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
- 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
- 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
What do birds say on Halloween?
Answer: Trick or tweet
Mindfulness Journal Take Home Kit
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!
Have you ever wanted to know what happens when a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to see it? Step into the Ralph Ellison Library and watch a log as it slowly decomposes and is returned to the soil.
Celebrating Dolly Parton: Coffee Filter Butterflies Take-Home Kit
Butterflies are Dolly Parton's symbol. Create your own beautiful, colorful butterflies using coffee filters and washable markers!
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
Celebrating Dolly Parton: Construction Paper Trains Take-Home Kit
All aboard! Help your child build their own construction paper train while developing essential early learning skills supporting color and shape identification and fine motor skill development.
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
Celebrating Dolly Parton: What Would Dolly Do Bracelet Take-Home Kit
Create your own inspiring bracelet that asks the important question: "What Would Dolly Do?"
Using letter beads, you'll craft a special reminder to approach life with Dolly's kindness, generosity, and big heart.
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
REGISTER! Early Childhood (Ages 1-5) Art Activity Take-Home Kit: Senses
This kit requires registration as it includes library books that need to be checked out with an active library card.
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Bookish book bags are ready! Visit the Ralph Ellison library to pick up your Book Bag!! Bags are ready the last Monday of every month and you have a week to pick them up!
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!