About Us:

In 1936, the federal Works Progress Administration agreed to build a public library in Russellville, Arkansas, providing land was available. The children of Mrs. Sue Munday Deaton donated the property as long as it was used as a library, and the Talkington family gave the property to the Pope County Library System in 2000. The total cost of the building was $7,000.00 with $1,151.00 spent on furniture.

The library formally opened in October 1937, with Mrs. Lucille Hickman as the first paid librarian. She retired in 1958, and was succeeded by Mrs. Wetzel, the first professional librarian. This building served as the library until 1976 when a larger building was constructed next door. The Donald E. Harkey Addition was opened in 1989. With the recent remodeling, the library has new carpet throughout, a new ceiling in most of the library, and new paint. The Junior Auxiliary recently refurbished the Children's and Young Adult areas.