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.

(Pick Up) Bookish: Teen Book Box

All Day 5/28 - 6/1
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
Registration Required
Event Description:

Bookish book boxes are ready! Visit the Ralph Ellison library to pick up your January Book Box!! Boxes are ready the last Monday of every month and you have a week to pick them up!

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!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

RESCHEDULED: Spring Speed Friending

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Cultural Experiences, Games & Gaming
Registration Required
Event Description:

Making friends, especially in adulthood, is hard. If you're struggling, you're not alone - at least not for much longer!

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

Children Reading to Dogs

6:30pm - 8:00pm
Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Children's Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Books & Reading, Reading Help

Want to be a more confident reader? Build "pawsitive" self-esteem and improve your reading skills while reading aloud to certified therapy dogs at the library.

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

Origami Cranes Creation

All Day
All Ages, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
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.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Origami Cranes Creation

All Day
All Ages, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
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.

Saturday Morning Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
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!

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

OKC Mobile Market

2:00pm - 3:00pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:

The OKC Mobile Market offers fresh produce to residents of Oklahoma County at no cost. We know that access to fresh fruit and vegetables is a barrier for many folks in the community, not only due to food deserts, but also the rising cost of food.

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

Pokémon Pompoms Take Home Kit

All Day 6/1 - 6/9
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

🎉 Stop by Ralph Ellison Library and grab a fun, Pokémon-themed pompom kit! 🧶✨ Each kit comes with everything you need—except scissors! It's first come, first served, so hurry in before they’re gone! 🏃‍♀️💨

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.

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

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