Ralph Ellison Library

Ralph Ellison Library

Contact Information

2000 NE 23rd Street

Oklahoma City, OK

73111

Phone: (405) 424-1437

About Ralph Ellison Library 

The Ralph Ellison Library opened in its current location in 1975. Named in honor of Oklahoma City native and acclaimed author Ralph Ellison, this library is in one of Oklahoma City’s historically African-American neighborhoods yet serves a diverse group of residents. Customers rely on the library to find basic information about voting, taxes, tutoring, government assistance, and a variety of other fundamental needs. In addition, the library serves a dynamic population of motivated customers ranging from school-age children to young adults and elders in the community.  The Library serves as an essential hub for services, research, programs and events linking members of the larger community to one another.

Book drop location: To the right of entrance.

Public transit:

 

Services

    Technology

    • Public use computers with 60-minute internet access and printing capabilities
    • An express computer with 15-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
    • Chromebooks (available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis)
    • Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)

    Collection

    • Self-serve holds shelf and a self-check machine
    • Catalog computers dedicated to accessing 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
    • Music keyboard available for guest use. Ask staff for assistance.

    Spaces

    Special Collections

    • Black History Collection

Hours of Operation

Please check the top of this page for notices impacting our hours of operation or services offered.

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1 - 6pm


Curbside Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 7pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 1pm - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Tangram Take Home Kit​​

All Day 3/11 - 3/30
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Science & STEAM, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
You'll get a bag with seven tangram tiles. A tangram is a puzzle consisting of a square cut into pieces that can be arranged to make other shapes. Make your own puzzle.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.

This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

DIY Collage Take Home Kits

All Day 3/18 - 3/24
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
These grab bag style collage take home kits are the perfect DIY entertainment source for Spring Break week!    Each bag will be full of all types of found item and craft supplies needed to make your own fun collage! Kits are first com...
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Game Day

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Games & Gaming

Join other video game lovers for a fun-filled program full of gaming, group challenges, and other activities. Playing video games with others helps to build skills such as: problem solving, teamwork, spatial reasoning, and communication. Gaming is also a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood! Come meet new friends, explore other worlds, and learn about the many resources your neighborhood library has to offer!

This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

AN AFTERNOON OF CRAFTS

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies

Let your imagination soar at this special arts and crafts program made for little hands! Professional librarians will provide you with all the resources you need to spread your artistic wings. Children will have the opportunity to practice building motor skills, following directions, socializing with others, and more!

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Movie Night

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Film & Movies
Event Description:
Have the midweek slumps on Spring Break? Join us for a movie and popcorn! Movie rating will be PG-13 or lower! Families are welcome!  ...
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Babysitting 101 Workshop

10:00am - 3:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Careers & Jobs, Child Development & Parenting
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Description:
Teens, do you want to set up your own babysitting business? Do you have younger siblings your parents need you to watch? Then, Babysitting 101 is the program for you! Babysitters have a responsibility of caring for children and making important decis...
This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Science Sundays

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Science & STEAM
Event Description:
Come be a scientist during our monthly "Science Sundays" programs! Each program will focus on a different field of science, were participants will conduct an experiment to learn how they can use science in their daily lives. From biology to meteorolo...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

BOOKED: (PICK-UP) ADULT BOOK BOXES

All Day 3/25 - 3/28
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading
Event Description:
Visit the Ralph Ellison Library starting on the last Monday of the month to pick up your book box for this month. Registrants you will have one week (until Sunday) to pick up your box.  This service is for adults who registered for book boxes...

Disclaimer(s)

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

We can only guarantee one kit per registration.  Please register individually to ensure that kits are appropriately distributed.  Special notes should not be used for additional registrations.

Thank you for your help!