Chief of Staff Search

The Metropolitan Library System is seeking a strategic executive leader to serve as Chief of Staff, a key partner to the Chief Executive Officer. View the full job announcement and application details at metrolibrary.org/chiefofstaff

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

Color of a Book Scavenger Hunt

All Day 8/1–8/29
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Books & Reading, Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:

Join the Ralph Ellison Library this August for a fun scavenger hunt! Look for books with specific colors on their covers. Whether you love sports or drawing, there’s a book waiting for you. Plus, you might win a prize*!

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. 

This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group

CANCELLED! Early Childhood (Ages 1-5) Art Activity Take-Home Kit: COLORS

All Day 8/18–8/24
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Event Description:

This kit requires registration as it includes library books that need to be checked out with an active library card. 

Disclaimer(s)

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
This event is in the "Kids" group

CANCELLED! ART TIME @the library (Ages 3-6)

1:30pm–2:30pm
Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Description:

Join a Ralph Ellison librarian for a story and art project!

Our project for this month is SHAVING CREAM MARBLING

This event is in the "Adults" group

Banned Book Club For Parents and Adults

10:00am–11:00am
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Description:

Book Bans are happening all around the country, but why? What in these books are so concerning? Let's read and discuss! All adults are welcome, whether you are a parent or not. 

This event is in the "Kids" group

STEAM Saturday: Kids Crafternoon

2:00pm–4:00pm
Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Science & STEAM
Event Description:

Join us for a fun Saturday afternoon of exploring and learning more about science, technology, engineering, art, and math via an engaging activity or craft. Supplies will be provided. Recommended for ages 5 - 12.

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

Tutu Workshop

2:00pm–3:15pm
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies
Registration Required
Event Description:

Come have fun and make your very own tutu! This free workshop is great for kids of all ages. We’ll provide all the supplies—you just bring your creativity! No sewing needed. Enjoy music, crafts, and lots of colorful fun.

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

Summer Scrapbooking Club

3:30pm–4:30pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Writing
Registration Required
Event Description:

Ralph Ellison Library is offering a new creative and collaborative club for the community! The Scrapbooking Club is an opportunity for guests to preserve memories, create personalized keepsakes, and connect with fellow scrapbook enthusiasts.

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

(Pick Up) Bookish: Teen Book Bags

All Day 8/25–8/30
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Bookish book bags are ready! Visit the Ralph Ellison library to pick up your Book Bag!! Bags are ready the last Monday of every month and you have a week to pick them up!

Disclaimer(s)

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!