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
- 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
- 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
Take Home Kit: Native American Heritage Month Knowledge Quizzes
Go on a quest for knowledge with Ralph Ellison's newest trivia quiz! The quizzes are take-home kits, so there's plenty of time to test your knowledge. You will get the questions and the answers along with a prize.
Veterans Day – Learn Their Story – Family Interview Take-Home Kit
Learn about history by talking to a family member, friend, or neighbor who is a veteran. This kit includes some tips on how to interview, how to record, and a list of questions to ask!
Bookish book bags are ready! Visit the Ralph Ellison library to pick up your Book Bag!! Bags are ready the last Monday of every month and you have a week to pick them up!
Disclaimer(s)
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!
*REGISTER* Early Childhood (Ages 1-5) Art Activity Take-Home Kit: Autumn Leaves
This kit requires registration as it includes library books that need to be checked out with an active library card.
Thankfulness Journal Take Home Kit
It can be difficult to take a moment to stop, slow down, and focus on something that’s good for our well-being. Pick up one of our monthly mindfulness journals filled with prompts to help you focus on your mental health!
Join us every Tuesday morning for our delightful Toddler Storytime at the public library! This engaging program is specially designed for children ages 1 to 3 and their caregivers.
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.
Reading Refuel: Afterschool Snack for Kids
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 6 week interactive class works with parents to build a toolbox full of education, tips, tricks, and strategies for supportive parenting.
Topics Include: