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Biography and Memoir February 2026 |
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| Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton by Martha AckmannMartha Ackmann’s biography of country music legend Dolly Parton goes beyond the glamour to reveal the grit that propelled her to international stardom. Parton’s phenomenal talent was discovered while she was a teenager. Her business savvy and philanthropic generosity would be discovered later, namely by sexist Nashville executives trying to control her skyrocketing career. For the story of another feminist music star who refused to be put in a box, try Madonna: A Rebel Life by Mary Gabriel. |
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| Googoosh: A Sinful Voice by Googoosh, with Tara DehlaviIranian pop superstar Googoosh tells her life story in an emotional and lyrical memoir. After emerging as a teen celebrity in her home country in the 1960s, her haunting voice catapulted her to stardom throughout Europe and the Middle East. Then came the Islamic Revolution, leading to her imprisonment and torture. She was eventually released, escaped Iran, and became an advocate for women’s rights. This timely memoir will resonate with fans of Why Sinéad O’Connor Matters by Allyson McCabe. |
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| A Danger to the Minds of Young Girlsby Adam MorganAmerican editor Margaret C. Anderson was a champion of early modernists including Djuna Barnes and James Joyce, giving their experimental works voice in her upstart literary journal The Little Review. Critic Adam Morgan documents her fierce advocacy of the arts, romances with various high-profile women, and independence from the 20th-century status quo. Readers will savor this “enlightening depiction of a[n]…influential figure of both modernism and queer history” (Publishers Weekly). |
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| One Aladdin, Two Lamps by Jeanette WintersonProlific novelist and essayist Jeanette Winterson considers the richness of storytelling traditions using One Thousand and One Nights as a guide. Amidst examples of tales spun by Shahrazad that draw parallels with the author’s experiences and the real world, Winterson holds out hope for humanity, expressed through our seemingly inexhaustible imagination. This is an original, thought-provoking work in the vein of Jane Hirshfield’s Ten Windows: How Great Poems Transform the World. |
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| Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind by Jason ZengerleJournalist Jason Zengerle offers a discerning summary of conservative pundit Tucker Carlson’s career to date while sounding a sobering critique of today’s TV news landscape. Always right-leaning but once a proponent of nuanced political debate, Carlson seemed to abandon these ideals after signing on with Fox News, instead flirting with agitprop, conspiracies, and white supremacism. For fans of: Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth by Brian Stelter. |
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Focus on: Black History Month
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| Bring Judgment Day: Reclaiming Lead Belly's Truths from Jim Crow's Lies by Sheila Curran BernardFilmmaker Sheila Curran Bernard’s biography of Black folk and blues musician Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter seeks to right historical wrongs. Curran’s research drawn from original sources details how the musician’s life and career were repeatedly compromised by people trying to punish and exploit him, including his racist managers, folklorists John and Alan Lomax. It’s a shocking and infuriating read about a hugely talented and important interpreter of American song, and long overdue. |
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| Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant...and Completely Over It by Lester Fabian BrathwaiteEntertainment Weekly writer Lester Fabian Brathwaite debuts with a provocative collection of essays focused on the author’s Black and queer identity. He strikes a tone that veers from funny to frustrated while tackling topics relating to body image, Black masculinity, the white male gaze, and much more in these witty and irreverent monologues. For fans of: the confessional writing of Brontez Purnell. |
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| The Essential Dick Gregory by Dick Gregory; Christian Gregory, editorBlack comedy legend and raconteur Dick Gregory grew up in St. Louis and first received widespread acclaim after successful sets at Chicago’s Playboy Club. As the 1960s progressed, Gregory became increasingly involved in the civil rights movement, eventually becoming just as well-known for his activism as his comedy. This book collects writings and speeches from all phases of his storied career, edited by his son Christian. Try this next: Sidney Poitier: The Great Speeches of an Icon Who Moved Us Forward, compiled by Joanna Poitier. |
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| Survival Is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde by Alexis Pauline GumbsPoet Alexis Pauline Gumbs’ innovative, adventurous biography of Black feminist poet Audre Lorde is a tribute to and legacy of a shared intersectional identity. Gumbs, who, like her subject, is an LGBTQIA+ descendant of Caribbean immigrants, details how Lorde rose from a difficult upbringing to become an inspiring feminist figure whose work never hesitated to call out injustice and oppression in this “scintillating tour de force” (Publishers Weekly). |
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| The Garretts of Columbiaby David NicholsonAuthor and former journalist David Nicholson dives deep into family archives to pen the sweeping story of his ancestors from before the Civil War to the mid-20th century. Beginning with an enslaved patriarch who purchased freedom for himself and family members, notable Garretts would go on to become soldiers, scholars, and lawyers, steadfastly building a legacy of success despite an unsympathetic and, at times, antagonistic society. For fans of: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. |
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Small Wonders Wednesday, January 28 - Monday, March 16 Downtown LibraryIn the air, water, and even under foot, insects inhabit every domain of our daily lives, performing essential functions that balance our fragile ecosystem on earth. By using cutting-edge technology and custom methods, artist Bob Sober created Small Wonders: Insects in Focus, an exhibition of breathtaking beauty that allows viewers to see this hidden world like they’ve never seen it before. Small Wonders aims to inspire, in an artistic way, our natural curiosity to understand the form, function, and diversity of nature.
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Culture Crew - Black History Month!
Wednesday, February 18,
6:30 PM
Del City Library
This month is Black History Month! We will have a presenter discussing perseverance through adversity with a focus on the life of Harriet Tubman.
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Podcasting 101 Episode 1: Concept and Planning
Thursday, February 19,
6:00 PM
Almonte Library
Join us at the Almonte Library for the start of a series on Podcasting with our STEM Librarian. You will learn what types of podcasts there are, the basic equipment and skills, and how to develop your ideas to be ready for broadcast.
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Edward Gorey "Storey" Time Friday, February 20, 4:30 PM Bethany LibraryCelebrate the unique, gothic work of illustrator Edward Gorey, whose 101st birthday would have been on February 22nd! Listen to a silly, short "Storey" time and stay for an accompanying craft!
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Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible
Saturday, February 21,
2:00 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.
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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
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.
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High Horse: The Black Cowboy Conversation Sunday, February 22, 2:00 PM Downtown LibraryJoin us for an enlightening event inspired by the groundbreaking documentary High Horse: The Black Cowboy. This program explores the history, culture, and enduring impact of Black cowboys, celebrating stories of resilience, skill, and excellence. The event will feature a dynamic panel discussion with Damon Hopkins, Steven Butler and Jakian Parks, accompanied by selected clips from the documentary highlighting pivotal moments and personal narratives. The session will conclude with an engaging Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to connect directly with the panelists and dive deeper into this rich and inspiring history.
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Oklahoma Black Communities Symposium
Saturday, February 28,
12:00 PM
Downtown Library
On February 28th, the Metropolitan Library System will be hosting a series of discussions and presentations on Black community research and preservation in Oklahoma. This event will bring together individuals, organizations, and institutions from the central Oklahoma documenting the history of Black urban enclaves, rural communities, and Black towns.
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Our Oklahoma History: March event
Sunday, March 1,
2:00 PM
Bethany Library
During the Our Oklahoma History series, historians will share fascinating and lesser-known tales from Oklahoma's rich history. Join us, you won't want to miss it!
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The Five Moons of Oklahoma with OKC Ballet
Monday, March 2,
6:00 PM
Edmond Library
Join us as a member of OKC Ballet presents on the "Five Moons," five women from Oklahoma-- Yvonne Chouteau, Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Rosella Hightower and Moscelyne Larkin-- who broke barriers and made significant contributions to the world of ballet, becoming cultural icons and ambassadors for their Native American heritage. Then watch entranced as one dancer performs “Firebird," a ballet made famous by Maria Tallchief.
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Route 66 Adventure Passport Take-Home Kit Monday, March 2 - Sunday, March 8 (While supplies last) All Library LocationsCelebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road with our Route 66 Adventure Passport kit! Inside, you’ll find a passport ready to take you on a journey through Oklahoma’s historic Route 66 stops. Visit each location and add a sticker (included in your kit) to mark your adventure! Can’t make it in person? No problem—explore virtually by researching each stop and earn your sticker that way. Discover the rich history of our state and enjoy the thrill of the open road—right from your own home!
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Tuskegee Airmen Recognition Month
Wednesday, March 4,
6:00 PM
Midwest City Library
Join us for a powerful program honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in U.S. history. We’ll watch a series of recorded interviews featuring their personal stories of courage, perseverance, and breaking barriers during World War II. Afterward, we’ll open the floor for a group conversation to reflect on their experiences and discuss their lasting impact on history and equality.
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Gettin’ By by Makin’ Do: Women’s Lives on the Great Plains during the Great DepressionSaturday, March 7, 2:00 PM Northwest LibraryAfter the Stock Market Crash of 1929, life changed radically for the vast majority of Americans. Funds and foods were hard to find. For those who lived in small towns, ranches, and farms on the Great Plains, life became harder than ever. Based on her own research, Dr. Sara Jane Richter's presentation provides a detailed look at how females carried on through desperate times.
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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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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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