Contact:
Manager/Coordinator:
Sara Martinez
Phone: 918-549-7323
Services:
WiFi
Wireless printing
Checkout laptops for in-library use
Public Access Computers
Meeting Room(s)
Spanish-speaking staff / Personal bilingüe
AWE Early Literacy Computer
Bike Locks
Public Fax, Scan, & Copy
Business Center
36.1296871, -95.9054603
The Nathan Hale Library sits at the edge of a small neighborhood in midtown Tulsa near 23rd and Sheridan. Designed by F. Allen Whiteside. At 4,882-square-feet, the Nathan Hale Library was the largest branch in the city when it opened in 1963. Now it is the smallest, and a bustling, branch.
Nathan Hale Library History
Nathan Hale celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in November, 2023! It was the first branch to be built under the then-new City-County System in 1963. Lois Jones was the first librarian when she was appointed that year. Those serving short terms as librarian between 1967 and 1983 included Dusty Wade, Virginia Collier, Inalea Weathers, Marilyn Shackleford, Marjory Hooker, Rosemary Moran, Mike Rusk, Lola Todd and Sonia Long. Many of them went on to illustrious careers in the Tulsa City-County Library System. Ann Gaebe managed the branch from 1983 to 1999; Bobbie Bridgewood from 1983 to 2014, when the current manager began her tenure.
In 2001 the Tulsa City-County Library Commission proposed the relocation of the Nathan Hale Library to 51st and Memorial. Library administrators held several public meetings to announce their plans. An outcry was heard from the small community. Nathan Hale customers expressed how much they loved their small library. After listening to the community, library administrators withdrew the proposal and in 2002 proceeded with plans to renovate the library with funds received from the 1998 bond issue.
After undergoing a seven-month extensive renovation project that included a new parking lot and a new front entrance on the west side of the building, the vastly improved Nathan Hale Library opened its doors on January 2, 2003. Later that week, more than 500 eager, happy users attended the open house to check out the library’s new look and celebrate the completion of the project.
Regular programs at Nathan Hale Library
Children's programs are on hiatus during May
Nathan Hale Book Clubs
Around the World in 80 Books!
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. We read and discuss books - mostly in translation - from outside of the United States.
Graphic Novel Club for tweens and teens
Meets the 2nd Saturday of the month 3:45-4:45 pm. A literary celebration of graphic novels with snacks and activities for teens and tweens.
Seed Library
Check out up to 15 seed packets per season from our collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds and grow your garden. Save seeds from the best plants and return them to the library for others.
Our seed collection depends on donations, availability and seasonality. By saving seeds as a community, we help create local seed stocks that are better adapted to our MIdwest climate.