* Oberlin College Library: The oldest continuously operating library in the state of Ohio.
* John Kendrick Bangs (Class of 1883): Humorist, author, and editor.
* Sherwood Anderson (Class of 1916): Author of Winesburg, Ohio and other works.
* Langston Hughes (Class of 1929): Poet, playwright, and social activist.
* James Baldwin (Class of 1949): Author of The Fire Next Time and other works.
* Toni Morrison (Class of 1953): Author of Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and other works.
* David Sedaris (Class of 1977): Humorist, author, and radio personality.
* Lena Waithe (Class of 2006): Actress, writer, and producer.
* Amandla Stenberg (Class of 2014): Actress and activist.