New Van Buren Library Set for Autumn Opening

Van Buren is getting closer to a new public library.

The $3.4 million, 19,360-SF building on Highway 59 is scheduled for completion in August — one year after construction began, said Danalene Porter, library director. A topping-out ceremony was hosted April 15.

It will be a significant step up from Van Buren’s current 6,000-SF library, which has had leaks in its roof.

Winter weather has caused some delays in construction, but Porter said contractors told her the lost time would be made up in the warmer months.

Some of the amenities in the new library include a meeting room that will seat 100, a children’s room, a teen room, a separate computer lab area that can accommodate up 30 work stations, a 500-SF genealogy research room, self check-out stations, security tabs on books and security gates, more office space and a conference room.

Fort Smith-based MAHG Architecture Inc. hired MS&R Ltd., an architecture firm out of Minneapolis, as a design consultant for the library. Jeffrey Scherer, a principal with MS&R, designed the Fayetteville Public Library, among many others.

“We contacted him because he’s an expert in library design,” Porter said.

The Van Buren library will feature sustainable design elements such as lights with sensors designed to optimize use of sunlight.

Bossler Contracting Inc. of Siloam Springs is the general contractor for the project.