The planning and site preparation remains in progress–but, oh what progress is being made! Recently a large mound of dirt and shell obstructed the view of that progression. Now that has been removed, and the vision of the new Scott/Sebastian Library is in sight.
“They have been prepping the pad, and have conducted underground testing,” updated Scott-Sebastian Library Chairman, Jim Reynolds. “Once the foundation is completed, we are looking at a fluid 16-18 months to completion.”
The current dirt work being done has yielded a great benefit for another ongoing project in the City of Greenwood–the bypass. Road construction crews have utilized the shale excavated from the site of the new library to build access roads. That shale was sold for use to the Arkansas Highway Department.
“The Sebastian County Library new library project is moving along as expected,” shared Scott-Sebastian Regional Librarian Rene Myers. “In early 2024 after the purchase of the land was complete, the enormous undertaking of shale removal from the new library site began. MAHG Architecture reported at the August 15th Sebastian County Library Board meeting that boring for mineral samples at the library site had been completed. Samples are being evaluated for final proof that the land can still be built on at the current elevation. The current elevation of the site is also being evaluated for build readiness…”
The regional library is an asset central to Hackett, Mansfield, Huntington, and all the surrounding communities. The agreement of the county to purchase the land for construction will be an investment for generations to come. “It’s so needed,” continued Reynolds. “The books will rotate from this central hub to our branch libraries.”
One of the things Reynolds gets asked repeatedly is, why do we need a new library? The answer is threefold.
First, it is an investment in the future. The original library is no longer meeting the needs of its patrons.
“One of the things I am so happy about is the opportunity to provide people in this area with a community room…One that has technology readily available to them and will be free for them to use.”
Secondly, the financial commitment was made on behalf of the county, not the City of Greenwood, and will be of service to patrons in both Scott and Sebastian Counties. “The library could have been built anywhere, but the library board and Quorum Court chose this site,” noted Reynolds. “Greenwood did make a contribution to be able to make this happen. They bought James Fork water rights and ran a water line to The Curve to keep it in Greenwood.”
Lastly, it is an investment in truth. “If you believe everything on your phone, well that’s ok,” continued Reynolds. “But if you want to ensure you know the truth, the library is the best place to do research.”
There are many other reasons the library is considered an asset. Including access to the internet, specifically to children and those who are homeschooled.
The Curve, the site of the new library, will have a significant economic impact on the area. “Developers confirmed that Braum’s is coming to The Curve,” continued Reynolds. According to Braum’s financial performance in 2023, there could be an estimated $21,122.12 positive financial impact to the City of Greenwood.
Progress being made at “The Curve” is encouraging. The businesses that are set to locate in that area make it an exciting development!
