CHECK OUT JUNIPER’S BUTTERFLY GARDEN FROM PARTICIPATING LIBRARIES AND RECEIVE A TICKET VOUCHER FOR THE OKC ZOO.
Read to earn free zoo admission Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s statewide reading program, promotes literacy and gives participants the chance to visit the zoo for free. Library cardholders can check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden from any participating public and tribal library location within Oklahoma to receive a voucher redeemable for free general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people. The featured book, Juniper’s Butterfly Garden , inspires kids to learn about monarch butterflies and why it’s important to protect them. Monarchs migrate annually through Oklahoma on their journey from central Mexico to southern Canada, and the zoo is committed to conserving vital habitats that benefit all pollinators. The program is sponsored by OG&E, and vouchers expire June 30, 2025. For a list of participating libraries, visit okczoo.org/readforadventure.
PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM FOUNDATION DELIVERS BOOKS TO NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM.
Building readers from birth Pioneer Library System has begun a new initiative in partnership with Norman Regional Health System and SSM Health in Shawnee to foster a love of reading from birth. Every baby born at Norman Regional Health System and SSM Health in Shawnee will receive a free book. Plus, parents will be invited to sign up for the free Dolly Parton Imagination Library through the Pioneer Library System. This program provides free, high-quality books to children ages birth through 5. This new initiative is part of the Pioneer Library System Foundation’s commitment to supporting early childhood education, family engagement and literacy in the community.
ASTEC breaks ground on new secondary school
Construction is underway on the new ASTEC Charter middle and high schools. They will be located on the same site as the new elementary school along General Pershing Boulevard, near the OKC Fairgrounds. The expected completion date is June 2026. ASTEC is a science, technology, engineering, arts and math-focused public school for PreK through 12th grades that is free and open to any students in Oklahoma City. The school has leased space from Shepherd (Mall) Center for the past 24 years.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2025 11
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