Battle of the Businesses
So how does it work? đ Are you a business interested in participating? Contact Kari Lapp at KariL@SalineCountyLibrary.org. Looking for marketing materials? Check out our Press Kit. âĄď¸ OR, Are you looking to donate? Find a donation box at one of our brave champion’s storefront locations below and help your favorite take the win! Items … Continued
Dr. Gann, Jr Goes to Fort Oglethorpe
By Cody Berry This story comes straight from that mysterious scrapbook I found in Dr. Gannâs office furniture in the front room of the museum. One of the things that fell out of that scrapbook turned out to be some of Dr. Gann Jr.âs military records from 1917. That year, the United States joined the … Continued
Downtown Ghost StoriesÂ
By Cody Berry Sometimes I get asked if the Gann is haunted or not. I havenât seen the ghost of Dr. Gann or any member of his family, but I have had some strange coincidences. For example, while doing research for the âOnly the Names Have Changedâ exhibit, on downtown Benton, I spent a lot … Continued
Winter Challenge 2024!
The chill is setting in, and it’s time for this year’s Winter Challenge!âď¸ From November 25, 2024 through January 31, 2025 all three library branches encourage everyone to read, watch, and enjoy stories. âReading is reading!â That means every media and story, from traditional prose books, to illustrated comic books and graphic novels, to even … Continued
November Giving!
This November we’re focusing on honoring and aiding those in need! Take a look at some of the charitable events the library is putting together for the amazing community within Saline County. đ Mister Rogers Sweater Drive For the entire month of November, The Saline County Library will be accepting winter clothing at all branches. … Continued
Unexpected Discoveries at the GannÂ
By Cody Berry This week and last week have been full of small discoveries at the Gann Museum. Last week, I was looking for picture frames to use in a future display when I came across a certificate from the National Register of Historic Places for the Old River Bridge. The certificate was printed in … Continued
Library Card Sign Up Month 2024 Recap
September is over, and fall is on its way. We had an absolutely amazing Library Card Sign Up Month (LCSUM)!!! Thank you to everyone who participated – from the 50+ businesses offering discounts to library card holders, to the Saline County residents who signed up for a library card or renewed their card, and everyone … Continued
A Tale of Three TheatersÂ
By Cody Berry Downtown Benton was once home to three movie theaters but not all at the same time. The Palace was the oldest, then came the IMP (Independent Motion Pictures), which we now call the Royal, and the Victory. The Palace Theater was built in 1919 on West South Street in Benton just around … Continued
The Masonic History of Charles Hyten
Many of Saline Countyâs most influential and well-known men were members of the local Masonic lodge. The Benton Masonic Lodge was chartered on November 6, 1850, and its first Worshipful Master was A.C. Scott.1 Like Dr. Gann, Sr and his son, Niloak Pottery owner and creator Charles âBulletâ Hyten was a Freemason. Charles Hyten was … Continued
Free Halloween Programs for All Ages
Free Halloween events are wicked this way comes! đ We’ve got a SPOOKY amount of fun for all ages headed your way! You don’t need a library card to attend, but don’t you know you can check out the scariest books, movies, and more with your library card!? If you don’t have a library card, … Continued