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

"I Love My Library!" Scavenger Hunt

All Day 9/2–9/30
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading
Event Description:

Stop by the Ralph Ellison Library to do this month's Scavenger Hunt! This month's theme is "I Love My Library" for National Library Card Sign-up Month in September! 

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

Wright Library Centennial Celebration Paper Replica Take Home

All Day 9/2–9/30
Kids, Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Family Programs, Science & STEAM, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Bring the iconic Wright Library home with our special paper template kit! Using detailed templates, designed by Metro Library staff, to create your own paper model of this historic 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 "Birth-PreK" group
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Event Description:

This kit requires registration as it includes library books that need to be checked out with an active library card. 

Disclaimer(s)

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!

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

Constitution in Calligraphy Take-Home Kit

All Day 9/15–9/22
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Community & Civics, Cultural Experiences, DIY & Hobbies, Writing
Event Description:

This Constitution Day, discover the art behind the United States Constitution by exploring the calligraphy of the original document.

This event is in the "Teens" group

Teen Afternoon

4:30pm–6:00pm
Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:

It's teen time at the library! Come join in on the fun every other Tuesday while we play video games, board games, be crafty, techy, or just hang out and make new friends! Have an idea for a teen program? We want to hear from you!

This event is in the "Adults" group

RESCHEDULED: 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: Careers & Jobs, Continuing Education, Reading Help
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 10:30 am-12:30 pm. 

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.

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

Diary of a Worm and Soil Science Fun (Ages 3-8)

3:30pm–4:30pm
Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Science & STEAM, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Description:

What do you know about worms and soil? Together we will read the book Diary of a Worm and make a silly and scrumptious "dirt" cup as we learn about different soil types. 

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.