All libraries will be closed on Monday, October 14 for all-day staff training.

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 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

Library Closed

All Day
Some Branches
Closing
Branches:
Almonte Library, Belle Isle Library, Bethany Library, Capitol Hill Library, Choctaw Library, Del City Library, Downtown Library, Edmond Library, Harrah Library, Jones Library, Luther Library, Midwest City Library, Nicoma Park Library, Northwest Library, Ralph Ellison Library, Service Center, Southern Oaks Library, The Village Library, Warr Acres Library, Wright Library, Off Site, All Locations
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Lucha Libre Mask Take Home Kit

All Day 10/15 - 10/22
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Learn all about the cultural significance of Lucha Libre masks while designing your own worthy of Rey Mysterio himself.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

OSU Extension Community Nutrition Education Program

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:

The mission of Community Nutrition Education Programs (CNEP) is to educate and empower limited-resource Oklahomans to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors. CNEP’s vision is to improve the health of Oklahomans.

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.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Teen Craft & Chat

4:30pm - 6:00pm
Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:

Calling all teens! Come to the library to spend some time with other teens, enjoy a craft, and make new friends! 

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

123! Play with Me!

10:00am - 11:00am
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Child Development & Parenting, Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 16
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.

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 "Adults" group.

Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE)

10:30am - 12:30pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Continuing Education
Event Description:

Improve your reading and other basic skills in this class made possible by Community Literacy Centers. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30-12:30.

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

All about Slime

2:00pm - 3:30pm
Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Science & STEAM
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 9
Event Description:

Ooey, gooey, slimy. Buying slime in stores or online can be expensive compared to making your own. Join us and concoct your very own slime recipe. 

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Ralph Ellison Lego Club Build a Car

6:00pm - 8:00pm
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, Science & STEAM
Event Description:

Join other LEGO fans to engineer some fun! Imagine, create, play, and learn as we build with LEGOs.

Blast off with your imagination at the Ralph Ellison library as we kick off the new Lego Club. Lego dreamers of all ages and experience levels welcome.​ 

 

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.