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
The New York Times 1619 Project Magazine Giveaway
From the archives - Developed by Nikole Hannah-Jones, writers from The New York Times, and The New York Times Magazine in August 2019, this magazine focused on subjects of slavery and the founding of the United States.
Take Home Kit: Black History Month Knowledge Quizzes
Go on a quest for knowledge with Ralph Ellison's annual trivia quiz! The quizzes are take-home kits, so there's plenty of time to test your knowledge. You will get the questions and the answers along with a prize.
Calling all insect explorers! Want to create and keep a collection of insects at your home? What if you could capture and decorate them yourself?
Scavenger Hunt A Century of Black History Commemorations: Musicians
We are celebrating 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week with a scavenger hunt all month long. Each week will be based on a different category. This week is Black Musicians.
Mindfulness Journal Take Home Kit
Things can feel rushed during a short month like February, so use this kit to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the themes of February.
Honor the spirit of Galentine’s and Valentine's Day by having a Blind Date with a Canvas! Whether you're spending this Valentine’s Day with a romantic partner, a best friend, or simply embracing self-love, this all-inclusive painting party is
Scavenger Hunt A Century of Black History Commemorations: Athletes
We are celebrating 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week with a scavenger hunt all month long. Each week will be based on a different category. This week is Black Athletes.
Adventurers Wanted for Dungeons & Dragons at the Ralph Ellison Library!