Choctaw County Library

About Us:

Hugo, Choctaw County, Donald W. Reynolds Library and Learning Center Dedicated November 9, 2004.The Public Library is part of the Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma

In 1963 the 3 original sponsoring clubs and the Hugo Rotary Club undertook a major renovation and another $50,000 up-grade was done in 1975 when a Vocational Service Project was housed in the library. In 1967 the Oklahoma Department of Libraries approved the formation of a new regional library system for this part of the state. John Hinkle 1st System Director came to Hugo several times and met with Head Librarian Nell Rountree. He strongly urged participation in the new multi-county process. This association was a great step forward for the Library. After a 2 year multi-county demonstration period, the counties involved voted to provide a 2 mil ad valorem tax levy to support the new Choctaw Nation Multi-County Public Library System. In 1971 the Hugo Public Library became the Choctaw County Public Library. In 1982 a Time Capsule was buried on Statehood Day, to be opened in 2057. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The Choctaw Nation Multi-County Public Library System changed its name in 1986 and became the present day Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma (SEPLSO). The first Literacy Council meeting was held in 1989. This association with the Choctaw County Library has continued over the years, being both fruitful and satisfactory for everyone involved. Nell Rountree served as Head Librarian for 29 years and retired in June 1989.

Choctaw County in 1997 voted a 2 mil increase for materials and staff. The Choctaw County Library was in a unique position, with the building leased and maintained by its independent local board, with the Southeastern Public Library System providing the materials and staff. The local board became a legal nonprofit corporation in the 1990’s. This situation proved a blessing when applying for grants which were not available to municipalities. The library had long ago outgrown the old Civic Center building and in 1996 Head Librarian Sharon Swift started the ball rolling by asking System Director Wayne Hanway to prepare a written building program for a new library.