Library Offers More Than You Ever Could Imagine!

When you hear the word Library, what do you think of? I used to think that the library is a place where you go to study, loan books and look up old newspaper articles. That is what it used to mean. Today the library is a happening place. A place where children come for fun, games, and story times during the day. A place where the employees help spark your child’s imagination and manage to make the parents smile also. In the summer they have all sorts of educational entertainment that will help keep your child learning and their imagination growing. They also offer homeschool kits. (More information can be found at the following link https://www.salinecountylibrary.org/faq/category/16/homeschool .

Adults can also enjoy the library more than ever. If you want a quiet place to pick out a good book to read or just need to use a computer with online services or free wifi, the library is the place to go. If you need to borrow a hotspot, you can get on the waiting list. The library also loans out many things that you may not know about: cake pans of all sizes and shapes, DVD/Blu Ray movies, video games, board games, card games, preloaded tablets and eReaders for all ages, Playaways, audio books, fishing poles, and Halloween costumes (seasonal) for all ages.

To help with some daily struggles the library also offers;

Wellness kits: (Slow cooker and recipes), (yoga mat with dvd), (coloring supplies with book for adults), (pizza peel, pizza stone with recipes), (immersion and regular blender with a soup and smoothie cookbook), (hand weights with workout dvd), (Baking set that includes; 2 sheet pans, silpat, cookie press with 12 disks, pastry cutter, rolling pin, pie plate and 3 cookbooks)

Services: Computer lab, fax machine and copier, laptops for in library use only, online databases – follow this link for more information on databases https://www.salinecountylibrary.org/databases , passport application assistance, notary services (by appointment), IT support, Book-A-Librarian for help with these services.

Makerspace: (for all ages. Open Tuesday nights 5PM – 6:30PM and the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10AM -2:30PM) 3D printers, 3D printing pens, computers with the full adobe creative software suite, a makey makey kit, an HD video camera and green screen, a sewing machine, a die cutter with an assortment of dies, knitting/crochet supplies (including a yarn swift and winder), jewelry making tools and supplies, a table loom, art supplies, origami paper, leather working tools, a laminator, laser engraver (engraves wood, cardboard, plastic, and leather), and a wood burning tool.

Community pantry: The library has a community pantry outside their Benton location with non-perishable food items and hygiene products. The items are donated by patrons. Patrons can donate items at any time but are asked that they bring the items in and drop them off with a staff member at the circulation desk so they can sort the items and keep track of what materials are being picked up the most.

Book Boxes: There are six book boxes around Saline County (Bishop Center in Bryant, Healing Waters in Shannon Hills, Lance’s in Benton, Paron Community Center, Riverside Grocery, and Salty Harbor) These items are books and magazines that are no longer in circulation. The rules for the book boxes are take a book, read it and then bring it back for someone else to enjoy! People can donate books for the book boxes but are asked to bring them into one of the library branches and drop them off with staff at the circulation desk. These boxes are monitored and stocked by staff regularly.

This list just scratches the surface of all the things that happen at the library. I know this may be information overload but I want everyone to know that the library is a lot more than most people think it is. Library cards are free and you are never too old to read and learn. The one thing that can never be taken away from you is your education. Visit your local library and learn something new!

BOB HERZFELD MEMORIAL LIBRARY

1800 Smithers Dr.
Benton, AR 72015
(501) 778-4766
Fax: (501) 778-0536
Toll Free: (800) 476-4466

HOURS

Mon/Tues/Thurs: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wed/Fri: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

MABEL BOSWELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY

201 Prickett Road
Bryant, AR 72022
(501) 847-2166
Fax: (501) 847-4524

CLOSED FOR REMODELING AT THIS TIME