DURANT, Okla. - Last week, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma announced a transformative $1 million investment in the City of McAlester to support major renovations to the McAlester Public Library – an initiative that will include the creation of a dedicated Chahtapreneur Coworking/Business Center.
The McAlester center will join Choctaw Nation Small Business Development’s existing network of entrepreneurial hubs, which includes Durant and Idabel. These centers offer resources designed to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic opportunity across Southeast Oklahoma, including one-on-one business advising and planning, marketing, financial planning and more.
“It’s wonderful to have these partnerships where we’re unified in heart and spirit to do what’s best for our people, and that’s what we’ve been able to do alongside the City of McAlester, the Southeast Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS) and so many others,” said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation. “There’s strength in unity, and that’s what makes things happen.”
As part of the partnership, Choctaw Nation will have naming rights for the new 3,500-square-foot coworking/business center, and the Choctaw Small Business Development staff will manage the coworking/business center. The space will include a separate entrance, secure access, and designated green space. The Choctaw Nation’s support will also expand access to library resources for tribal members. As part of the partnership:
- The library will create a space dedicated to Native American heritage.
- SEOLS will provide free library cards and full access to all 17 SEOLS outlets to any Choctaw Nation member, regardless of residency.
- SEOLS will prioritize Choctaw Nation communities when scheduling their bookmobile programs.
- The library will provide electronic resources to tribal members regardless of residency, including e-books, audiobooks, career and technical learning tools, language resources, and research databases.
The $1 million contribution, funded through the Choctaw Development Fund, is part of a larger $9 million renovation effort supported by the City of McAlester, the Puterbaugh Foundation, the Southeast Oklahoma Library System, and the Fuggitt Foundation. This collaborative investment reflects a shared commitment to education, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and community development.
Renovation plans will update critical infrastructure, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and ADA accessibility, to ensure the library meets modern standards. The redesign also includes new community-centered spaces, such as:
- A Chahtapreneur coworking and business center with high-speed internet located on the lower level.
- Expanded STEM learning opportunities for youth and adults.
- A dedicated area celebrating Native American heritage, providing historical, cultural, and educational resources.
- Enhanced spaces where residents can discover information, books, technology, and a welcoming sense of community.
“This partnership reimagines what a library can be. It connects entrepreneurship, workforce development, education, and community engagement under one roof. It sends the powerful message that learning does not stop at any age, that opportunity should be accessible, and that economic development and public service can and should work hand in hand,” said Michael Hull, executive director of Southeast Oklahoma Library Services. “It is an honor that the Southeast Oklahoma Library System can, through this partnership, give back to the people who have given us so much. By uplifting Choctaw voices, preserving history, and making that history visible and accessible, we strengthen not only our library, but our shared understanding of this place we all call home.”
