Discounts, a movie, ice cream, art, bingo and more are planned by the Saline County Library for celebrating National
The Saline County Library will partner with a variety of local businesses to celebrate National Library Week, held from Sunday, April 19 through Saturday, April 25, with fundraisers and events for the public. The national theme of the event is “Find your joy!” Events are free to attend, but all participants are responsible for ordering and purchasing their food and drinks, with the exception of the Movie Night on Saturday, which will have food sponsored by Everett, Sage Health, and Freddy’s Frozen Custard.
“National Library Week is a week to celebrate how the library is still important,” said Kari Lapp, Saline County Library Public Relations Manager. “With technology changing and things like Amazon, it’s easy to think the library is not growing. But that is not true. Our main branch has almost 500 people in the doors daily and we host over 100 events monthly that cost nothing to attend.”
“Plus, our collection has grown from more than just books to items that can help anyone out in many different areas of life. Need a yard game for a party but don’t want to buy it? Check it out at the library. Need to learn a language on your phone but don’t want to buy an expensive app? Use your library card to access Pronounciator. Need a space to host your team training or group meeting? Book the meeting room at the library. We provide many ways for you to check out items, hang out at the library, and just help you enjoy life.”
Local businesses welcomed the week long event. “The Saline County Library is celebrating National Library Week in a unique way that brings the community together while also supporting our local restaurants,” said Rachel Rivers, City of Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission Director of Marketing. “These events highlight how strong partnerships can create lasting connections—encouraging residents to explore Benton’s restaurant scene, invest in our local economy, and learn more about the incredible resources our library provides. I’m excited to see how residents show up, get involved and invest locally.”
“Being able to promote the library at our local restaurants and businesses has been a huge success for the library but also for the businesses,” said Lapp. The events create a partnership that helps drive traffic and sales to our local businesses, supporting the local economy, all while providing an inexpensive entertainment option for families, couples, or even just individuals wanting to make friends in our community.”
National Library Week Schedule:
Sun, Apr 19 – Sat, Apr 25 – Discounted Tees. During National Library week, library t-shirts are $5 dollars off. Shirts are normally $20, and are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Sun, Apr 19 – Sat, Apr 25 – Food For Pies. Patrons are invited to join the “Food For Pies” food drive. The library will collect donations in boxes labeled with different staff members. The staff member with the most items in their box will be pied on Saturday, April 25 at Saturday Storytime at the Benton location. The community pantry accepts non perishable food items such as Cereal, Meal Entrees (Hamburger Helper, Pasta Skillet Meals), Instant Rice, Tuna Pouches, Applesauce and Fruit Cups. The community pantry is also accepting hygiene products such as Shampoo, Soap, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Diapers, and Feminine Hygiene Products.
Sun, Apr 19 – Sat, Apr 25 – Share Your Joy. Patrons may also enter to win a tablet bundle during National Library Week by filling out a short form describing how the library has helped them find joy. A winner will be selected on Monday, April 27th and contacted via email or phone. Find the form at www.salinecountylibrary.org/share-your-library-joy/
Sun, Apr 19 – Eat My Catfish Fundraiser Lunch. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Eat My Catfish, 1205 Military Rd #7, Benton, AR 72015
Mon, Apr 20 – Ice Cream & Art Night. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Loblolly, N Market St, Benton, AR 72015
Mon, Apr 20 – Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character Day. Patrons are invited to share photos of themselves dressed up as characters from their favorite books, and to tag the library on Facebook, @salinecountylib.
Tue, Apr 21 – Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser Night. 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Texas Roadhouse, 20280 I-30 North, Benton, AR 72019. Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of all proceeds to the library. In order to participate in the fundraiser, patrons must show a digital or paper flyer to their server. Digital flyers are at salinecountylibrary.libcal.com/event/16581297
Wed, Apr 22 – Fundraiser Night. 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Freddy’s, 20240 Interstate 30 N, Benton, AR 72019
Thu, Apr 23 – Murder Mystery Night. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at La Hacienda, 17401 I-30 E, Benton, AR 72015. Registration is required for this event. The Murder Mystery is intended for ages 18 and older.
Fri, Apr 24 – BBQ & BINGO Fundraiser. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Whole Hog, 5309 AR-5, Bryant, AR 72022. Registration is required for this event. Prizes for BINGO have been donated by Healing Waters Outreach.
Sat, Apr 25 – Movie Night: Inside Out. 7:00-9:30 PM at Mills Park, 1003 Mills Park Rd, Bryant, AR 72022. All movie-goers are welcome to free hot dogs and chips, provided by Sage Health and water from Everett Buick GMC. Food and drinks available while supplies last.
The Saline County Library has been serving the residents of Saline County since 1931 and has three locations: Benton, Bryant, and East End. Each location provides wireless access computing as well as desktop computers for guest use and several other non-traditional items such as video games, cake pans, small tools, and more.
The Saline County Library also provides a variety of events and community outreach programs. For a full list of services and upcoming events, visit www.salinecountylibrary.org or call 501-778-4766.
