Jonesboro Library to Host Free Event on Craighead County’s History and Heritage

JONESBORO, Ark. — The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library is inviting residents to attend the first event in its 2026 Speaker Series, titled “Where Stories Live: Stories, Memory, & Belonging in Craighead County,” on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. in the library’s Round Room.

Open to attendees aged 13 and older, the free event will explore how family stories, cultural organizations, local businesses, restaurants, and community spaces contribute to the fabric of life in Craighead County and Northeast Arkansas. Light refreshments will be served during the program.

The event will feature presentations and a moderated panel discussion involving community leaders and experts, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. Topics include local history, cultural traditions, building community connections, and the critical role of preserving local stories for future generations.

Rylie Yawson, Marketing and PR Manager for the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, emphasized the importance of events such as this in fostering a sense of identity and connection. “Our community is shaped by the stories, traditions, and experiences of the people who call Craighead County home,” Yawson said. “This event invites us to look beyond the places and buildings of our past and explore the people, cultures, organizations, and traditions that make our community what it is today. It’s an opportunity to learn from our shared history, celebrate the diverse experiences that make Craighead County unique, and consider how we can preserve these stories for future generations.”

The speaker series, slated as the first of three events planned for this year, is supported by sponsorships from Friends of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, St. Bernards Healthcare and Medical Group, Farmers & Merchants Bank, NEA Baptist, Arkansas State University Division of Access and Institutional Engagement, and Best Manufacturing.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library is located at 315 W. Oak Ave. in Jonesboro. For more information, visit libraryinjonesboro.org, the library’s Facebook page, or call 870-935-5133.