By Susan Funnell (Ash Flat Library Manager)
The Library was started by a group of dedicated volunteers who were anxious to have a library in Ash Flat. The old fire department at 11 Arnhart Street, was renovated and completed in 2012 to house the Ash Flat Library.
The library has been a success and proven to be a real asset to the city of Ash Flat and the surrounding communities. It is run fully by a group of volunteers and one city-paid employee.
The Ash Flat library is a very progressive library. We have nine computers but only four are open to the public at this time because of social distancing. All our items are checked out by computers which use Koha Library Software for keeping up with our inventory on the shelf as well as items in circulation. Patrons are able to look up books they have checked out and they can look up books they may like to check out by going to our website “explorethelibrary.com.” They are also able to put books on hold and even make purchase suggestions online.
The library also displays local artist artwork. Currently we have on display, Ben Christy. He has a hand painted piano that is displayed at the library, which pays homage to the Beatles. Other artwork of his is displayed throughout the library.
The library also offers online books that may be read or listened to through an app called “Libby”. You must have a card through the library in order to access this app. This app also offers children’s books and magazines.
The library is opened Monday thru Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Phone: (870) 994-2658. Our address is: 11 Arnhart Street, Ash Flat, Arkansas 72513.
We are able to fax, make copies and email for the public. We are on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ashflatlibrary1/, where we keep everyone up to date on what’s going on at the library and also have book reviews and story time. Be sure to like us on Facebook!
The library has a book club that meets once a month. Although they are not meeting live at the moment, books are still being circulated and real meetings will resume March 2021.
For research the Ash Flat Library is home to the Sharp County Historical Society. We also have an extensive Reference and non-fiction section available.
Please come and join the library and see what all we have to offer.
Submitted
This material was submitted by a member of the community, and Hallmark Times would like to thank them for sharing with us!
