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The Donald W. Reynolds Library was abuzz with excitement on Thursday as the Baxter County Library held its annual Heart of the Library event.
Each year, dozens of volunteers and donors throughout Baxter County gather together to give thanks and appreciation to those who openly devote their time and love to ensuring that Baxter County has a strong, vibrant library that local residents and children can enjoy.
Unlike many libraries throughout the state, The Donald W. Reynolds Library is significantly funded by local donors, who cover 30% of the library’s annual expenses every year. The remaining funds come from grants received by the library and the one mill property tax that has never been raised since Baxter County received its first library decades ago.
Last year’s Heart of the Library award was given to Baxter County’s most unique, lovable and outgoing couple, Mike and Katie Risk. This year’s award went to Jim and Jackie Neff, a special couple whose history of volunteerism is built right into the very bricks of the Donald W. Reynolds Library.
Mrs. Carolyn Neff was also remembered for her contributions to the library alongside Jim before her passing in 2013.
In addition to the Heart of the Library Award, this year’s event saw the introduction of the first-ever Distinguished Service Award, which went to Roger Pitchford, a former trustee who served on the Library Foundation Board from 1999 to 2016.
Library Director Kim Crow Sheaner started the evening with a warm welcome and heartfelt appreciation for the attendees.
“The room this evening, the people that I’m in the company with tonight are just amazing,” Crow Sheaner said. “I would imagine you would all agree with me, you know, this is just a top-notch crowd.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the updated donor wall, showcasing new names and those who have increased their level of giving. Foundation trustees and board members read out the names of donors in various giving circles, from the Century Circle to the Nell Powell Wright Founder Circle.
Looking to the future, Crow Sheaner shared plans for a new walking trail on the library property, extending the existing trail from ASU and McCabe Park. The library has applied for a grant to make this vision a reality, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to serving the community in innovative ways.
Distinguished Service Award
Pitchford’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the library as it stands today.
Pitchford was heavily involved in the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation grant application process that was needed to get Baxter County’s new library building off the ground. In addition to his time on the library’s board, Pitchford also served as chairman of the library’s construction committee.
While asking for money was Pitchford’s strong suit, the dedicated volunteer was the perfect man to scout out locations for the new building, often calling former Library Director Gwen Khayat to come visit a new location with him.
Khayat shared fond memories of working with Pitchford, particularly his crucial role in securing the library’s location.
“And so, he called me up one day, and we looked at several places,” Khayat said. “He said come and look at this with me. There’s a creek that runs through it, it’s on a hill. It’s a really nice spot, I want to know what you think.”
The spot that Khayat was referring to would eventually become the home of Mountain Home’s McCabe Park. Instead, a chance of fate, and a random for sale sign from a college friend, would point to the location of the library’s new home.
“I said to him, why don’t you take Sonny out there and look. See what he thinks,” Khayat said. “So, Roger and Sonny went to look at the place, and when they came back onto the highway, there’s this big for sale sign sitting on top of this hill and Sonny said, ‘well what about that?’ And Roger said, ‘well, I was Mike Skeet’s roommate in college, I’ll just call him up!’”
Even after the building’s completion, Pitchford remained actively engaged with the library’s operations, regularly checking on the efficiency of systems he had advocated for during construction, such as the geothermal heating and cooling system.
“He comes in and he wants to know how much our electricity bills are running. And he is making sure that that geothermal heating and cooling system that he fought so hard for… not too long ago, he and I actually did some math, and I think we figured out it’s definitely paid for itself,” Crow Sheaner said.
“There were fifteen people on the committee and every one of them pulled their weight,” Pitchford remarked. “Everybody had a piece of the pie, it was fun. Some of the things we forgot to do, I guess stick with me. The little things you should have thought of when we built the building, but I think a part of them have been corrected. Anyways, I’m glad to have a part. Than you very much.”
Heart of the Library Award
Now in its fifth year, the Heart of the Library award went to Jim and Jackie Neff. The couple’s support dates back to the initial campaign to raise $2 million in community support for the library building. Their commitment has been unwavering, with Crow Sheaner highlighting their consistent annual gifts and ongoing volunteerism.
Jim Neff’s connection to the library began when he moved to Mountain Home with his late wife Carolyn in 1998. They witnessed the early struggles and successes of the Library Foundation, including the failed attempt to secure the old Alcoa building and the subsequent successful application for the Reynolds Foundation grant.
Carol Landrum, former Library Foundation president, emphasized the importance of early supporters like the Neffs:
“It’s not an understatement to say that without these early supporters, we would not be sitting here today,” Landrum said.
Jim Neff not only made financial contributions but also used his platform to advocate for the library. Landrum recalled, “Jim further supported the library by speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, urging local residents to support the new library.”
After Carolyn’s passing in 2013, Jim continued his support for the library. His marriage to Jackie brought another passionate community supporter into the library family. Jackie, known for her work with the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce, shared her enthusiasm for the library’s impact on the community.
“The first time I saw it, I thought ‘This is gorgeous.’ But it’s so much more than a library… Here, there is a program for everybody, all ages, all kinds of programs, very unique programs,” Jackie Neff said.
The Neffs’ support extends beyond regular donations. Crow Sheaner shared a recent example of their targeted giving.
“We were at risk of possibly not being able to continue to send books to the 1,100 children that are currently registered in Baxter County and are receiving free books in the mail every month. And also, we were not going to be able to add any new kids to that list,” said Crow Sheaner.
Upon learning of this need, the Neffs promptly responded with a donation to ensure the continuation and expansion of the program.
As the evening concluded, Jim Neff offered words of encouragement for continued support of the library.
“If you’ve given in the past and maybe there’s been a lapse, consider this organization again, if you can,” Jeff Neff said. “It’s a great organization and splendidly managed. And certainly, one of the crown jewels of Mountain Home, Arkansas.”
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