Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library - Metropolitan Library System

The four-story Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library is located in the Arts District of downtown Oklahoma City. Library service in downtown OKC first began in 1901 when the Carnegie Library opened at NW 3rd and Robinson Ave. In 1954, the new Main Library was dedicated at Dean A. McGee Ave and Robinson Ave. On December 14, 1993, Oklahoma City voters approved a five-year, one-cent increase in the city sales tax to fund nine building projects for the downtown area (called MAPS) which including a technologically adaptable Downtown Library/Learning Center. The RJN Downtown Library opened to the public on August 17, 2004. The building is 114,130 square feet and includes classrooms, study rooms, conference rooms, a children’s program room, the Route 66 Computer Lab, 46th Star Auditorium, and Friends Event Room. 

In 2025, Family Place had a meaningful impact on our library by strengthening our role as a hub for early childhood development and family support. Through our Family Place Workshop, caregivers were given intentional time and space to connect with their children through play. These sessions supported young children’s cognitive growth, fine motor development, and social skills as they learned to interact and play alongside other children. 

The program also expanded the library’s impact beyond traditional services by bringing in early childhood development and health professionals. Their participation created a welcoming environment where caregivers could ask questions, receive guidance, and access trusted resources related to parenting, child development, health, and nutrition. As a result, Family Place has deepened family engagement, built community partnerships, and positioned the library as a vital support system for families with young children.