I Am Northwest Arkansas® Exploring Springdale Public Library's Offerings and Community Impact
About the Show:
"Our mission is to meet the needs of the community, and anyway that we can do that is the way that we'll do that."
- Nina Hodgson
About the Guest:
Nina Hodgson is the Marketing Director at the Springdale Public Library, where she plays a pivotal role in enhancing the library's visibility and connecting with the diverse community of Springdale, Arkansas. With a background in library and information services, Nina started as an information assistant and worked her way up to her current position. Her passion for public service and community engagement shines through in her dynamic approach to library marketing and outreach.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Nina Hodgson from the Springdale Public Library to explore the myriad of services and resources this century-old institution offers. Established over a hundred years ago in a Presbyterian church, the library has grown alongside the city of Springdale, adapting to meet the needs of its vibrant and diverse community. From multilingual collections to cultural storytimes, the library remains a cornerstone for education, entertainment, and community engagement.
As they delve deeper into the role of public libraries, Nina discusses the wide range of programs available, including ESL classes, storytimes, crafting classes, and even fishing pole rentals. She emphasizes the library's mission to serve as a resource for everyone by offering access to technology, such as online tutoring and digital book rentals through services like Libby and Hoopla. Randy and Nina highlight the invaluable free services available to residents, including computer access, notary services, and even the possibility of renting a meeting space—all underscoring the library's commitment to community support and lifelong learning.
Key Takeaways:
- The Springdale Public Library provides residents with a wide variety of programs, from ESL classes to crafting, designed to cater to its diverse community.
- Library resources extend beyond books, offering online movie streaming services, ancestry databases, and fishing pole rentals.
- The library plans to expand its physical size to accommodate larger programs and events, showcasing its ongoing commitment to community growth and engagement.
- There are numerous free resources available to library cardholders, including access to digital books, audiobooks, and New York Times subscriptions.
- The importance of public libraries remains critical, as they continue to adapt by integrating technology and additional resources to meet the changing needs of the community.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
Website Springdale Public Library
Springdale Public Library on Facebook
Springdale Public Library on Instagram
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Mentioned in this episode:
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!