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
Calling all teens or adults who love reading teen books! Bookish is available for adults to check out too!
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.
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!
DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments Take-Home Kit
Make your own Christmas tree ornament with this fun take-home kit at Ralph Ellison Library.
Disclaimer(s)
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Reading Refuel: Afterschool Snack for Kids
Children ages 4-18 are invited to enjoy an afterschool snack/meal from 3:30-5:00 pm at Ralph Ellison Library.
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.
Ralph Ellison Library is offering a new creative and collaborative club for the community! The Scrapbooking Club is an opportunity for guests to preserve memories, create personalized keepsakes, and connect with fellow scrapbook enthusiasts.
This 6 week interactive class works with parents to build a toolbox full of education, tips, tricks, and strategies for supportive parenting.
Topics Include:
Get ready for a foamy, colorful afternoon of science at the library! Kids are invited to join us for a hands-on, in-person science program where we’ll explore the chemistry behind the spectacular “elephant toothpaste” experiment.
Disclaimer(s)
This event is scheduled to take place outside weather permitting. Customers are encouraged to wear sunscreen and their masks. Customers may also bring a blanket or lawn chair. Please watch your email for updates to change of avenue or cancelation.
Festive Focus Journal Take Home Kit
Taking a moment to slow down and care for your well-being can be tricky—especially during the busy holiday season!
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 to 12:30 pm.