Public Libraries

Arkansas Advocate editor-in-chief Andrew DeMillo breaks down the federal rejection of Arkansas' Medicaid expansion waiver, the reinstated 2023 library law, a LEARNS Act ruling.

Fayetteville Public Library Executive Director David Johnson tells Ozarks at Large what the 8th Circuit's Act 372 ruling means for librarians, patrons, next steps in the case.

The West Fork Public Library is the first in Northwest Arkansas to join the American Heart Association's Libraries with Heart, lending blood pressure cuffs alongside telescopes, fishing poles.

Arkansas librarians say a proposed rule restricting minors' access to library materials overlooks how much broader services, from internet access to free lunches, depend on state funding.

The American Library Association awarded Franklin County Library $65,000 for its literacy program, funding tutors, a driving simulator and hot spot lending in Ozark.

Arkansas Advocate editor Andrew DeMillo joins Ozarks at Large to discuss the Eighth Circuit's Act 372 library case and the coalition that kept PBS on Arkansas TV for another year.

Washington County Elections Director Jennifer Price discusses the "Election Saurus" program, which lets kids vote on dinosaurs using real election equipment at local libraries.

Springdale Public Library Foundation will match up to $5,000 in September donations. Funds will create an author series in 2026, with a focus on local writers and community-based programming.

An effort to fire all Arkansas State Library Board members is nearing final approval in the legislature. Senate Bill 640 advanced in a committee meeting Monday. The bill would task the governor to re-appoint all seven board members who oversee libraries in the state.

Little Rock Public Radio reporter Josie Lenora walks us through last week's legislation that were halted or forced to pivot.