31 Jan 2021 Rising up: El Paso raises $235,000, converts bank to library
By Judy Riley
How is a library more than books and periodicals? When a community commits personal time and resources to create its own library, that’s how. In the heart of rural central Arkansas near the crossroads of Highways 5 and 64, lies a community with a treasure – its own library. It’s called a community library because the residents renovated an 1894 structure with grit and determination. What was originally built as a bank now houses the El Paso Community Library, a branch of the White County Library System. Evidence of the bank is still there. The vault has become a children’s reading room.
Over time, the brick structure housed various entities: a general store, a movie house and a meeting room. Although some owners attempted to maintain the building, it fell into disrepair. That changed in 2009 when the most recent owners, Steve and Elaine Corum, donated the building to the El Paso Parks and Playground Association. Their wish was that it would become a library. The nonprofit group began renovation in the spring of 2010. A total of $150,000 in external funding, $50,000 in local funding and an estimated $35,000 in donated skills by professionals in the area completed the project in 2016.
This process of renovation is a study of what a small community can do with a commitment and the time and resources to give. Many of the professional services needed were donated by locals. Architect Mandy Breckenridge prepared drawings of each detail. Soil scientist Wayne Richardson drew plans for the septic system. Construction company owners Sonny Nealy and Wade Haynie did the dirt work for the septic system as well as a French drain. Civil engineer Kyle Breckenridge supervised installation of ceiling joists and dirt work. In fact, the only construction work not done by volunteers was the plumbing and electrical work and the installation of a period-specific tin roof.
This library is an anomaly in the library world. The building is owned and maintained by the nonprofit. Most of the monetary and physical support come from the community. An annual chili supper and pie auction generates an average $5,000 per year, enough to pay for utilities and maintenance. When there is a special need, like a bookshelf to house a computer monitor, the residents come together to find funding.
The partnership with the White County Library System makes it possible. It pays for a librarian, books, periodicals, movies, and access through the Interlibrary Loan service to resources throughout Arkansas and the nation. Three public-use computers help local citizens apply for jobs, do research and email family. According to local student Will Reeves, it’s the perfect place to work on research papers. The library is open five days a week and helps patrons on a variety of subjects. Patron Myrna Richardson said, “We are not even an incorporated town with a tax base for support and we have a first-class library, thanks to the generosity of the community.”
The community’s involvement did not end when the building was complete. It has become a hub for the community. Librarian Janet Blansett is the key to continued community involvement, according to local folks. A variety of extra services are available: classes on knitting, computers, smart phones, even pumpkin decorating and wreath making. She instituted an artist of the month event, where local artists display their works. She often says the library is a place where lives connect. It’s not uncommon for someone to call Janet with news of the needs of a community member and for her to relay the information to locals who will gladly help. “I cannot imagine a person more suited to this job and this community than Janet,” Marisue Jones said.
“When you walk through the beautiful antique door at the El Paso Library, you find a place where everyone is welcome and wanted,” patron Patty Crabbe said. “It’s a place where laughter, compassion and service to others are dished out in equal measure.” The welcome mat is always out, and the coffee bar is complete with coffees, teas and snacks. Cindy Piper said that a visit to this library is like going home with family and friends. And Susan Robinson summed it up, saying she expects Mr. Rogers to walk through the door singing, “It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood!”
The renovation process and continued success of the El Paso Library reminds us of the advice of Sam Walton, played out in rural Arkansas. “We’re working together, that’s the secret.”
