Newton County Library

The Gould Jones Resevoir was built by Gould Jones around 1942 and used as the first water system for the city of Jasper from 1946 to 1952.  The resevoir was also utilized to supply water for a tomato canning plant that existed near the current Newton County Library.  The tomato plant was the only factory in Jasper.  Notice the rounded roof of the structure, a touch that the builder incorporated after being told by many that it couldn't be done.  The Gould Jones Reservoir became a member of the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.  Gould Jones was a blacksmith, machinist and builder who spent all of his nearly 85 years living in or near Newton County and his life's work is visited often on our walking tour.  The work of Gould Jones is much celebrated for being original as well as functional.  It's apparent that Gould Jones enjoyed creating unique buildings with a little pizazz.  He wasn't just a builder.  He was an artist.

Sitting on top of the former recycling center collection site, the library garden features local rockwork, native plants and colorful perennials.

We have a beautiful collection of William McNamara watercolors which were generously donated to our library by the artist.

The Newton County Library houses the work of many local artists and artisans.  We have a beautiful stained-glass sign that hangs over our front door, that was made by Dave Spencer.  Our oak furniture was made by Charles Christian and Bobby McCaffry.  Our pine furniture was made by Dave Spencer and we have two originals by another area artist, Max Standley.  Local school children also display their art within the library in rotating display.

The Newton County Library has partnered with Jasper Schools to bring a continuous and ever-changing children's art display to our Library.  Children from Elementary through High School participate, bringing many wonderful and supportive comments from our patrons and visitors.

In 1931, Ted Richmond homesteaded 160 acres near the Buffalo River on Mt. Sherman in Newton County, Arkansas.  He then solicited books from all over the world and claimed he had 25,000 books and 100,000 magazines dating back ten years.  The Wilderness Library existed from 1931 to 1956.  The library Genealogy Room features a display case with the backpack used by Richmond to distribute books around the county and books from the collection.

A changing display of old photographs are found in the Genealogy Room.  These photos showcase a Newton County from the past, bringing light and interest to the faces and places of yesteryear. 

Genealogy is a popular hobby and we have a good collection of books, microfilm, microfiche, maps and other reference  materials.  Some types of records are sporatic. 

Many generous patrons have given us their family histories, maps and other materials that are valuable tools in searching for Arkansas and especially Newton County roots.  We accept donations of genealogy materials in print or on computer disc pertaining to Newton County.  We also welcome old photographs of Newton County or its residents.  We have scanned many photos and have saved them on CD's, and now have an extensive 8 volume collection, entitled This Is Newton County.  These photographs are indexed for easy access.  If you wish, you can share photographs with us, too.  Bring them to us or mail them to us and we will get them right back to you.  You may purchase a copy of the photo CD's for $7.00 each. 

We do not have a Genealogist on staff. However, when library staff has available time, they are able to do genealogy research for patrons who contact the library by email and through the mail with research inquiries.  Copies can be made and sent to your address, or via email at .15 cents a copy, plus the cost of postage. 

These are the types of records available in The Arkansas Room: