NLR Public Library to manage Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub

The North Little Rock Public Library System (NLRPLS) will take over the operations of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub this fall, the two organizations announced.

The Innovation Hub offers maker space and entrepreneurial resources for startup businesses.

“The acquisition of the Innovation Hub’s programming, equipment, staff, and services represents a monumental step forward for our community,” said Crystal Gates, Executive Director of NLRPLS. “By merging the resources and expertise of our library system with the Hub’s innovative spirit, we will create a hub of learning, creativity, and collaboration unlike any other.”

Winrock International, which has supported the Hub since its launch in 2014 and owned it for the last eight years, said the move will help expand services.

“Winrock has been proud to support the Hub’s mission of inspiring innovation and expanding opportunities for Arkansans. Now, with NLRPLS assuming ownership and management, we are excited to see the Hub enter its next phase of growth,” said Joyjit Deb Roy, Winrock’s chief global programs and development officer.

The planned Hub transition from Winrock to NLRPLS was unanimously approved by the library system’s board of directors at its bi-monthly meeting on May 20, 2024. Under the pending agreement, Hub programs will be managed and operated by NLRPLS while leasing the Hub’s headquarters in North Little Rock, from Winrock. The library system will continue to run the Hub’s ongoing community-based programs, classes and services, and Hub staff will become employees of the library system when the agreement is completed.