The Auburn Avenue Research Library consists of three divisions: Reference and Research, Archives, and Programming. The Reference and Research Division maintains a variety of textual and microform records, a non-circulating library of secondary sources, and a broad array of Web-accessible research databases for the study of African American culture and history and the African Diaspora. There, reference staff serves the public on-site, as well as off-site through e-mail, mail, and telephone inquiries.

The Archives Division makes available unique historical records of enduring value related primarily to African American culture and history, with a concentration on local Atlanta history. These primary sources include not only textual and special media records (cartographic records, graphic arts, still photographs, sound recordings, and moving images), but also art and artifacts, microforms, rare books, and textiles.  Archives staff assist patrons on-site in the archives reading room and make collections accessible remotely through finding aids and digitized collections.

The Programming Division supports the library's mission and serves the public through book discussions and readings, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, seminars, tours, and workshops. The facility accommodates these activities on the main level —through an auditorium, two lecture spaces, and three gallery spaces. Through its cultural, educational, and scholarly programming—which is local, national, and transnational in scope—the program division helps interpret and highlight the institution's rich collections and provides outreach to the general public, as well as to Atlanta's academic community.