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 "Birth-PreK" group

New Year, New Readers: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early Literacy Kit

All Day 1/5–1/17
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Books & Reading, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:
Start the year with a story!

Disclaimer(s)

We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).

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

Reading Refuel: Afterschool Snack for Kids

3:30pm–5:00pm
Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:

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.

This event is in the "All Ages" group
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Author Events, Books & Reading
Event Description:

Join us for an informational meeting and book launch celebrating author Quraysh Ali Lansana's book, Ralph Ellison: More than Invisible.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Embroidery Painting with Artist Irmgard Geul

3:00pm–4:30pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Capacity has been reached. Additional registrants will be placed on the waitlist.
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Description:

Join us to meet Oklahoma artist Irmgard Geul, as she shares some of her artwork and talks about how she creates her unique mixed media and fiber art pieces.

Library Closed

All Day
Some Branches
Closing
Branches:
Almonte Library, Belle Isle Library, Bethany Library, Capitol Hill Library, Choctaw Library, Del City Library, Downtown Library, Edmond Library, Harrah Library, Jones Library, Luther Library, Midwest City Library, Nicoma Park Library, Northwest Library, Ralph Ellison Library, Southern Oaks Library, Stockyards City Library, The Village Library, Warr Acres Library, All Locations
This event is in the "Kids" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

National Penguin Day Story Time & Crafts

3:00pm–4:30pm
Kids, Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:

Dive into the chilly world of penguins as we celebrate National Penguin Day!

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

Reading Refuel: Afterschool Snack for Kids

3:30pm–5:00pm
Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Description:

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Adult Basic Education

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
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 10:00 am-12:00 pm.