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
- Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)
- 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
Bookish book boxes are ready! Visit the Ralph Ellison library to pick up your January Book Box!! Boxes are ready the last Monday of every month and you have a week to pick them up!
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.
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!
Have you ever wanted to design a flag? Have you ever wondered what symbols and colors mean on some of your favorite flags? Wave on into Ralph Ellison library and pick up a design your own flag take home kit.
Learn about Colors Take Home Kit
Grab this fun coloring take-home kit and help your child explore different colors to color their world! The kit includes crayons for endless creative fun!
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
🎉 Stop by Ralph Ellison Library and grab a fun, Pokémon-themed pompom kit! 🧶✨ Each kit comes with everything you need—except scissors! It's first come, first served, so hurry in before they’re gone! 🏃♀️💨
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.
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
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.
Father's Day Card Decorating & Mini Tool Box Painting
Hey there! 🚨 Register now and join us at the Ralph Ellison Library for a super fun Father’s Day workshop! 🔨✨ We’re making cool mini wooden toolboxes and crafting awesome Father’s Day cards!
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.
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.
Join the Ralph Ellison staff for a fun and creative kickoff party to Summer Reading! Create colorful art, play games, and help color your library for this year's Summer Reading theme!