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
- Color copy machine with free outbound faxing (to U.S. numbers only) and scanning capability
- Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)
- 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 back and is now 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 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.
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!
Have you ever wanted to design a flag? Have you ever wondered what symbols and colors mean on some of your favorite flags? Wave on into Ralph Ellison library and pick up a design your own flag take home kit.
Mini Canvas Painting Take Home Kit
Get ready to color your world with this fun Mini Canvas Painting Take-Home Kit! Hurry, it's first come, first serve—grab yours before they're gone!
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone.
Join us on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month to explore and learn more about science, technology, engineering, art, and math via an engaging activity or craft. Supplies will be provided. Recommended for ages 5 - 12.
Come to the library this May for a fun and relaxing activity where you can make colorful origami paper cranes! We’ll have all the supplies ready for you, including lots of pretty papers and simple instructions to help you out.
Come to the library this May for a fun and relaxing activity where you can make colorful origami paper cranes! We’ll have all the supplies ready for you, including lots of pretty papers and simple instructions to help you out.
Bring your own quilting or other project and get a chance to work on it with like-minded people. They'll even offer advice if asked. Be sure to check out a quilting book from our collection!