BRANCH HOURS UPDATE:

From March 2-5, the Patience S. Latting Northwest Library will close at 7 p.m. for carpet replacement.

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

Hina Matsuri Kimono Art Take-Home Kit

All Day 3/2–3/8
All Ages, Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Experiences, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Celebrate Hina Matsuri, also known as Girls’ Day in Japan, with this fun and colorful take-home craft. In Japan, families display special dolls each year on March 3 to wish for health and happiness.

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. 

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 "All Ages" group

Route 66 Adventure Passport Take-Home Kit

All Day 3/2–3/8
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Experiences, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road with our Route 66 Adventure Passport kit! Inside, you’ll find a passport ready to take you on a journey through Oklahoma’s historic Route 66 stops.
This event is in the "Adults" group

Adult Basic Education

10:00am–12:00pm
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 10:00 am-12:00 pm.

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

Computer Class: Beyond the Basics

2:00pm–4:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Registration will close on March 4, 2026 @ 2:00pm.
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Continuing Education
Registration Required
Event Description:

Join this free class for a basic introduction to computers, keyboarding, and how to get an email.

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 "All Ages" group

Ralph Ellison Lego Club

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 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.

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

SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life)

1:00pm–2:00pm
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: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Description:

Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a fitness program for older adults, which can be done sitting or standing.

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.