Arkansas Libraries' State Aid Delayed After Board Questions Audit Rules

Funding for summer reading programs and book transportation in limbo as state board seeks clarity on financial oversight

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Arkansas State Library Board declined to distribute over $1 million in quarterly funding to public libraries across the state, citing concerns over the rules for required financial audits and the use of the funds. The board's new members, appointed under a law passed by the Republican-led legislature, said they need more clarity on the funding guidelines before approving the disbursement.

Why it matters

The delayed funding is impacting libraries' ability to provide key services like summer reading programs and book transportation between facilities. This comes amid an ongoing debate over library funding and oversight in Arkansas, with the new board members seeking tighter controls on how state aid is spent.

The details

The board's decision to withhold the $1.37 million in quarterly funding came after members expressed concerns about a multi-county library system in northern Arkansas that has not been audited in years. State law requires regional library systems to have annual audits, but it is unclear which agency should receive those audits or if there are penalties for noncompliance. The board said "just passing out money with no set rules" is not good stewardship of public funds.

  • The Arkansas State Library Board declined to approve the $1.37 million in quarterly funding at its meeting on February 13, 2026.
  • The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for May 8, 2026, and they may call a special meeting before then to clarify the funding rules with the state attorney general's office and Department of Education.

The players

Clay Goff

Chairman of the Arkansas State Library Board.

Allie Gosselink

Director of the Calhoun County Library.

John McGraw

Director of the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library.

Deb Meyer

Director of the libraries in Van Buren County.

Adam Webb

President of the Arkansas Library Association and director of the Garland County Library.

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What they’re saying

“'Just passing out money with no set rules' is not good stewardship of public funds.”

— Clay Goff, Chairman, Arkansas State Library Board (arkansasadvocate.com)

“'Some of the money from our county budget went into finishing the final payment on our building this year, so that means I have a little less money for operational expenses and funding throughout the year.'”

— Deb Meyer, Director, Van Buren County Libraries (arkansasadvocate.com)

“'The only folks who are losing here are the libraries who do everything right and their patrons who get the funding.'”

— Adam Webb, President, Arkansas Library Association and Director, Garland County Library (arkansasadvocate.com)

What’s next

The Arkansas State Library Board plans to meet with the state attorney general's office and the Department of Education to clarify the funding rules before their next regular meeting on May 8, 2026. They may also call a special meeting before then to address the issue.

The takeaway

This delay in state funding highlights the ongoing debate over library oversight and accountability in Arkansas, with the new library board members seeking tighter controls on how public funds are spent. While the board aims to ensure proper stewardship of taxpayer money, the impact is being felt by libraries that have followed the rules, potentially limiting their ability to provide crucial services to their communities.