All libraries will be closed on Tuesday, 12/24 and Wednesday, 12/25.

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

Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Upcoming Events

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

Quilting & Crafting

11:00am - 2:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
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.

Winter Window Mural Art for Children

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Description:

What's cooler than being cool this winter? Get ready to paint the library window to help us get in the mood for winter! Our Window Mural Art program for kids is back and will take place during Winter Break.

Library Closed

All Day 12/24 - 12/25
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, Service Center, Southern Oaks Library, The Village Library, Warr Acres Library, Wright Library, Off Site, All Locations
This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group.

Free Play Friday

11:30am - 12:30pm
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Child Development & Parenting, Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Description:

Play is an important part of early childhood development and an excellent way to prepare children for school and beyond.

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 "Adults" group.

Banned Book Club For Parents

10:00am - 11:00am
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 28
Event Description:

Book Bans are happening all around the country, but why? There are some crazy claims being made about these books. Should we be reading them? Let's find out by not only reading them, but also discussing them!

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

Quilting & Crafting

11:00am - 2:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
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 "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Urban Poets

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, Cultural Experiences
Event Description:

Open Mic Poetry Night. Are you an amateur, a seasoned poet, or somewhere in between and looking for someplace to express your talent?

Library Closes @ 6 PM (NYE 2024)

6:00pm - 9:00pm
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, Service Center, Southern Oaks Library, The Village Library, Warr Acres Library, Wright Library, Off Site, All Locations