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

Summer Fun Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/21–6/30
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Games & Gaming
Event Description:

Come join Ralph Ellison Library for some summer fun! 🌞🎉
Participate in our Scavenger Hunt all month long in June and earn a fun, themed eraser* as a reward! 🖊️🔍

Disclaimer(s)

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 "All Ages" group

Juneteenth Exhibit by Phil Tolbert

All Day 6/21–7/2
All Ages
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Onsite (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Community & Civics, Displays & Exhibits
Event Description:

Ralph Ellison Library is honored and excited to host librarian and researcher Phillip Tolbert's curated display of the history of Juneteenth.

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

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

Color Our World with Pinwheels Take Home Kit

All Day 6/23–6/30
Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Birth-PreK, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Experiences, DIY & Hobbies, Outdoor Program, Science & STEAM, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Proudly display your creative genius in your yard with these Jumbo Pinwheels! Learn how the breeze brings these colorful crafts to life and explore the science behind wind power.

What You'll Do:

Disclaimer(s)

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 "All Ages" group
This event is in the "Birth-PreK" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

Torn Paper Collage Take Home Kit​​

All Day 6/23–6/30
All Ages, Birth-PreK, Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Online + Curbside (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: All Ages, Birth-PreK, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, DIY & Hobbies, Take-Home Kit
Event Description:

Create a torn paper collage inspired by artist Edgar Heap of Birds' Neuf painting series. Rip colorful paper into jagged pieces to create shapes like mountain peaks, rocky canyons, and tree leaves.

Disclaimer(s)

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

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

SUMMER MEAL

12:00pm–1:30pm
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 1-18 are invited to enjoy a meal from 12-1:30 p.m. at Ralph Ellison Library.

Meals are provided by Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Summer Feeding Program.

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 "Kids" group

YOGA FOR KIDS

2:00pm–2:45pm
Kids
Ralph Ellison Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Description:

Celebrate the joys of summer with our Kids Yoga program! Designed by Taylor Conner, an OSU Extension Office Family & Consumer Science Educator, this exciting weekly yoga session is perfect for kids!

This event is in the "Adults" group

Oklahoma City Community College Resource Table

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Ralph Ellison Library
Library Branch: Ralph Ellison Library
Room: Lobby (Ralph Ellison)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Continuing Education
Event Description:

Looking for free GED and ESL courses? The Oklahoma City Community College offers both courses free of charge. Come by the OCCC resource table at your local librarian to get more information about the programs and sign up!