The Baxter County Library Foundation honored longtime volunteer and former trustee Sonny Sharp with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award during its annual Heart of the Library ceremony Thursday evening. The award, presented by Library Director Kim Crow Sheaner, recognizes individuals whose contributions to the library’s foundation have gone beyond expectations.
Sharp, a Mountain Home native who grew up borrowing books from the small library above the old city hall and fire station, played a key role in establishing the modern $14 million library that now sits on a hill overlooking the city. Sharp served as a foundation trustee from the early 2000s until 2014, including several years as vice president. He is the third recipient of the award, following Roger Pitchford in 2024 and Carol Landrum in 2025.
“Sheaner called Sharp ‘legendary’ during the ceremony and shared how his passion for the library still shines. 'That twinkle he gets in his eye when he talks about the library – Sonny, I ask that you never lose that twinkle, no matter how old we get,’ she said.
After retiring from a nearly 30-year career with the federal government in 1995, Sharp returned to Mountain Home with his wife, Judy. Sharp recalled how Judy initially encouraged him to volunteer after getting involved in library activities herself, hosting its first website on their home computer.
Former Library Director Gwen Khayat remembered how Sharp was invited to join the foundation after advocating in a campaign to buy and renovate a building that ultimately failed. The setback spurred the group to refocus on finding a suitable new site. Sharp and Pitchford set out to identify and acquire the land, eventually purchasing the current hilltop property thanks to a fortunate connection with the seller facilitated by Pitchford.
The library’s path to completion was a community-wide effort made possible by a $10 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, $2 million in local fundraising efforts, and a subsequent match by the foundation. Sharp chaired the construction committee, working closely with other trustees, an architect from Springfield, and a construction adviser from Conway to reconcile differing visions before breaking ground.
Sharp noted the collaborative spirit of the foundation, saying it was a unique organization capable of respectful debate and unity. 'No one wanted to do something my way or the highway,' he said. 'These folks were absolutely committed to the best interests of the library.’
The Baxter County Library opened in September 2010 and remains a point of pride for those involved in its creation. Sharp highlighted the library’s sculpture, 'Journey to the Imagination,' during the ceremony, calling it a fitting symbol of the effort and vision behind the project. 'People that aren’t even born yet will likely use this,' he reflected.
Sharp’s contributions to the community extend beyond the library. He donated land for Mountain Home’s Station 2 firehouse, completed in 2025, and named in honor of his parents. He has also worked on various historical restoration projects, including the Baxter County Historical Museum and downtown Cotter, and remains active with the Baxter County Historical Society despite stepping down from its board in December 2025.
In addition to recognizing Sharp, the library’s ceremony honored other community members. Dawn and Brad Schultz of Jack’s Package Store received the Excellence in Community Engagement Award, while Beth and Jess VanderStek received the Heart of the Library Award. The library also unveiled its updated donor wall, where Judy and Sonny Sharp are now listed at the Patron Circle level, recognizing cumulative giving between $10,000 and $24,999.