Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library
🏢 White County Libraries · Searcy, Arkansas
Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library
Opened September 18, 2024, in a beautifully renovated 33,000-square-foot building that once housed the Searcy Athletic Club, the Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library is White County's landmark community hub — featuring a two-floor collection, dedicated teen and children's areas, passport services, genealogy resources, and extended Thursday evening hours.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1609 W. Beebe Capps Expressway, SEARCY, AR 72143
Phone: (501) 268-2449
Website: whitecountylibraries.org
Plus Code: 867C67W7+W5 (SEARCY, AR)
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📖 About Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library
Searcy's public library found a transformative new home on September 18, 2024, when the Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library opened at 1609 W. Beebe Capps Expressway. The 33,000-square-foot building, a converted athletic club purchased in 2020, was renovated through an $8.6 million project funded 51% by community donations and 28% by city funds — a testament to White County's investment in public knowledge. The library is named for Janett and Larry Crain, longtime Searcy residents whose charitable foundation contributed heavily to the project; Janett passed away in 2018 and Larry before the building was complete, but the community honored both with the naming. The facility is part of the White County Libraries system, which circulates more than 431,000 items and hosts nearly 2,000 events annually. The two-floor space houses adult, teen, and children's collections, a genealogy and local-history room, a computer lab, an exhibition gallery, and several meeting and study rooms. The library also serves as a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility and offers an online catalog, digital resources, and student eCard access. The note in the local paper summed it up: 'It's got the wow factor.'
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened September 18, 2024 — a 33,000 sq ft renovated athletic club, funded 51% by community donations
- Named for Janett and Larry Crain, whose charitable foundation made a lead gift toward the $8.6 million project
- U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility — passport applications accepted on-site
- Two-story building with dedicated children's area, Teen Library, computer lab, genealogy room, and exhibition gallery
- White County Libraries system circulates 431,000+ items and hosts nearly 2,000 events per year
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
White County cardholders enjoy free digital access to statewide and national library resources:
📚 Services
- Book, DVD, and audiobook lending
- Public computers and internet access
- Printing services
- U.S. Passport acceptance
- Meeting and study room reservations
- Local history and genealogy resources
- Children's programs
- Student eCard resources
- Library bundles (curated book collections)
- Free Wi-Fi
🎸 Programs
- Children's reading and literacy programs
- Community events (nearly 2,000 per year system-wide)
- Teen programming (Teen Library on 2nd floor)
- Genealogy and local-history research assistance
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Arkansas
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the library now called the Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library instead of Searcy Public Library?
The library moved to a new 33,000-square-foot building at 1609 W. Beebe Capps Expressway that opened September 18, 2024. The facility was named in honor of Janett and Larry Crain, longtime Searcy residents whose charitable foundation contributed significantly to the $8.6 million renovation project. Both Janett (d. 2018) and Larry passed away before seeing the completed building.
Does this library accept U.S. passport applications?
Yes — the Janett and Larry Crain Memorial Library is a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility. Bring your completed DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID, and the required fees. Contact the library at (501) 268-2449 to confirm appointment availability.
What is on the second floor, and why does it close early?
The second floor houses the Computer Lab, Teen Library, and Exhibition Gallery. It closes 30 minutes before the library's overall closing time to allow staff to assist patrons with closing procedures. Plan accordingly if you need the computer lab or teen area.
Can I research my family history at this library?
Yes — the library has a dedicated local-history and genealogy room. White County Libraries' statewide Traveler access also includes genealogy databases, and your card unlocks Libby for digital resources. For specific genealogy holdings, contact the library at (501) 268-2449.
🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.