Information on:

Forrest City Library

421 South Washington Street
870-633-5646

History

Forrest City Public Library was established in 1921 when a group of local women, known as the Community Service Circle, gathered together a total of five hundred donated books. Unfortunately, this first library was forced to close after a couple of years due to a lack of funding. The library re-opened in 1927, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Sam Mann, a prominent local judge and attorney. Mr. Mann offered a donation of five hundred dollars per year for five years to purchase new books, but only if the city would pay a librarian and utilities. The library moved to its new home at 421 S. Washington Street in April of 1939 at a cost of $25,000. One notable mention is Mrs. Annie B. Proctor, who served as librarian from 1931 until her semi-retirement in 1958. Mrs. Proctor had a pet project called "The Arkansas Collection," which included over 1300 separate listings, all claiming a portion of Arkansas History. There are some rare volumes, some under lock and key, but all available to library patrons.

The governing body of the library has been a rotation list of civic-minded patrons. This group of people make up the Board of Trustees. Perhaps the 

most-noted board member was Mrs. Alice Harrison, grand-daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Sam Mann. Mrs. Harrison served as treasurer on the library board for thirty-five years. Today, the library is open over forty hours per week. The original 1939 building is still in use, though there is now some 4,200 square feet of space. 

Forrest City Library is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media