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
    • 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 "All Ages" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

OKC Metro Landmarks Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/5–7/31
All Ages, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids
Program Type: Cultural Experiences, Displays & Exhibits, Games & Gaming
Event Description:

Come join Ralph Ellison Library for an educational scavenger hunt about OKC metro landmarks! Find all the pictures of the landmarks hidden around the library and you can earn a prize! 

*Prizes available while supplies last.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Yarn Coasters Take Home Kit

All Day 7/14–7/20
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Experiences, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Create colorful yarn coasters for your house or as a gift for someone special! Ralph Ellison Library will provide the yarn, loom, and instructions. Let your creativity flow while you enjoy this calming craft in the comfort of your own home!

This event is in the "Kids" group

Oklahoma Originals: Ralph Waldo Ellison

10:00am–11:30am
Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Community & Civics, Cultural Experiences, Family Programs, Museums at MLS, Writing
Registration Required
Event Description:

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord Pickens Museum proudly presents Oklahoma Originals. This educational program for 1st - 5th grade students is rooted in the story of Ralph Waldo Ellison, an author, essayist, musician, photographer, and scholar.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Nature Sun Prints- Take Home Kit

All Day 7/21–7/27
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Oklahoma City-based artist Edgar Heap of Birds drew inspiration for his Neuf painting series from the landscapes of his mother’s homeland.

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

Paper Plate School Bus Take Home Kit

07/21/2025 @ 9:00am–07/28/2025 @ 9:00pm
Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Gear up for back-to-school season with a fun and creative activity! Stop by the Ralph Ellison Library and pick up a Paper Plate School Bus Take-Home Kit. Perfect for getting into the school spirit and having some crafty fun!

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
This event is in the "Teens" group

SUMMER MEAL

12:00pm–1:30pm
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 1-18 are invited to enjoy a meal from 12-1:30 p.m. at Ralph Ellison Library.

Meals are provided by Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Summer Feeding Program.

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 "Kids" group

Super Tasters

3:00pm–4:00pm
Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Description:

Why are some foods better for me than others? Discover taste and textures of a healthy snack while you learn about how food fuels your body. Presented by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

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

Evening Story Time

6:30pm–7:30pm
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Books & Reading, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Description:

Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, games, and activities that encourage language development and promote positive attitudes about reading and learning!