The Saline County Library serves Saline County in Arkansas which runs 99 miles from point to point. There are two library facilities: Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, the headquarters for the system, in Benton and the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library in Bryant.
In addition to the library facilities, a 24-hour electronic information center is available through this website with online resources and library services available using your library card number. Staff would be happy to give a guided tour on what is available via the internet.
The Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library was opened in 2003 with 32,000 square feet. The Mabel Boswell Memorial Library was completed in the year 2002; the Ruth Zoch Children’s Wing was added on in the year 2007. The Mabel Boswell Memorial Library is 10,000 sq. ft. Both libraries provide wireless access computing as well as desktop computers.
The mission of the Saline County Library is to create unique, enriching experiences that put you at the center of our story.
View our 2022 – 2025 Strategic Plan.
History of the Library
The Saline County Library had its beginnings in March of 1931. The Benton Junior Fortnightly Club, a women’s civic club, took on the project of establishing a library for the city of Benton, Arkansas and the citizens of Saline County. The library was established on the second floor of the Walton building on Market Street in downtown Benton.
On April 3, 1936 the Benton library moved to its second location in a building next to city hall on West South Street.
In 1946, the library moved into the former office building of Dr. Dewell Gann on Market Street. This location was soon too small for the library and a new site was needed.
On Jan. 23, 1967, the Saline County Library moved for the fourth time into the old Palace Theater at 224 West South Street. For the next thirty years the library continued to grow.
In February 1969, a Bryant branch of the Saline County Library was opened on Mills Park Road.
On August 24, 1998, Saline County voters approved a .7 percent millage increase and a quarter-cent countywide sales tax which was extended in August of 2000. On Feb. 21, 2001 construction began on the new Bryant Library, which was dedicated on February 10, 2002. On Oct. 30, 2001 construction began for the new Benton Library, which was dedicated on August 10, 2003. The Saline County Library has come a long way from two small rooms in a downtown Benton building in 1931.
Library Board
The Saline County Library Board is appointed by the County Judge. Board meetings are held on the third Monday every other month unless a special meeting is called, or the date has been moved due to scheduling conflicts. Please contact the library to confirm the date and time. Each member serves a 5 year term. Current members are:
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Allison Nolley | AllisonN@Salinecountylibrary.org |
| Kara Conrad | [email protected] |
| Jamie Clemmer | [email protected] |
| Marian Douglas | [email protected] |
| Richard McKeown | [email protected] |
Library Board Packets
Department Heads
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Library Director | ||
| Leigh Espey | Library Manager | [email protected] |
| Susan Jacobs | Branch Manager (Bryant) | [email protected] |
| Amanda Garrison | Branch Manager (East End) | [email protected] |
| Madison Oden | Public Services Manager | [email protected] |
| Wendy Christy | Youth Services Manager | [email protected] |
| Kari Lapp | Community Engagement Manager | K[email protected] |
| Heather Phipps | Human Resources Manager | [email protected] |
| Stacy Childress | Technical Services Manager | [email protected] |
| Rob Walton | Building Operations Manager | [email protected] |
Mid-Arkansas Regional Library Consortium
In 2019, The Saline County Library joined the Mid-Arkansas Regional Library Consortium (Mid-Ark). This consortium consists of five libraries: Cleveland County Library, Dallas County Library, Grant County Library, Malvern-Hot Spring County Library and Saline County Library.
Saline County Library cardholders will now be able to use their library card at any of the four other libraries in the consortium, and vice versa. Materials may also be returned at any branch or location within the consortium.
Through Mid-Ark, we have access to a Bookmobile that will make stops monthly at the outlying communities of Saline County. Materials may be put on hold for pick-up on the Bookmobile and materials may be returned on the Bookmobile.
To learn more about Mid-Arkansas Regional Library Consortium, visit www.midarklibrary.org.