East End has a Community Pantry!
Thanks to our amazing community in Saline County, we were able to raise enough food and hygiene products to start up a new community pantry in East End! Back in November of 2024, the library put together the Battle of the Businesses initiative. Local businesses in Saline County duked it out in an epic fight … Continued
Tell us why…
Let us know what you love about the Saline County Library. Your answer may be featured on our social media pages. Follow us on Facebook to see if your answer is selected!
Book Recs of 2024!
Looking for an awesome book recommendation? Look no further – We’ve got you covered! đ Throughout the year, we’ve been sharing some of our favorite books on social media. Everything from horror to adventure, to the coziest stories to warm you up on a cold winter night! Are you looking for your next read to … Continued
A Bell Tower for Dr. Gann, Jr.Â
By Cody Berry Did you know that the Angelus Bell and its tower at Bentonâs Our Lady of Fatima church were donated in memory of Dr. Gann, Jr? In my research on the Gann Museum and all its contents I came across an article on Our Lady of Fatimaâs website called âOur Bell Rings Again!â … Continued
The Countyâs First Bilingual Newspaper?Â
By Cody Berry Did you know Bauxite had a bilingual newspaper over a century ago? It did!  While the history of the town of Bauxite, Arkansas goes back to the late nineteenth century, its editorial history began with the publication of the Bauxite News in 1920. It ran from June 1920 to January 1921 when … Continued
Dr. James Wyatt Walton and Dr. T.E. BuffingtonÂ
By Cody Berry Saline County has a long and colorful history. And itâs certainly had its share of great doctors and Iâm not just talking about Dr. Gann, Sr. and his son. In our âOnly the Names Have Changedâ exhibit, weâve featured the homes of two other Saline County physicians; Dr. James Wyatt Walton and … Continued
Niloak Potteryâs Centennial Anniversary!Â
By Cody Berry When we started going through the Gann Museumâs collections, we found an old box of items left behind by Arlene Hyten Rainey, the daughter of Niloak inventor Charles Hyten. The box contained her fatherâs bible, a sample of hair from a Civil War hero, Mr. Hytenâs formula books, and a patent certificate … Continued
The Courthouse at Christmas
The Courthouse at Christmas By Cody Berry Pictured above: the courthouse in present day (December 2024) lit up with Christmas lights for the holidays. Growing up here the lighting of the Courthouse was always a favorite holiday tradition of mine. As a boy, I thought our beautiful Romanesque Courthouse was a castle, or perhaps even … Continued
Bring joy with the Imagination Library!
The Saline County Library is collecting donations for the charity foundation Imagination Library, founded by the one and only Dolly Parton! đ± This program is funded by grants, and generous donations from folks like you! All donations go directly to the Saline County Chapter of the Imagination Library to promote early literacy by purchasing picture … Continued
Frequently Asked Questions: How was Niloak Pottery made?Â
By Cody Berry One of the things that the Gann Museum is known for is its collection of Niloak Pottery. We keep it on permanent display in Dr. Gannâs old exam room. When I give tours of the museum people usually comment on how pretty the pottery is. They also want to know how it’s … Continued