Attention:

The Ralph Ellison Library at 2000 NE 23rd St is closed for upgrades beginning April 16. We anticipate reopening on May 6.

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
    • 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)

    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 - Free admission to local museums. For more information, click here

    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

Mon-Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Upcoming Events

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

(Registration) Bookish: Teen Book Box

All Day 5/1 - 5/11
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Event Description:

Calling all teens or adults who love reading teen books! Bookish is back and is now available for adults to check out too!

Disclaimer(s)

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

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!

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

CANCELLED: Origami Cranes Creation

All Day
All Ages, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Displays & Exhibits, Family Programs
Event Description:

Come to the library this May for a fun and relaxing activity where you can make colorful origami paper cranes! We’ll have all the supplies ready for you, including lots of pretty papers and simple instructions to help you out.

This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group.

CANCELLED: Saturday Morning Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Description:

Join us for a lively Saturday Morning Storytime at the Ralph Ellison Library, a fun-filled 30-minute session designed for toddlers and preschoolers ages 1-5!

Disclaimer(s)

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program. 

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

CANCELLED: Origami Cranes Creation

All Day
All Ages, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Displays & Exhibits, Family Programs
Event Description:

Come to the library this May for a fun and relaxing activity where you can make colorful origami paper cranes! We’ll have all the supplies ready for you, including lots of pretty papers and simple instructions to help you out.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

CANCELLED: Star Wars Day Escape Room

1:00pm - 5:00pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Film & Movies, Games & Gaming, Live Performances & Entertainment
Event Description:

For star wars day we will be doing an escape room this description is a temporary placeholder.

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

CANCELLED: Origami Cranes Creation

All Day
All Ages, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Displays & Exhibits, Family Programs
Event Description:

Come to the library this May for a fun and relaxing activity where you can make colorful origami paper cranes! We’ll have all the supplies ready for you, including lots of pretty papers and simple instructions to help you out.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Design Your Own Flag Take Home Kit

All Day 5/5 - 5/12
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Community & Civics, Cultural Experiences, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Have you ever wanted to design a flag? Have you ever wondered what symbols and colors mean on some of your favorite flags? Wave on into Ralph Ellison library and pick up a design your own flag take home kit.

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

Mini Canvas Painting Take Home Kit

05/05/2025 @ 9:00am - 05/12/2025 @ 4:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Get ready to color your world with this fun Mini Canvas Painting Take-Home Kit! Hurry, it's first come, first serve—grab yours before they're gone!

Disclaimer(s)

We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).