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
    • Express Wi-Fi Hotspots (7-day checkout period), first-come first-served
    • Reservable Wi-Fi Hotspots (4-week checkout period)
    • Color copy machine with free outbound faxing (to U.S. numbers only) and scanning capability
    • Chromebooks with web cams available on a first-come, first-served basis for in-library use only

    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 Bag

All Day 10/1–10/11
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 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 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 "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

College Application Take Home Kit

All Day 10/1–10/11
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Continuing Education
Event Description:

The college application process can be difficult to navigate, but we offer the resources you need to make your collegiate dream a reality. Once you have filled out one application, the others won't be as hard.

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Life in a Rotting Log Passive Program

All Day 10/1–10/11
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Science & STEAM
Event Description:

Have you ever wanted to know what happens when a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to see it? Step into the Ralph Ellison Library and watch a log as it slowly decomposes and is returned to the soil.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

HA-HA HALLOWEEN JOKE HUNT

All Day 10/1–10/12
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Children's Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading, Games & Gaming
Event Description:

What do birds say on Halloween? 

Answer: Trick or tweet

 

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

Spooky Halloween Yarn Tassel Take-Home Kit

10/06/2025 @ 9:30am–10/12/2025 @ 6:00pm
Kids, Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Come grab a Spooky Yarn Tassel Take-Home Kit from Ralph Ellison Library! 

Disclaimer(s)

Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.

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

This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group

123! Play With Me!

11:30am–12:30pm
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Child Development & Parenting, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Description:

Playing with your baby or toddler is not only important for bonding but is also an educational experience for your child. We are providing a special time for you to come to the library and spend one-on-one time playing with your little one.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

CANCELLED: Pet Food Pantry

11:30am–12:30pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Outdoors (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Community & Civics, Outdoor Program
Event Description:

Due to financial concerns, the Pet Food Pantry has been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Button-Making Party

3:00pm–4:00pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies
Event Description:

Join us at the Ralph Ellison Library for a fun Button-Making Party on October 12th!

Get creative and design your own themed buttons! Drop by to make a few fun and festive buttons to take home or share.

Themes include:

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.

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