We have some exciting news!!

The Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library in Benton will be receiving new service desks, a new computer lab set-up and a self-service holds pick-up station in January!!

In order to get these renovations done quickly and safely, the Bob Herzfeld branch will be closed during the week of January 6-11th. 

In addition to the Bob Herzfeld branch being closed that week, the Mabel Boswell branch in Bryant will also be closed that Monday, January 6th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to allow staff from both branches to meet for training. The Mabel Boswell branch will open at 12:00 PM on January 6th and resume regular hours afterwards. 

“Our goal with this renovation is to be as accessible as possible,” said Patty Hector, Library Director. “The new circulation desk will provide more room for those in wheelchairs, and the self-service holds will allow patrons to go in and out to pick up their holds without waiting in line.”

In order to make this closing more convenient for Benton patrons, all holds placed online or over the phone will be available for pick-up in the meeting room in Benton. Patrons can enter the meeting room through the side entrance, but will not be permitted to enter the rest of the building. Patrons will also have the option to have their holds delivered to Bryant if they would like to browse the Mabel Boswell branch. 

The meeting room in Benton will be open for holds pick-up according to the schedule below: 

Monday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Bob Herzfeld branch employees will still be in the building during the week of renovations, so the book drops will be open as much as possible to return materials and librarians will be available to answer phone calls. 

All three public desks (circulation desk, help desk and children’s department desk) will be getting new designs to better accommodate staff and patrons.

The computer lab will have a new design and layout, similar to the computer lab in Bryant. Patrons will have more room to work, as well as more privacy. The most exciting change will be our new self-service holds station, where patrons can easily pick up their holds and use the self-check to speed up their process.

Lindsay Jordan, patron and board member, is most excited about the self-service holds station. “It’s nice to be able to move at my own pace,” she said, “as a working mom, I’m usually in a hurry so I enjoy self-service stations of any kind! These renovations will allow patrons to have an even easier and more enjoyable time at the library.”

These renovations mark the first time the Bob Herzfeld branch has had a large-scale upgrade since opening in 2003. 

To view the floor plan for these exciting renovations, scroll through the gallery on the right.