Can we make it to 20,000 followers by summer?
Our library currently has 13,000 Facebook followers. But we want to tell everyone we know about all the awesome programs, books, and materials the Saline County Library has to offer! So, we’re racing towards 20,000 followers in the most fun way possible… by fostering our community and having prize drawings! So, are you ready to … Continued
From Bauxite to Alumina: The Bayer Process
By Cody Berry Since our new exhibit is focused on the town of Bauxite, and the industry that built it, I wanted to answer some commonly asked questions. The question explored in this article: “What happens to the bauxite after it’s dug up?” Once the bauxite ore was mined, there was a complex process a … Continued
How Bauxite Built a Town
By Cody Berry We at the Gann Museum are pleased to announce that the museum has reopened after a very cold winter. Our new exhibit “How Bauxite Built A Town: 1896-1984″ pays tribute to the people who labored in and around the bauxite mines of Saline County during that time. The town of Bauxite holds … Continued
Lynda Hollenbeck: A Legend in Saline County Journalism
By Cody Berry Photo above of Lynda Hollenbeck courtesy of Destin Davis at the Saline Courier. On January 6, I learned about the passing of a legendary figure in modern Saline County history, the great Lynda Hollenbeck. Lynda was born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas on August 8, 1941, to Paul and Lillie Parnell. A graduate … Continued
Who was Mrs. Gann?
By Cody Berry Since March is Women’s History Month, I wanted to write a bit about some Saline County women. Last week I recounted my meeting with the local chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, so this week, I wanted to talk about Mrs. Gann. Unlike Dr. Gann, Sr., who was … Continued
It’s National Library Week!
National Library Week is here, and we’re celebrating! Thank you to all the amazing things libraries, librarians, and library workers do to help strengthen our communities, promote literacy, and so much more! Check out the events that Saline County will have Starting Monday, we’ll have events EVERY EVENING during National Library week! Pick your favorite… … Continued
East End’s First Birthday!
🥳Our youngest branch, the East End Branch, was opened on April 1st last year, 2024. So this year, we’re celebrating!!! 🥳 On April 1st, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, we’ll have crafts, activities, and treats at the East End Branch to celebrate one year of awesome library-ing! So, some of our stats for the … Continued
A Visit with The Daughters of the American Revolution
By Cody Berry A while ago when I was working at the Benton branch of the Saline County Library, I met Mrs. Belinda Jones, Organizing Regent of the Saline Crossing Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She asked if I would be interested in having her group of ladies at the … Continued
Winter Reading was AWESOME!
❄️We had an absolute artic blast this winter with our Winter Challenges!❄️ Did you participate in one of our challenges? At The Saline County Library, we had 396 total participants: 174 kids and 222 adults! Thats a lot of reading, writing, and watching! And there was so many cool prizes for participating and completing our … Continued
Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes
Photography above provided courtesy of Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes. By Cody Berry Way back when I was writing entries for the CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas, its editor Dr. Guy Lancaster, sent me an Arkansas Times article about Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes by David Ramsey. Dr. Lancaster asked if I was interested in writing an entry on Barnes … Continued