Local Author Book Signing

On Sunday, July 26th from 3-5 PM, local Hot Springs author Colonel Lynn A. Davis will be selling and signing new copies of his book, They Said It Couldn't Be Done, which documents the closing down of "The Biggest Illegal Casino Operation in America - Hot Springs, Arkansas - 1967" in 120 days.

After many failed attempts at ending casino operations in Hot Springs for decades, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller was frustrated. The previous police chiefs were bribed, blackmailed, or threatened into inaction by the "redneck mafia" down in the Spa City. But not Lynn Davis, a clean-cut FBI agent-turned police chief turned local hero.

Col. Davis ended the gambling in high style. Facing down his enemies in the streets of Hot Springs, he drug out the slot machines and other articles of illegal gambling, bulldozed them into a neat pile and set them ablaze for the public to watch. The illegal operations were irreparably crippled. The free-for-all heyday was over thanks to the efforts of Col. Davis.

We are very excited to have Colonel Davis come to the library to sell his book, which was published by the Garland County Historical Society. The Garland County Historical Society will also have other books of Garland County interest for sale.

Garland County Historical Society - homepage
Arkansas' Murderous Ways - an article mentioning Col. Davis written by Christopher Ruddy
Badges, Bandits and Bars - info on a crime exhibit held at the Old State House Museum

Arkansas Underground Film Festival/GCL Movie Collection

On July 17th, 18th and 19th, the Arkansas Underground Film Festival (ARKUFF) www.arkuff.com will be taking place at the historic Malco Theater. This is a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to screen films ranging from surrealist (Friday the 17th), pop culture and avant garde (Saturday the 18th), to contemporary experimentalist (Sunday the 19th).

Many of the filmmakers are well-known icons in the underground film and art scenes around the world. Some featured artists and subjects, such as Salvador Dali, Jim Henson, Andy Warhol, William Burroughs and Yoko Ono are household names. Works by other artists, such as George Melies, Luis Bunuel, Stan Brakhage, and Maya Deren may sound less familiar, but are no less noteworthy.

ARKUFF has put together a very special festival and we should be proud to live in a community where events like these are becoming more and more commonplace. We encourage you to attend the Arkansas Underground Film Festival and would also like to offer you our list of films (and books) from the above artists (click their names to locate their works in our card catalog).

Construction Update (FOL Edition)

The construction project is running along smoothly. Here is a brief pictorial update on the progress:

Facing east, standing in the unpaved driveway. The windows you see here will be the new Friends of the Library used book sale room. The adjoining building is the addition to the Children's Library.

Facing north, Jill observing our initials that we etched into the curb.

Stairs before the installation of the conveyor belt. This will lead to the storage area.

The storage area for the Friends of the Library (partial shot). Here is where the FOL store books for their annual May Book Sale.

The window facing eastward towards the Health Department from the new Friends of the Library used book sale room. This space is much larger than the current room, meaning more used books to browse through!

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We are very appreciative of our Friends of the Library. To become a FOL, it costs only five dollars per year. Becoming a Friend gives you the opportunity to volunteer, work amongst an excellent staff of individuals, and the ability to attend the annual May Sale a day before the public. The money raised by the FOL benefits us in countless ways. Sign up today at the front desk!