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:
- EMBARK bus routes 002 (click here for route map) and 022 (click here for route map)
- Closest bus stop: N Martin Luther King Ave @ NE 23rd St (2-minute walk to library from stop)
Services
- 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
- 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
Technology
Collection
- Meeting rooms - Cost (reservations required)
- Black History Collection
Spaces
Special Collections
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
Come join Ralph Ellison Library for some summer fun! 🌞🎉
Participate in our Scavenger Hunt all month long in June and earn a fun, themed eraser* as a reward! 🖊️🔍
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.
Ralph Ellison Library is honored and excited to host librarian and researcher Phillip Tolbert's curated display of the history of Juneteenth.
Color Our World with Pinwheels Take Home Kit
Proudly display your creative genius in your yard with these Jumbo Pinwheels! Learn how the breeze brings these colorful crafts to life and explore the science behind wind power.
What You'll Do:
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.
Torn Paper Collage Take Home Kit
Create a torn paper collage inspired by artist Edgar Heap of Birds' Neuf painting series. Rip colorful paper into jagged pieces to create shapes like mountain peaks, rocky canyons, and tree leaves.
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
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.
Make your own fruit infused water in this hands-on workshop. Explore how water fuels your body and what is hiding in sports drinks, soda, and juice. as you learn how hydration keeps your body moving.
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.
Join us for a fun Saturday afternoon of exploring and learning more about science, technology, engineering, art, and math via an engaging activity or craft. Supplies will be provided. Recommended for ages 5 - 12.