Winter Challenge 2024!
The chill is setting in, and it’s time for this year’s Winter Challenge!❄️ From November 25, 2024 through January 31, 2025 all three library branches encourage everyone to read, watch, and enjoy stories. “Reading is reading!” 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. 🍂 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 Gann
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 Theaters
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 County’s 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 “Bullet” Hyten was a Freemason. Charles Hyten was … Continued
Free Halloween Programs for All Ages
Free Halloween events are wicked this way comes! 🎃 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
The Great Flood of 1978
By Cody Berry After seeing the news about all the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in the past few days, I was reminded about an entry I wrote in graduate school about another natural disaster. On September 13, 1978, a large rainstorm brought record-setting amounts of rainfall to Central Arkansas. 13 people lost their lives … Continued
Costume Closet Opens October 1!
➡️ Our costume closet is running low on costumes. The costume closet is asking for donations for all ages and sizes. Donate your unused costumes today to help everyone find a free Halloween fit. Thank you for helping keep the costume closet stocked! Saline County Library’s annual Costume Closet is open for business! 🎃 🎉 … Continued
Museum Day 2024 Recap
By Cody Berry Saline County’s fourth annual Museum Day was a great success for the Gann Museum. This past Saturday, the museum welcomed more than 60 guests of all ages to see our “Building History” exhibit and more. From 10am until 4pm, ten Saline County museums were opened at the same time. Armed with stamps … Continued