LOCATION CLOSURE:

Due to maintenance, the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library will be closed from Wednesday, August 27 through Friday, August 29.

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

Color of a Book Scavenger Hunt

All Day 8/1–8/29
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Books & Reading, Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:

Join the Ralph Ellison Library this August for a fun scavenger hunt! Look for books with specific colors on their covers. Whether you love sports or drawing, there’s a book waiting for you. Plus, you might win a prize*!

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 program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program. 

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

(Pick Up) Bookish: Teen Book Bags

All Day 8/25–8/30
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

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!

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

The Art of Quick Pickling

2:00pm–3:30pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Description:

Our OSU Extension presenter will teach participants how to make quick pickles using vinegar-based brines, perfect for late-summer vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, and carrots.

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.

This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group

Preschool Story Time

10:30am–11:30am
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Books & Reading, Storytimes

Join us for a storytime at your neighborhood library! Skilled librarians will introduce little ones to the library and show parents and caregivers invaluable information on reading readiness and create excitement about reading. Connect with others while enjoying stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and more!

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. 

This event is in the "Teens" group

Dash Cooking for Teens

6:00pm–8:00pm
Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Description:

Have you always wanted to learn how to cook, but getting out those big pots and pans just isn't it? No one wants to have to do all those dishes all the time!

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.

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

Children Reading to Dogs

6:30pm–8:00pm
Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Children's Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Books & Reading, Reading Help

Want to be a more confident reader? Build "pawsitive" self-esteem and improve your reading skills while reading aloud to certified therapy dogs at the library.

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

BattleBots & Chill

4:30pm–5:30pm
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Games & Gaming, Science & STEAM
Event Description:

Join us for an afternoon of fun, music, and friendly competition! Battle it out with HEXBUG BattleBots while listening to great tunes and enjoying each other's company.

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.