About Saline County Library

The Saline County Library serves Saline County in Arkansas which runs 99 miles from point to point. There are two library facilities: Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, the headquarters for the system, in Benton and the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library in Bryant.

In addition to the library facilities, a 24-hour electronic information center is available through this website with online databases and library services available using your library card number. Staff would be happy to give a guided tour on what is available via the internet.

The mission of the Saline County Library is to serve the citizens of Saline County by providing materials, technology, and programs that educate, connect, and entertain.

The Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library was opened in 2003 with 32,000 square feet. The Mabel Boswell Memorial Library was completed in the year 2002; the Ruth Zoch Children’s Wing was added on in the year 2007. The Mabel Boswell Memorial Library is 10,000 sq. ft. Both libraries provide wireless access computing as well as desktop computers.

History of the Library

The Saline County Library had its beginnings in March of 1931. The Benton Junior Fortnightly Club, a women’s civic club, took on the project of establishing a library for the city of Benton, Arkansas and the citizens of Saline County. The library was established on the second floor of the Walton building on Market Street in downtown Benton. 

On April 3, 1936 the Benton library moved to its second location in a building next to city hall on west South Street.

In 1946, the library moved into the former office building of Dr. Dewell Gann on Market Street. This location was soon too small for the library and a new site was needed.

On Jan. 23, 1967, the Saline County Library moved for the fourth time into the old Palace theater at 224 West South Street. For the next thirty years the library continued to grow.

In February 1969, a Bryant branch of the Saline County Library was opened on Mills Park Road.

On August 24, 1998, Saline County voters approved a .7 percent millage increase and a quarter-cent countywide sales tax which was extended in August of 2000. On Feb. 21, 2001 construction began on the new Bryant Library, which was dedicated on February 10, 2002. On Oct. 30, 2001 construction began for the new Benton Library, which was dedicated on August 10, 2003. The Saline County Library has come a long way from two small rooms in a downtown Benton building in 1931.

Library Board

The Saline County Library Board is appointed by the County Judge. Each member serves a 5 year term. Current members are: 

2018 Board Meeting Dates

Department Heads

  • Patty Hector, Library Director
  • Jill Martin, Assistant Library Director
  • Leigh Espey, Public Services Manager
  • Amanda Garrison, Youth Services Manager        
  • Kari Beesley, Marketing Coordinator
  • Erin Loy, HR Coordinator
  • Stacy Childress, Collections Manager
  • Brad Crumby, Financial Coordinator
  • Alissa Turner, User Experience Manager
  • Will Picking, Technology Manager
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