Arkansas Libraries' State Funding Delayed Over Audit Rule Concerns

State Library Board holds back $1.37 million in quarterly funding as it seeks clarity on financial oversight requirements

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Arkansas State Library Board has delayed the distribution of over $1 million in quarterly state funding to public libraries across the state. The board members expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on the rules for required financial audits of library systems, particularly regarding a multi-county library network that has not been audited in years. The decision has left library directors worried about their ability to fund summer reading programs and other services.

Why it matters

The delay in state funding could significantly impact public libraries' ability to provide essential services to their communities, especially in smaller, more rural areas that rely heavily on state aid. The debate over the audit rules also highlights ongoing tensions between state officials and librarians over issues like book access and censorship.

The details

The State Library Board declined to approve the $1.37 million in quarterly funding during its latest meeting, with board members saying they need more clarity on the rules for libraries' required financial audits. Board chairman Clay Goff cited concerns that a multi-county library system in north Arkansas has not been audited in years, arguing that "just passing out money with no set rules" is not good stewardship of public funds. The delay has left library directors worried about their ability to fund summer reading programs and other services, with smaller, rural libraries being hit the hardest.

  • The State Library Board approved the library funding in November 2025 with little discussion.
  • The board declined to approve the $1.37 million in quarterly funding during its meeting on February 13, 2026.
  • The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for May 8, 2026, and the board may call a special meeting before then to clarify the funding rules.

The players

Clay Goff

Chairman of the Arkansas State Library Board.

Lynlee McMillan

Member of the Arkansas State Library Board, representing the Benton area.

Jennifer Chilcoat

State Librarian of Arkansas.

Kristen Cooke

Deputy Director of the Arkansas State Library.

Adam Webb

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

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This delay in state funding highlights the ongoing challenges facing public libraries in Arkansas, particularly around financial oversight and accountability. The debate also underscores the broader political tensions over issues like book access and censorship that have been playing out at the state and local levels.