The Tulsa City-County Library broke ground today on the first of four branches to be replaced through the MY Library, OUR Future Capital Campaign.
The Rudisill Regional Library, currently located at 1520 N Hartford Avenue in Tulsa, will move just one-half mile to Greenwood Avenue, just north of B.S. Roberts Park. The move marks a return to the historic Greenwood District for the Tulsa City-County Library, which has had three branches there in the past.
“My family has used the Rudisill Regional Library for generations, and it is an integral part of the north Tulsa community,” said Sen. Kevin Matthews. “The new design isn’t just beautiful; it will do a much better job of serving neighborhood families by making today’s technology easily accessible. I am thrilled to see this project get started.”
The $21.2 million project has been funded through the library’s capital savings fund, foundation grants, corporate support and individual donations. Major donors include Bank of Oklahoma, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Sanford and Irene Burnstein Family Foundation, the Coretz Family Foundation, the Hille Family Foundation, ONEOK, Helmerich & Payne, Temple Foundation and the Cherokee Nation.
As part of the new construction, Bank of Oklahoma recently announced their commitment of $2.5 million to support the construction of the new facility, which will include the BOK Harmony Hall, an 11,000 square foot event space with an outdoor patio and skyline views that will seat up to 450 people for lectures, meetings, trainings or evening events.
“Libraries are a place of inspiration, exploration and community. Not only does a public library bring people together but it teaches us about the world around us and about our place in the world,” said Stacy Kymes, president and CEO of BOK Financial. “Rudisill Library is an example of the best of what a library has to offer. Library patrons, and the community as a whole, are going to love this new iteration of Rudisill as much as we do. It’s an honor to be part of this project.”
The new Rudisill Regional Library will retain much of the artwork in the current location with expanded space and amenities. The Jeannie B. Goodwin storytime room will double in size, as will the African American Resource Center – a research destination that allows authors and historians to easily research Black Wall Street and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. In addition, a genealogy center will return to Rudisill, focusing on African American ancestry.
Additionally, the new library will feature an outdoor reading space, drive thru window, multiple collaboration spaces and even a gift shop. The entire facility will have a music theme with a juke box, recording studio and mural.
“I started my career at the Rudisill Regional Library, and I know firsthand what the resources provided means to everyday people who rely on the library for information and assistance,” said TCCL CEO Kim Johnson. “I’m confident that the new Rudisill will be an anchor for the historic Greenwood District and larger north Tulsa community.”
The new design, created by KKT Architects, will be brought to life by Nabholz Construction. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months with a grand opening expected in early 2026. The current Rudisill Regional Library will remain open throughout construction, and TCCL leadership is working with community leaders to identify a new purpose for the existing building.
“The new Rudisill Regional Library will be something north Tulsans will be proud of. It will carry forward all the amenities that the community already relies on Rudisill for, but in a beautiful and modern facility designed around how people use libraries today. I look forward to seeing all the ways the community will use the new Rudisill to advance their education, careers and lives in their new location inside the historic Greenwood District."
The Tulsa City-County Library began the “MY Library, Our Future” private fundraising effort to replace four libraries throughout Tulsa County. Phase 1 will include Brookside and Rudisill Regional, while Phase 2 will include Owasso and South Broken Arrow. The libraries were selected for replacement based on customer usage significantly outpacing the buildings’ ability to meet growing demand.
“Leading this campaign has made it apparent what a significant impact the Tulsa City-County Library has on our community,” said TTCU CEO and Campaign Chair Tim Lyons. “Thousands of people use these four branches every day to further their education, advance their careers, run their businesses or explore new hobbies. Libraries are integral to strong communities, and keeping up with today’s changing needs is key. We are thrilled to see Phase 1 nearing completion and look forward to raising funds for Phase 2.”
The total campaign goal for all four locations is $58 million with $44.4 raised to date. Fundraising for Phase 1 is near completion, and Phase 2 will continue into 2025. Those interested in supporting the project can learn more and make donations at www.mylibraryourfuture.org.
