“First In” at the GannÂ
By Cody Berry September 11, 2026, marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks in New York City, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, that changed history. During those terrible events in September 2001, many first responders and their families were forever changed as was the nation. Some of them lost their lives while serving their communities wearing uniforms like those worn by … Continued
The Courthouse Restoration ContinuesÂ
By Cody Berry The crown jewel of our beloved town square in Benton, the Saline County Courthouse, looks better every day. The new restoration is made possible by using skilled workers, county funds, and grants from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. The current Saline County Courthouse is the third courthouse to sit in downtown Benton. The Courthouse was completed in 1902 by the architectural firm of Charles Thompson and John Odum, who oversaw its construction. Thompson designed it … Continued
Youth Services: Children’s Librarian at Bryant
Summary: The Branch Youth Services Librarian: Children is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing special and recurring children’s programs, outreach, assisting patrons, providing reader’s advisory, and collection development. In addition, assisting in circulation, materials shelving, and resolving patron issues as well as opening and closing procedures. Qualifications: Master’s in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university … Continued
Library Card Sign Up Month 2026
What is Power of the Card? Starting September 1st, libraries across the country celebrate the annual holiday of Library Card Sign Up Month, (or LCSUM) showcasing the power of books, digital resources, and programs available at your local library for free. ✨ At Saline County Library, we’ve celebrated LCSUM by calling it Power of the … Continued
What to read after you see The Odyssey (2026)
Did you love Chris Nolan’s take on The Odyssey? You can get more stories inspired by this classic myth at the library. Here’s some our librarians recommend: Adult Reads: The Iliad by Homer An epic poem set during the final weeks of the Trojan War, The Iliad follows the wrath of Achilles after a dispute with … Continued
Salty Artists: Taya CoveyÂ
By Cody Berry Taya Covey grew up in Paron, Arkansas in Saline County. Covey earned a Bachelor of Social Work from UA-Little Rock in 2022. After having her daughter, Covey returned to school to complete her Master of Social work degree. Covey is now a licensed mental health therapist at Chenal Family Therapy in West Little Rock.1 Covey said that she … Continued
Salty Artists:Â Jo Helen FletcherÂ
By Cody Berry Jo Helen Fletcher was born Jo Helen Kays on October 5, 1945, in Hot Springs. Jo graduated from Benton High School in 1963 and went on to study at the Memphis Academy of Art. She graduated with a BA from Little Rock University (now UA Little Rock) in 1967 before getting her master’s degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia in 1977.1 After college, Jo started teaching … Continued
Learning Resources at the Library
Did you know that your library card has your own private tutors? From storytime in different languages to help kindergarteners, to high school homework and advanced college essays – we’ve got an app for that! Check out some of the learning resources available at the library for free! LOTE4KIDS Explore the stories you grew up … Continued
13 Books for the Big 250Â
By Cody Berry In honor of the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, I wanted to make some reading recommendations. So, just as there were thirteen original colonies, I have chosen thirteen books, some of which changed the way I thought about the American Revolution and the people who lived it. Many are available … Continued