All libraries will be closed on Sunday, March 31, for Easter.

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
    • An express computer with 15-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 (available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis)
    • Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)

    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 for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Banjo Museum, and the Museum of Osteology that are first-come, first-served
    • Music keyboard available for guest use. Ask staff for assistance.

    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

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 7pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 1pm - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "All Ages" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Tangram Take Home Kit​​

All Day 3/11 - 3/30
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Science & STEAM, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
You'll get a bag with seven tangram tiles. A tangram is a puzzle consisting of a square cut into pieces that can be arranged to make other shapes. Make your own puzzle.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Storytime Crafternoon for Children

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:
Join a Ralph Ellison librarian for a story and art project! ...
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

OKC Mobile Market

1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:
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. Mob...

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, Wright Library, Off Site, All Locations
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Poem a Day for National Poetry Month

All Day
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading, Cultural Experiences
Event Description:
Visit Ralph Ellison Library for a poem a day during National Poetry Month, featuring different poets, eras, and subjects. You just might find a new favorite! You can read a poem in the library or we'll give you a copy of today's poem to take home. Ha...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Poetry Roll-a-Write! Take-Home Kit

All Day 4/1 - 4/8
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Take-Home Kit, Writing
Event Description:
April is National Poetry Month. Write your own poems. Struggling to structure your poems? Is creating a character as painful as pulling your hair? Does plotting your novel have you in the pits? Pick up one of our Roll-a-Write! kits and break up your ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)

10:00am - 11:00am
Library Online
Registration
Library Branch: Library Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 493
Event Description:
Seniors stay active and independent! SAIL 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 depending on fitness lev...

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.

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

Quilting & Crafting

11:00am - 2:00pm
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:
Bring your own quilting or other project and get a chance to work on it with like-minded people. They'll even offer advice if asked. Be sure to check out a quilting book from our collection! ...