Saline County Library Opens East End Branch
On Monday, April 1, the Saline County Library will open its East End branch. The East End branch is located at 24005 Arch Street Pike, Suite 20, Hensley, AR 72065.
The East End branch will function similarly to the Benton and Bryant branches, but on a smaller scale. The building is 3,000 square feet and will feature a small meeting room, which seats about twelve people, and a private study room with two individual study tables. There is also a small CreativeSpace, similar to Benton and Bryant’s Makerspaces but without the large equipment. CreativeSpace is designed for arts and craft projects that are more hands-on. The new branch will offer limited programs for all ages.
This branch will also contain a computer lab with desktop computers with printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. The space has been leased for three years, but there is potential to expand into adjacent suites in the future, if needed.
“I’m excited to finally have a library branch in East End,” said Branch Manager Amanda Garrison. “It has been a dream of mine for several years to have a library in this area, and after more than a year of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears, I’m thrilled that we are opening soon! We have a great team, and we are looking forward to serving our community and meeting our neighbors!”
Based on shelving estimates, the East End branch will hold approximately 5,000 items. These materials will be made up of newly purchased books as well as duplicate items from the Benton and Bryant branches. The books will be a mixture of fiction and non-fiction for adults, new adults, teens, juveniles, and children. This branch will also have some movies and video games for checkout.
Members of the East End community are encouraged to visit the East End branch and sign up for a free library card. Library cards are available to anyone over the age of 16 who can provide a photo ID and proof of home, work, or school address in Saline County. Patrons between the ages of 5 and 16 can sign up for a children’s library card with a parent or legal guardian, who would then be responsible for the account. Community members with a Pulaski County address are able to sign up for a non-resident library card for an annual fee of $10.
The East End branch will be open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Friday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. At this time the East End branch will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. These hours may change in the future, depending on staffing abilities and the needs of the community.
A Grand Opening Celebration will be held on Monday, April 1st from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. There will be bubbles, chalk, a bounce house donated by Central Arkansas Inflatables, a photo opportunity, and prizes. Patrons may also sign up for library cards and pick up eclipse glasses at the event.