NOTICE:

All Metro Library locations are in the “Curbside Plus” stage. In this stage, ready holds will be delivered curbside. Customers can come into a library to use a computer or to print/copy/fax/scan. Masks are required.  Click here for more information.

All libraries will be closed on Monday, January 18 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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.

Services

    Technology

    • Public use computers with 60-minute internet access and printing capabilities
    • Mobile and offsite printing
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • MediaSurfers - Check out an iPad (in-library use only) to surf the web, use library services, read magazines and books, check email, use social media, play games and more!
    • Color copy machine with free outbound faxing (to U.S. numbers only) and scanning capability

    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)

    Spaces

    Special Collections

    • Black History Collection

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday: 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm
Sunday: 1-5pm



Curbside Hours

Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm
Sunday: 1-5pm



Upcoming Events

Inspired Readers at Ralph Ellison Book Club

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Zoom (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs, Books & Reading, Continuing Education, Cultural Experiences
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Description:

Calling all readers! Looking to build community and challenge yourself to discover new, exciting tales? If so, then look no further! Come meet new friends, read new books, and enjoy lively conversation at your neighborhood library.

Book, article, and/or publication readings and discussions for adults of all ages....

Steppin Into Shape

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Zoom (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Description:
Let’s get healthy with fitness and fun. View via ZOOM in the comfort of your home either alone, with a friend, or even as a family to participate in aerobics, line dances, Zumba or partner swing steps. Dress comfortably and get ready to step into a n...

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 event is an online event offered through video and web conferencing software.  If you register for this program, you will be emailed the link to connect digitally.   Please note, you may need to install an app or computer application to attend this program.  If you have any issues connecting, please reach out to askalibrarian@metrolibrary.org.

Sundays Together Online

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Library Online
Library Branch: Library Online
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:
Join us as we create imaginary worlds, learn new art techniques, find inspiration in books, and connect with the world around us. Sundays together is an art weekly program for the whole family to enjoy. Join us on Facebook Live as we s...

Broke Basics: Cooking

6:00pm - 6:30pm
Library Online
Library Branch: Library Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Live Performances & Entertainment
Event Description:
Join us every month as we provide the tips and tricks on how you can stretch your dollar. This month is focusing on cooking and groceries. A trip to the grocery store can be costly. We have some tips on starting and sticking to a grocery budget...

Library Closed

All Day
Some Branches
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, Library Online, All Locations
Description:
Even though the library is closed, you can visit our website to browser our collection, checkout and download eMaterials (eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and TV series), plus use one of our many eResources to research and learn.  ...

Tai Chi for Better Balance

10:00am - 11:00am
Library Online
Library Branch: Library Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:
Let’s get stronger, together! Evidence suggests that Tai Chi is an effective means of improving balance, strengthening muscles, and building confidence to prevent falls. Tai Chi is a low-impact dance-like exercise that can be performed almost anywher...

Online Storytime

9:30am - 10:00am
Library Online
Registration
Library Branch: Library Online
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Description:
Join us for a storytime at your library online on most Tuesdays. Sign up to receive a link for the storytime which you can view anytime during that week. Skilled librarians will introduce little ones to the magic of stories and share inv...

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)

11:00am - 12:00pm
Library Online
Registration
Library Branch: Library Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 460
Event Description:
Seniors stay active and independent! Silver Sneakers Classic is designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement and improve activities for daily living. A chair is used for seated exercises and standing support and class can be modified depen...

Disclaimer(s)

This event is an online event offered through video and web conferencing software.  If you register for this program, you will be emailed the link to connect digitally.   Please note, you may need to install an app or computer application to attend this program.  If you have any issues connecting, please reach out to askalibrarian@metrolibrary.org.