05 Nov 2024 White County Library begins a new chapter

By Judy Riley

A long-awaited dream of a first-class library building for Searcy has become a reality, thanks to a team of individuals who worked tirelessly to make it happen. The Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 18, with a crowd of 300, including dignitaries and locals interested in seeing the new landmark. 

“It’s got that wow factor,” said Logan Cothern, former city councilman and a key player on the fund development team. The former Searcy Athletic Club building was transformed into an iconic landmark, nestled next to Yancey Park on Searcy’s Beebe-Capps Expressway.

For years, the White County Regional Library Board (WCRLB) knew there was a need for a larger building and expanded services as the population grew. Internet connections became more important and there was no space for expansion at their location. “I was first involved in the Searcy Library Board and later the county’s Regional Library Board,” said Board Chair Jean Ann Bell. 

“As a former teacher and ultimately the first Searcy school and community coordinator, I knew the importance of libraries. We often talked of needs, but when Darla Ino became the director of the White County Regional Library System (WCRLS) we began to talk about why we could build a new library instead of why we could not.”

Ino began working for the library in 1998 as a circulation clerk, which placed her at the front desk. It was the perfect job for this people-loving person who exudes graciousness. Her love for libraries and the community grew. She was named director in 2010, applying her skills and connections at a new level. The leader began a proactive approach with a dream of offering more services and expanding space. Mayor Mat Faulkner praised Ino for her vision, imagination and inspiration, awarding her an official key to the city. “Every special project needs a team approach and every team needs a captain, and that’s Darla Ino,” he said.

In addition to Cothern, Ino and Bell, the key players in this volunteer group are Jan Smith, Paul Gardner and Willie Abrams. Smith, a native of Fayetteville, loved libraries since childhood. In 2014, she became involved in the newly created White County Public Library Friends Foundation Board, a 501(c)3 playing a significant role in fund development. Supporters could donate directly to the nonprofit and receive tax benefits. She later was appointed chair of the Fundraising Committee. She did not ask for the job, but since she was already chair of the Friends group, it was logical. “I had no experience in fundraising, so I knew I needed expert help. My friend Paul Garner had worked in that area for many years with great success. He was retired but graciously agreed to help pro bono. His advice and involvement were greatly instrumental in our success. Willie Abrams, a local library supporter, was added to our group and so our journey began. We met almost weekly for three years.”

It was a bit of a long road with a few disappointments, but this core group was undaunted. They listened to the people and the people spoke. Their first proposal in 2017 was a millage increase to build a 40,000-square-foot facility for ^$13,000,000. The countywide vote failed by an overwhelming margin. Were they disappointed? Yes, but they looked on this as a challenge to make it happen without taxation, but with cooperation from Searcy, White County and private donors.

They looked at existing facilities. Former Mayor Kyle Osborne encouraged Ino to consider the Searcy Athletic Club building. Dr. David Staggs sold them the building far below market value. The city of Searcy and the WCRLS split the cost. Not long after the purchase was made, the White County Quorum Court stepped up to give ^$500,000 for renovation costs, a partnership that was key to the success. Former County Judge Michael Lincoln and current Judge Lisa Brown were strong supporters from the beginning.

With that widespread support, donor fund development began in earnest. A ^$2,000,000 donation by Larry Crain Sr. in honor of his late wife, Janett, kickstarted the campaign. “Unfortunately, neither of my parents lived long enough to see the facility finished,” said Chris, one of the Crain sons who spoke at the grand opening. “My parents would be so proud of this. I am a little emotional because they should be here. Having grown up in Searcy, my parents spent a lifetime loving this community and all the people in it.” In all, the Crain family donated ^$2.8 million. In fact, 51 percent of the total cost came from private sources, according to Mayor Faulkner. They raised a total of ^$8.5 million for renovation and furnishings for a 33,000-square-foot space.

The renovated building is not just a library for Searcy. It houses support personnel in a countywide system with resources and programming that other branches could not afford. Educational programs are created in the Searcy facility but distributed throughout the system. Branches include Goff Public Library in Beebe, Rosebud Public Library, Lydia Miller Public Library in Bald Knob, Baldwin Public Library in Judsonia, Pangburn Public Library, Bradford Public Library and El Paso Community Library.

Lest one thinks libraries are out-of-date and out-of-touch, think again. This new facility offers so much more than books and periodicals. It has teen-gathering places, gaming rooms, community meeting rooms, a passport office, notary services, a small-business center, 23 public-use computer stations, an exhibition gallery, study and tutoring rooms, a teaching and catering kitchen, and a vendor-leased coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating and drive-through windows for the library and the coffee shop.

“This is the most beautiful day, the most beautiful library and the most perfect place to live,” Judge Brown said during the opening celebration. “This has been the best partnership from the beginning. White County citizens have come together for a common goal and vision. Their hard work and dedication created a space to serve others for years to come.”

When the history books of small Arkansas towns and communities are written, this heartwarming story of how committed folks can come together to create something bigger than themselves will be featured. Their success will surely be a beacon of hope in a world we wish to always be full of brotherly love.