History of the Crawford County Library System On July 1, 1999, the five libraries in Crawford County, which had been part of the Ozarks Regional Library System, opened their doors for the first time as the Crawford County Library System (CCLS). This change occurred at a time when several other regional systems were reorganizing. At that time, CCLS had approximately 60,000 books and other materials housed in the five libraries in Alma, Cedarville, Mountainburg, Mulberry, and Van Buren. There were eight employees, plus a new director tasked with organizing the new county system. The Mountainburg Library was remodeling a building they had leased from the United States Forestry Service so they could move out of the City Complex Building. That move was completed in October 1999, and in 2018 the town opened its new library at 225 Highway 71 NW. The Alma Library was in the process of purchasing the old hardware store at 624 Fayetteville Avenue, moving there in April 2000. In 2006, an adjacent storefront was purchased to grow the library even more. A new library opened at 220 North Main Street in Mulberry in 2006 and expanded in 2018, doubling in size. Two new libraries made their debut in 2011, one in Van Buren at 1409 Main Street, and another at 737 Pirates Way in Cedarville. In 2019, CCLS celebrated its twentieth anniversary. At that time, the libraries housed 197,000 books and other materials, and employed twenty-eight people. The growth continues today. Today our services include: Public computers, including laptops Databases: research/learning, genealogy, newspapers, topics provided by the Arkansas State Library and IMLS Study rooms Public Wi-Fi www.crawfordcountylib.org eBooks and e-audio books that can be downloaded via our webpage, Interlibrary loan services, a program that shares books and materials from participating libraries across the U.S. Storytime for preschool children Storytime presented by our staff at outside locations such as daycares, schools, and adult living facilities Summer reading programs with parties and prizes Teen programs Adult programs that include everything from greeting card making to book clubs Art camps in partnership with the Center for Art in Education STEM and STEAM Programs Music programs Magic shows Science programs Exercise programs Health seminars CCLS provides these services through a 1.4 mill property tax that was passed in 1998 and has not been increased since. In December 2019, the CCLS began asking patrons for input into the libraries, asking which services are most important to them, and what services could be added to improve their lives. That data will help the System plan its future as it continues serving the needs of Crawford County, promoting a love of reading, and strengthening our diverse communities.

Announcements Health and Wellness Fair Saturday 08/24/2024 Van Buren Library

Friends of the Library Alma Friends The Alma Friends group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 5:00 at the Alma Library. Cedarville Friends The Cedarville Friends group meets the first Monday of every other month at 4:30 at the Cedarville Library. Mountainburg Friends The Mountainburg Friends group meets the first Thursday of every month at 5:00 PM at the Mountainburg Library. Mulberry Friends The Mulberry Friends group meets the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM at the Mulberry Library. Van Buren Friends The Van Buren Friends group meets the second Tuesday every month at 5:30 PM at the Van Buren Library.

Online Resources Area Schools Alma School District Cedarville School District Mountainburg School District Mulberry/Pleasant View School District University of Arkansas Fort Smith Van Buren School District Niche Academy Visit the Crawford County Library Academy through Niche Academy Offers tutorials on a range of topics, ranging from basic computer skills to using the library's online catalog Candid. Visit Candid by clicking here. Candid (In-Library Use Only) – A powerful research tool that combines the Foundation Directory and GuideStar. It helps local nonprofits, community groups, and individuals find grant opportunities, research funding sources, and study the nonprofit landscape. (Note: This resource can only be accessed from computers inside the library). Library Information Arkansas State Library Friends of the Alma Public Library Friends of the Cedarville Public Library Friends of the Van Buren Public Library How to Get a Library Card Library of Congress National Archives National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Genealogy Access Genealogy: Arkansas Arkansas GenWeb Project Arkansas Gravestones Crawford County Genealogical Society Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites The National Archives: Genealogy and Family History Information Local Websites of Interest Alma Area Chamber of Commerce Arkansas State Parks Arkansas Tourism Do South Magazine Encyclopedia of Arkansas Entertainment Fort Smith Keep Arkansas Beautiful Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Van Buren Visitor and Tourism Information Websites for Everyone Acronym Finder The Crossword Solver Driving Test Practice Fantastic Fiction Goodreads Internet Movie Database KDL What's Next: Books in Series Mango Languages Merriam-Webster Dictionary National Weather Service ScholarWorks@UARK Vehicle Fuel Economy Crossword Helper Online BBA Degree Health Insurance Info Children Up to Age 19 Explore and Learn Medicare, Open Enrollment, and Benefits

Computers and Wi-Fi Each Branch in the Crawford County Library System has computers and Wi-Fi available to the public. For the computers, either use your library card or an easy to obtain 'guest pass' from the front desk to login. The Wi-Fi does not require a password and is filtered with a CIPA-Compliant solution that protects against malware and adult content. Prints and copies are 25 cents per page. Faxing is provided at each branch, $1.00 for every 25 pages. Library and Internet Policies The library's Internet access is intended as an information resource. The library does not provide electronic mail and prohibits the use of Internet chat, news, or discussion groups. When using the Internet, please remember that some material may be outdated, wrong, or biased. It is the duty of the patron to critically evaluate all information found. Adult library patrons use the Internet at their own discretion. Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction on computer use. The Crawford County Library System does not protect persons from information found individually offensive. The Library has no control over resources available from outside the library, nor does the Library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet at any given time. We cannot be responsible for its content. To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) decision by the Supreme Court on June 23, 2003, the Crawford County Library has installed content filters for all public access computers in the library. The Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for viewing by children. The library staff is not in a position to monitor and supervise children's use of the Internet. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. Computer users may not install or use any software that is not installed by the library. Attempts to damage computer equipment, or alter computer configuration, are unacceptable use of the library's electronic resources. Displaying, sending, or receiving material inappropriate for viewing in a public place is prohibited by Arkansas State Code 5-68-205. Inappropriate material is defined as pictures or text, which could reasonably be construed as obscene or pornographic, as defined by Arkansas State Code 5-68-302. The Library will deny computer, or Internet access to library users who misuse or abuse the library's electronic resources, or who are found in violation of this policy. First offense will result in a one month suspension, second offense one year. If Internet searching results in disruption of library services, or if patron behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the session. You may sign up for 1 (one) hour-long session each day. Children under the age of 18 must have permission of a parent. Children under 10 must be supervised by an adult. The use of the computer is a privilege. By accepting this document, patrons agree to abide by the statements of this policy.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30AM - 5:30PM Sat: 8:30AM - 12:30PM Sun: CLOSED Contact: 737 Pirates Way Cedarville, AR 72932 479-410-1853 cedarville@crawfordcountylib.org 1/10 Key Staff: Manager: Michele Belk Email: mbelk@crawfordcountylib.org Youth and Adult Services: Misty Riley Email: mriley@crawfordcountylib.org Friends More Services Events Additional Offerings Secluded Study Areas Sun Room 3D Printer New Children's Computer Check us out on Facebook for event snapshots and more!

Hours: Mon-Thur: 8:30AM - 5:30PM Fri: 8:30AM - 6:00PM Sat: 10:00AM - 2:00PM Sun: CLOSED Contact: 624 Fayetteville Avenue Alma, AR 72921 479-632-4140 alma@crawfordcountylib.org 1/5 Key Staff: Director: Reeca Mayer Email: rmayer@crawfordcountylib.org Friends More Services Events Additional Offerings Dedicated Children's Area Patio Area 3D Printer Dedicated Genealogy Collection Microfilm and microfiche readers Check us out on Facebook for event snapshots and more!

Employment Application for Employment All submitted applications must include a completed Application for Employment provided below. Any supporting documents such as resume, cover letter and reference lists are optional but highly recommended. Application for Employment Applications may be submitted in person at any library branch or emailed to cmcdonnough@crawfordcountylib.org . Open Positions Mountainburg Library: Multigenerational Programming Assistant MPA Job Description Van Buren Library: Supplemental Library Assistant SLA Job Description

Library Policies CCLS Policy Handbook To access the CCLS Policy Handbook, download the PDF below: