Phillips County Library in Helena expands access to digital services
The Phillips County Library branch in Helena serves as a vital civic hub, offering public computers, WiFi, genealogy collections, children's programming, and a community meeting room that supports education, job searches, and civic engagement. For residents facing barriers to broadband, healthcare access, and employment resources, the library provides essential services that affect public health, social equity, and economic opportunity.
The Phillips County Library at 702 Porter Street in Helena provides a range of services that reach beyond books to meet urgent community needs. Open Monday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the branch offers public computers, WiFi access, genealogy and local history collections, a community meeting room, and regular children's programming including story time and summer reading events. Residents can contact the library at 870 338 3537 or by email at ral72342@yahoo.com. Hours may change seasonally, so callers should confirm before planning a visit.
Access to internet and computers at the library has direct public health implications in a county where many households lack reliable broadband. The ability to complete online job applications, attend telehealth appointments, schedule vaccinations, or apply for benefits like Medicaid and SNAP hinges on internet access. By providing a quiet, connected space for schoolwork, job searches, and health portal visits, the library addresses social determinants of health and supports residents who would otherwise face digital exclusion.
The library's genealogy and local history collections also serve the Delta community in ways that strengthen identity and intergenerational ties. For older residents and families researching health histories, those materials can inform conversations about chronic disease risk and family health patterns. The community meeting room creates a venue for civic meetings, public health outreach, and nonprofit programming that can bring services such as mobile clinics or enrollment assistance directly to neighborhoods.
As a civic resource, the Phillips County Library encourages local partnerships for programming and outreach. That role matters for equitable recovery and long term resilience in Phillips County, where access to information, connectivity, and safe public space remains uneven. The library remains a practical entry point for residents who need help with school support for children, job search assistance, historical research, or a place to connect with community services. For immediate needs contact 870 338 3537 or ral72342@yahoo.com to learn about current programs and hours.
