All libraries will close at 6pm on Wednesday 11/26 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen Saturday, 11/29.

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

Thankfulness Journal Take Home Kit

11/17/2025 @ 9:00am–11/26/2025 @ 6:00pm
Kids, Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

It can be difficult to take a moment to stop, slow down, and focus on something that’s good for our well-being. Pick up one of our monthly mindfulness journals filled with prompts to help you focus on your mental health!

Library Closes @ 6 PM

6:00pm–9:00pm
Some Branches
Closing
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, Stockyards City Library, Off Site, All Locations

Library Closed

All Day
Some Branches
Closing
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, Stockyards City Library, Off Site, All Locations

Library Closed

All Day
Some Branches
Closing
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, Stockyards City Library, Off Site, All Locations
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
Registration Required
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. 

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

(Registration) Bookish: Teen Book Bag

All Day 12/1–12/7
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Event Description:

Calling all teens or adults who love reading teen books! Bookish is available for adults to check out too!

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.

We can only guarantee one kit per registration.  Please register individually to ensure that kits are appropriately distributed.  Special notes should not be used for additional registrations.

Thank you for your help!

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

DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments Take-Home Kit

12/01/2025 @ 9:00am–12/22/2025 @ 9:00pm
Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Make your own Christmas tree ornament with this fun take-home kit at Ralph Ellison Library.

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Adults" group

Adult Basic Education

10:30am–12:30pm
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 9:30-11:30.