After more than a decade of leadership, Central Arkansas Library System Executive Director Nate Coulter has announced he will retire at the end of the year.
Coulter has served as executive director since March 2016, guiding the system through a period of significant growth, innovation and community-focused programming. His tenure included the $31 million renovation and expansion of the Main Library in downtown Little Rock, transforming it into a modern hub for learning and connection.
Under his leadership, CALS also completed major improvements across its system, including renovations at the Sue Cowan Williams Library and the construction of the Amy Sanders Library in Sherwood, along with upgrades across all 15 branches.
Beyond facilities, Coulter helped expand CALS’ reach through programs and services designed to meet community needs. During his time, the system reimagined the Six Bridges Book Festival, expanded outreach efforts, added social workers to better serve patrons and distributed approximately 50,000 Tech Cards annually to students. With the help of partnerships, he also developed the Be Mighty Little Rock nutrition program and the Rock It! Lab entrepreneurial hub.
In 2021, CALS received the national Jerry Kline Community Impact Award, recognizing its commitment to innovation and service.
“It has been a unique honor to lead one of the finest public library systems in America and to work alongside the people who make that possible every day,” Coulter said. “I am reminded of this often by patrons who tell me how pleased they were to discover, after moving to central Arkansas, that our libraries rival—and often surpass—those in other regions.”
CALS Board President Karama Neal praised his leadership, saying, “Nate’s leadership has positioned CALS as a national model for what libraries can be—dynamic, inclusive, and deeply connected to and informed by the communities they serve. We are grateful for his vision and dedication, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter.”
The CALS Board of Directors will begin the search for a new executive director in the coming months, with plans to discuss next steps at its April 2 meeting. To read Coulter’s full statement, click here.
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