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
- An express computer with 15-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
- Chromebooks (available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Wi-Fi hotspots (available to check out; holds can be placed in our catalog)
- 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 for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Banjo Museum, and the Museum of Osteology that are first-come, first-served
- Music keyboard available for guest use. Ask staff for assistance.
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
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 7pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 1pm - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm
Upcoming Events
Test your knowledge of the force by coming to Ralph Ellison’s Star Wars Day trivia day and win some prizes. No one goes home empty handed. May the force be with all.
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.
Seniors stay active and independent! SAIL is designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement and improve activities for daily living.
Disclaimer(s)
This event is an online event offered through video and web conferencing software. If you register for this program, you will be emailed the link to connect digitally. Please note, you may need to install an app or computer application to attend this program. If you have any issues connecting, please reach out to askalibrarian@metrolibrary.org.
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!
Love anime, manga, K-pop, or K-dramas? Learning an Asian language? Want to visit an Asian country? Come hang out in the Asian Culture Club and make new friends and learn new things! Plus, take home cool stuff like Asian snacks and crafts!
Improve your reading and other basic skills in this class made possible by Community Literacy Centers. This class meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-11:30am.
123! Play with Me! is a four-week series for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, parents, and caregivers. Fun and play-based, this program provides an environment rich with toys, books, and art activities and an opportunity for families to spend time together, make new friends, and talk one-on-one with early childhood and family support specialists.
Playing with your baby or toddler is not only important for bonding but is also an educational experience for your child. We are providing a special time for you to come to the library and spend one-on-one time playing with your little one.
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.
Participants will pick out a book with a garden theme and then try to recreate it such as Peter Rabbit or Tops and Bottoms. This is a fun way to integrate literacy, art, and gardening!
Seniors stay active and independent! SAIL is designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement and improve activities for daily living.
Disclaimer(s)
This event is an online event offered through video and web conferencing software. If you register for this program, you will be emailed the link to connect digitally. Please note, you may need to install an app or computer application to attend this program. If you have any issues connecting, please reach out to askalibrarian@metrolibrary.org.