Keeping up with the Librarians…

The Saline County Library is grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from patrons and community members, co-workers and board members over the past several months.  We want to serve Saline County in the best way we can.  We would like the board and residents to know that we have heard the concerns and … Continued

The Ganns Visit Havana

The Gann family has garnered a great deal of fame in Saline County over the years, but did you know that in 1940 they visited Havana, Cuba? Dr. Gann, Jr., worked for many years as Chief of Staff at St. Vincent’s Infirmary and at Little Rock General Hospital from 1919 to 1924. Reportedly, it was … Continued

Life of a Library Book

A look at how library books find their way to the shelves! The Saline County Library is home to over 94,725 unique books and items. Among these items are DVDs, audiobooks, video games, and a host of physical tools, such as cake pans and fishing rods. But how do these books/items find their way to … Continued

We are EXPANDING!!! East End Branch Coming Soon!

We are excited to announce that we are in the process of expanding into a third branch, which will serve the community of East End, Arkansas. This branch will be located in the Hope Valley Development at 24005 Arch Street, Hensley, AR 72065. The expansion is estimated to open in September of 2023. According to … Continued

Gann Goods: Saline County and Pottery

After the Civil War ended in 1865, many potters came to this part of Saline County. Between 1868 and 1898, there were as many as a dozen potteries in Benton. Locally made and world famous Niloak pottery was discovered in 1912 by Charles “Bullet” Hyten. While most potters made more functional items like flower vases, … Continued

Just the Facts: Learn About Library Policies, Procedures, and the Collections

On Monday, April 17th, the Saline County Quorum Court voted 11:2 to pass a resolution that suggests the Saline County Library create policies to relocate materials that parents or the public deem inappropriate for children into areas that are not accessible to children. Several library employees along with library supporters attended the meeting. Many were … Continued

National Library Week 2023

The Saline County Library encourages the public to participate in National Library Week! National Library Week 2023 will be the week of April 23. The citizens of Saline County can participate in library dress-up days and special events the entire week at either the Benton or Bryant Branch.  The theme for National Library Week 2023 … Continued

20 Years of The Bob Herzfeld Memorial building.

This Month, The Saline County Library is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library building. The Bob Herzfeld Memorial Building opened in 2003. In August 1998, Saline County voters approved a .7 percent millage increase and a quarter-cent countywide sales tax increase. Which approved the construction of the building in 2001, but … Continued

The Gann Memorial (1946 – 1967)

In 1946, Dr. Dewell Gann, Jr and his wife Agnes Baum Gann deeded the Gann building to the City of Benton to be used for “Library Purposes.” The younger Dr. Gann and his wife signed the deed on April 19, 1946. The tiny three-room medical office is a unique landmark, having walls made of bauxite, … Continued