains full runs and portions of runs of well-known, regional and state titles to small local newspapers in the United States and other countries. This is a great resource for genealogists looking for information on their family history.
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Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
Saturday, January 31, 10:00 AM
Midwest City Library
Celebrate creativity and self-expression with us on Inspire Your Heart With Art Day! We’ll be painting our own versions of whimsical cat and dog art—bright, bold designs filled with playful florals and patterns. No experience needed—just bring your imagination and enjoy a relaxing, colorful afternoon. All supplies provided. Registration required.
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Small Wonders Opening Party
Saturday, January 31, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Downtown Library
Come one, come all to our Small Wonders Kickoff Party!! From 10am-1pm families will get a chance to explore the Small Wonders exhibit in the Atrium, then head upstairs for a live insect petting zoo, crafts, face painting, and cupcakes. It's a big bug party and you are invited! This event is best for ages 2-8. Parents and caregivers are expected to remain with the children during the entire event. They will need your help with crafts! Older children are welcome. Registration required.
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Readerpaloolza: A Book Fair for Adults and Teens
Saturday, January 31, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Northwest Library
Do you feel nostalgic about the book fair experience of your youth? Need a book recommendation to complete your Winter Reading Bingo? Then Readerpalooza is for you! This extravaganza for adult readers will feature book displays, swag and giveaways, bookish crafts, author spotlights, and more. Fill your TBR ("to be read") list and indulge in the joy of being surrounded by people who understand that "just one more chapter" is always a lie. This event is come-and-go and designed for adults and teens to celebrate their reading era!
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Phillip Tolbert: African-American Experiences
Saturday, February 7, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Downtown Library
Phillip Tolbert, retired librarian from the Metropolitan Library System, will present an overview of the many accomplishments of African-Americans throughout the history of America. This presentation will feature accomplishments in medicine, science, literature, music, military, sports, etc. As well as support and encouragement from other races as part of the overall African-American journey. Registration required.
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Computer Keys: Databases We Love - Discovering Free Library Online Resources
Saturday, February 14, 10:00 AM -11:30 AM
Downtown Library
Discover a world of free resources available through your library! In this class, you'll learn how to navigate our online databases to access everything from research tools and learning materials to entertainment and more. Whether you're a student, a curious learner, or just looking for something new, we'll show you how to tap into a wealth of valuable information—all for free with your library card! Computer Keys is a monthly class series is designed to help you get better at using and understanding common computer programs and improve your online computer skills. Seats for this class are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot by registering in advance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself with valuable tech skills.
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Digitizing Memory: A Digitizing Archiving Project
Saturday, February 14, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Choctaw Library
Bring your photographs, letters, and other keepsakes and help us celebrate African American History Month by digitizing your family’s memories! This is a drop-in event. No registration required.
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The Legacy of Buffalo Soldiers
Saturday, February 21, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Midwest City Library
Join us for a special program honoring the Buffalo Soldiers, the African American regiments of the U.S. Army first formed in 1866. These brave men served with distinction on the Western frontier, during the Spanish-American War, and beyond despite facing discrimination and hardship. We’ll learn about their remarkable contributions through a documentary screening and discussion. This documentary is TV-14, anyone under that age must bring a parent.
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Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible
Saturday, February 21, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Ralph Ellison Library
Join author Quraysh Ali Lansana as he walks children through the life story of Ralph Ellison, an Oklahoma City native and important American writer. This engaging program geared for 3rd-6th graders will walk us through Ellison’s life, from his childhood in Oklahoma City to his major accomplishments, with photographs, anecdotes and compelling stories. Lansana recently wrote Ralph Ellison: More than Invisible, published by Oklahoma Hall of Fame Press.
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Before Greensboro: Why the 1958 Katz Sit-in Matters Nationally with Dr. Karlos K. Hill
Saturday, February 21, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Downtown Library
Join us for a powerful discussion as Dr. Karlos K. Hill tells the story of the transformative sit-in movement in Oklahoma City through the words and reflections of the 13 original sit-inners. This presentation will serve not only as a historical exploration but as an homage to those courageous individuals and to the creation of the Clara Luper Sit-in Plaza that recognizes their legacy. Dr. Karlos K. Hill is Regents’ Professor of African and African American Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He is the author of three books: Beyond The Rope: The Impact of Lynching on Black Culture and Memory, The Murder of Emmett Till: A Graphic History, and The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A Photographic History. There will be a book signing immediately following the event. Second Story Books will be on hand and will have copies of Dr. Hill's books available for sale. Street parking is free downtown on the weekends. Alternatively, there are several nearby garages that charge by the hour. Registration required.
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Oklahoma Black Communities Symposium
Saturday, February 28, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Downtown Library
The Metropolitan Library System will be hosting a series on discussions and presentations on Black community research and preservation in Oklahoma. This event will bring together individuals, organizations, and institutions from across the central part of Oklahoma working on documenting the history of Black urban enclaves, rural communities, and Black towns. Keynote: Nicka Sewell-Smith From Tulsa to Beyond: African American Genealogy in Oklahoma Professional Genealogist Nicka Smith will offer an in-depth look at using Oklahoma specific resources to uncover their unique stories. Attendees will learn how to research the lives of their ancestors using tribal records (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole), federal records, newspapers, college/university collections, historical society records, and more! Understanding of these records will help those researching family trees to discover deep roots in the Sooner State. Other presentations will feature on-going projects from across the area focusing on specific communities, scholarship in the field, and coalition building to create successful preservation projects. More details including additional presenters will be available soon. Registration is recommended.
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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