Bauxite: A Company Town 

 By Cody Berry  After covering what Bauxite ore is, and what it’s used for, I thought I should talk more about the town of Bauxite. When we have visitors from other states in the U.S. or other countries even, I often relate the Gann’s walls to the Bauxite mining industry in Saline County. The nearby … Continued

Saline County Library Board Member Vacancy

At the July 15 Saline County Library Board of Trustees meeting, it was determined that a nomination process along with a nomination committee would be established to request applications to fill board vacancies as they arise. The committee will consist of the Saline County Judge, one (1) Saline County Library Board member, and one (1) … Continued

What is Niloak Pottery? 

By Cody Berry  Another frequently asked question I get from our patrons is “What is Niloak Pottery?” Well, Niloak is the name given to a popular line of art pottery made from locally sourced clays in Benton. Its creation is often credited to Benton’s own Charles Dean “Bullet” Hyten and Ohio potter Arthur Dovey but … Continued

The Seed Library Grows!

From January now through our last month of August, the Saline County Library has been offering patrons it’s 2024 Seed Library. We think the program was a big hit with the community… and we’ve got the stats to prove it! So, before we say goodbye to this year’s gardening season, let’s review: Seed packs given: 12,295 … Continued

What is Bauxite Ore?

By Cody Berry There’s a long list of questions I get frequently during my tours at the Gann Museum. I try to answer them as best I can and relate that to whatever is next on the tour. Probably the most frequently asked question is something like “So, What’s Bauxite?”  Well, Bauxite is a type … Continued

The Oldest Bridge in Arkansas? 

Recently, in my research on the Old River Bridge, I have read that it may be the oldest bridge in Arkansas. So, today, I decided to see how our bridge ranks in the chronology of early Arkansas bridges…

Adventure Begins at the Saline County Library for Summer Reading Challenge 2024

Summer Reading at the Saline County Library starts on Monday, June 3rd. All ages can enjoy age-specific programs weekly each library branch: Bob Herzfeld in Benton, Mabel Boswell in Bryant, and the East End branch.  It’s easy to participate and so much fun! To register, visit www.SalineCountyLibrary.org/SummerReading and click the big yellow button. The challenge does not … Continued

Saline County Reads

In preparation for April’s total solar eclipse, the Saline County Library is hosting Saline County Reads. This reading event for adults will start on March 1 and run through March 31, leading up to the Saline County Discusses event. Saline County Discusses will take place in the Benton branch’s Meeting Room on Monday, April 1, … Continued

Celestial Spectacle: Saline County Residents Prepare for Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, parts of Arkansas will experience a total solar eclipse! This means that for a matter of minutes, the moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun. During this period, the Sun’s bright rays will be blocked, casting the Moon’s dark shadow over parts of the planet! Arkansans are particularly … Continued