Auburn Avenue Research Library

What it is

The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History sits at the west end of the Sweet Auburn historic district. It opened in May 1994 and is a special library of the Fulton County Library System. It was the first public library in the Southeast with specialized reference and archival collections on African American culture and history and on peoples of African descent.

The library has three divisions. Reference and Research keeps textual and microform records and research databases. Archives holds historical records with a focus on local Atlanta history, including photographs, sound recordings, rare books and textiles. Programming runs book discussions, film screenings, lectures, workshops and exhibitions, with an auditorium, lecture spaces and three gallery spaces. The library's own site lists author talks and screenings in October 2026 and exhibitions running through the end of the year.

Before you go

Hours are not printed on the pages we read, so check the official AARL site for hours and current events.