Attention:

The Ralph Ellison Library at 2000 NE 23rd St is closed for upgrades beginning April 16. We anticipate reopening on May 6.

All libraries will be closed on Sunday, April 20, for Easter.

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
    • 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)

    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 "All Ages" group.

CANCELLED: Poem a Day for National Poetry Month

All Day
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading, Cultural Experiences
Event Description:

Visit Ralph Ellison Library for a poem a day during National Poetry Month, featuring different poets, eras, and subjects. You just might find a new favorite!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

ON ZOOM: Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE)

10:30am - 12:30pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Continuing Education
Event Description:

Improve your reading and other basic skills in this class made possible by Community Literacy Centers. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30-12:30.  

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

CANCELLED: Quilting & Crafting

11:00am - 2:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:

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!

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

CANCELLED: Homework Help at the Library

4:30pm - 7:00pm
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Books & Reading, Homework Help, Reading Help
Event Description:

If you have a challenging homework assignment or questions about what you've learned, stop by the Ralph Ellison Library for Homework Help.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

CANCELLED: Poem a Day for National Poetry Month

All Day
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading, Cultural Experiences
Event Description:

Visit Ralph Ellison Library for a poem a day during National Poetry Month, featuring different poets, eras, and subjects. You just might find a new favorite!

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

CANCELLED: Preschool Story Time

10:30am - 11:00am
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
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 "All Ages" group.

CANCELLED: Poem a Day for National Poetry Month

All Day
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Books & Reading, Cultural Experiences
Event Description:

Visit Ralph Ellison Library for a poem a day during National Poetry Month, featuring different poets, eras, and subjects. You just might find a new favorite!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

ON ZOOM: Adult Basic Education Classes (ABE)

10:30am - 12:30pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Continuing Education
Event Description:

Improve your reading and other basic skills in this class made possible by Community Literacy Centers. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30-12:30.