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

(Registration) Bookish: Teen Book Bag

All Day 8/1–8/10
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Books & Reading, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Registration Required
Event Description:

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 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!

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

Color of a Book Scavenger Hunt

All Day 8/1–8/29
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Open Study Area (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Books & Reading, Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:

Join the Ralph Ellison Library this August for a fun scavenger hunt! Look for books with specific colors on their covers. Whether you love sports or drawing, there’s a book waiting for you. Plus, you might win a prize*!

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.

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

Positive Parenting: MAKE-UP SESSION

3:00pm–4:00pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Child Development & Parenting
Registration Required
Event Description:

This 6 week interactive class works with parents to build a toolbox full of education, tips, tricks, and strategies for supportive parenting. 

Topics Include: 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Ralph Ellison Lego Club

6:00pm–8:00pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Science & STEAM
Event Description:

Join other LEGO fans to engineer some fun! Imagine, create, play, and learn as we build with LEGOs.

Blast off with your imagination at the Ralph Ellison library Lego Club. Lego dreamers of all ages and experience levels welcome.​ 

 

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.

Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.

It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.

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

Scrapbooking Club

3:30pm–4:30pm
Teens, Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room A (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Writing
Registration Required
Event Description:

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

FD Moon Middle School Back to School Night

5:00pm–7:00pm
Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Offsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Child Development & Parenting, Family Programs
Event Description:

Ralph Ellison has been invited to FD Moon Middle School's annual Back to School Bash & 5th Grade Flyover on Thursday, August 7th, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at F.D. Moon Middle School!

This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group

Free Play Friday (Ages 0 - 5)

11:30am–12:30pm
Birth-PreK
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Family Programs, Storytimes
Registration Required
Event Description:

Play is an important aspect 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 "All Ages" group

Pet Food Pantry

11:30am–12:30pm
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Outdoors (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Community & Civics, Outdoor Program
Event Description:

The Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma's Food Bank for Pets, will bring their mobile food pantry to the Ralph Ellison parking lot to give away food for your dog or cat. Food available while supplies last.