Library Board Vacancy
At the May 12, 2025 Saline County Library Board of Trustees meeting, a call was made for applications for the trustee position that will become vacant July 1, 2025. Interested applicants are asked to submit a current resume as well as a cover letter outlining their desire to serve and how their skills and experience … Continued
WWII in Bauxite, Arkansas
By Cody Berry In recognition of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, 2025, I wanted to write about what life was like in Bauxite during the Second World War. Legislation passed during the Great Depression allowed workers to organize, bargain collectively, and to have more control over their employment. Union activity began … Continued
From Alumina to Aluminum: The Hall-Heroult Process
By Cody Berry Last time we covered the Bayer Process which takes the alumina out of raw bauxite ore. This week we will cover the next step in the aluminum making process. In 1880, a 20-year-old first year student at Oberlin College in Ohio named Charles Martin Hall started his research into the production of … Continued
How Bauxite Built a Town
By Cody Berry We at the Gann Museum are pleased to announce that the museum has reopened after a very cold winter. Our new exhibit “How Bauxite Built A Town: 1896-1984″ pays tribute to the people who labored in and around the bauxite mines of Saline County during that time. The town of Bauxite holds … Continued
East End’s First Birthday!
🥳Our youngest branch, the East End Branch, was opened on April 1st last year, 2024. So this year, we’re celebrating!!! 🥳 On April 1st, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, we’ll have crafts, activities, and treats at the East End Branch to celebrate one year of awesome library-ing! So, some of our stats for the … Continued
Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes
Photography above provided courtesy of Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes. By Cody Berry Way back when I was writing entries for the CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas, its editor Dr. Guy Lancaster, sent me an Arkansas Times article about Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes by David Ramsey. Dr. Lancaster asked if I was interested in writing an entry on Barnes … Continued
Book Recs of 2024!
Looking for an awesome book recommendation? Look no further – We’ve got you covered! 💚 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
Frequently Asked Questions: How was Niloak Pottery made?
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. Gann’s 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
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
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