Baxter County Library Administration

Your Library Leadership – Working for you

It is sometimes confusing, even from the inside looking out, to figure out who the players are that lead an organization.  We are fortunate to have strong leaders serving on three distinctive boards that set the vision and support the operation of our community library.   We would like to acquaint you with each of these groups and introduce you to the individuals who have made a tremendous commitment to the mission of helping our library keep pace with the changing needs of our community.

The Library Board, appointed by the Baxter County Judge, oversees the administration of the library.  The Foundation Board, comprised of volunteers from the community, manages the financial investment of gifts from private donations to the library.  The Friends of the Library Board coordinates the activities of a large group of community volunteers, helping to supplement the work of the Foundation. These three groups work together with a common vision; to promote public awareness, understanding and support for the library in order to provide resources which will expand horizons, open minds and enrich lives within the community.

The Library Board sets policies and provides the administrative oversight for the Baxter County Library, including the main facility in Mountain Home and the branch in Gassville.  Appointed members of this Board are Chairman, Deborah Knox, Dr. John Ahrens, Dr. Richard Burnett, Sally Gilbert, and Sonny Sharp.  The County Judge serves as an ex-officio member of the library board. 

The Library Foundation is a volunteer Board that serves to create community partnerships to help achieve the common goals of the library leaders.  The Baxter County Library Foundation is an incorporated, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising funds to enhance the quality and range of materials, services and programs offered by the library. (CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FOUNDATION WEB PAGE.)

The Friends of the Baxter County Library represent a diverse cross-section of the community with a membership of approximately 75 volunteers.  The Board for the Friends of the Library oversees activities that support the library and use its funds to supplement library programs, materials, and activities. (CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY WEB PAGE.)