I visited the Almonte Library the day after the Grand Opening, and was so impressed with the features! My favorite was the automatic book sorting return room. Other features include 3 ways to pickup reserves: Inside as usual, an Amazon-type locker at the entrance, and a drive-thru window on the west side of the building. This branch also offers study rooms, a meeting room, Media Room, Maker room (3D printer, cricut machine, button maker, etching machine), and Podcast room.
Just behind the Help Desk is a reading-themed mosaic with a Dolly Parton standee. An impressive book-themed mural is on two sides of the building at the northwest corner.
Numerous classes and activities are offered at the Almonte Library, and it was so clear to us after visiting that the staff here love their jobs!
From the "About" link on the library's website:
In 2011, the Southern Oaks Library moved to the Almonte Shopping Center for a temporary location while their building on south Walker was being renovated. As a result of the high usage by new library users in this neighborhood, the Metropolitan Library System saw a great need for a permanent library in this community and therefore in February 2013, the Almonte Library opened as a permanent location in a leased store front in the Almonte Shopping Center. The location was 12,500 square feet with a capacity of 35,000 library materials, seating for 60 people, designated spaces for children and teens, a magazine reading area, and a multi-purpose room for small meetings.
In May 2024, the Almonte Library opened a brand-new facility kitty-corner from it's location in the Almonte Shopping Center. The building was part of the voter-approved "Better Streets, Safer City" bond issue. The Almonte Library nearly doubled in size and now boasts over 20,000 square feet to help make the community feel welcome. Guests will find a Makerspace, podcasting studio, drive-up book drop, shaded outdoor space for storytime, playground equipment and more. The collection includes more than 40,000 books, magazines, DVDs and other forms of media in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The highlight of the space is two large artworks by local OKC artists. Muralist Scott Henderson created a bookcase mural on the northeast corner of the building to celebrate Oklahoma's rich literary heritage. Inside the library, mother-daughter artist duo Nicole and Aztrid Moan created a mosaic tile mural titled "Tree of Lanterns" which features the word welcome in different languages.
Public transit:
EMBARK bus route 012 (click here for route map)
Closest bus stop: S May Ave @ SW 59th St (1-minute walk to library from bus stop)
Services
Technology
Public use computers with 60-minute internet access and printing capabilities
Mobile and offsite printing
Free Wi-Fi
Color copy machine with free outbound faxing (to U.S. numbers only) and scanning capability
Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)
Check out a laptop (in-library use only)
MLS Studios (Makerspace)
Hours: Mon-Thurs 1-7 PM. To make an appointment, reserve online, call us at 405.231.8650, click the Need Help? button on this page, or email us.
Equipment:
Mac and Windows computers
3D printers
iPads
Cricut Maker
Button maker
Sewing and embroidering machines
Collection
Self-serve holds shelf and a self-check machine
Catalog computers dedicated to searching the library's collection
Library staff who can provide assistance locating information, using print and electronic sources, and provide readers' advisory
Place and pick up interlibrary loan requests
Tours and instruction in the use of library resources (by appointment)
Experience Passes for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Banjo Museum, and the Museum of Osteology that are first-come, first-served
Spaces
Study rooms - Free (reservations required)
Meeting room - Rented for a cost (reservations required; bookings will open June 3)
A news article about the opening of the Almonte Library:
(
visit link)