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
This event is in the "Adults" group

Pocketful of Stars Take-Home Kit

All Day 3/9–3/22
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:

Discover a simple, relaxing craft you can do anywhere. This kit includes materials and clear instructions to fold a dozen stylish paper stars. It’s a great hands-on break from screens and a perfect way to add a little creativity to your day.

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 "Adults" group

CANCELLED: Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) Monster of the Month

1:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Registration Required
Registration is no longer available for this event.
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Games & Gaming
Registration Required
Event Description:

Adventurers Wanted for Dungeons & Dragons at the Ralph Ellison Library!

This event is in the "Adults" group

CANCELLED: Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) Session 8

2:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Registration Required
Registration is no longer available for this event.
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Games & Gaming
Registration Required
Event Description:

Adventurers Wanted for Dungeons & Dragons at the Ralph Ellison Library!

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

Mini Canvas Painting

3:00pm–4:15pm
Kids, Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Full
Registration Required
Registration is closed because the event is full.
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies
Registration Required
Event Description:

Come enjoy a relaxing afternoon of painting on mini canvases! Whether you choose to draw inspiration from the ideas provided or let your creativity run wild, the choice is yours. It's all about having fun and expressing yourself! 

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. 

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

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

A Mindful Spring: Journal Take Home Kit

03/16/2026 @ 9:00am–03/23/2026 @ 9:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Welcome the season of renewal with A Mindful Spring Journal, created for adults seeking a quiet moment of balance and reflection.

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

Quilting & Crafting

11:00am–2:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:

Bring your own quilting or other project and get a chance to work on it with like-minded people. They'll even offer advice if asked. Be sure to check out a quilting book from our collection!

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

Reading Refuel: Afterschool Snack for Kids

3:30pm–5:00pm
Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:

Children ages 4-18 are invited to enjoy an afterschool snack/meal from 3:30-5:00 pm at Ralph Ellison Library. 

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 "Birth-PreK" group

Play and Learn (Ages 6 and under)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Registration will close on March 16, 2026 @ 4:00pm.
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programs, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Description:

Play and Learn Together!

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.