North Little Rock Public Library System finalizing agreement to assume management and operation of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Aug. 23, 2024 — The North Little Rock Public Library System is thrilled to announce it is in negotiations to assume the management and operation of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, a dynamic center for innovation and entrepreneurship located in North Little Rock. The Innovation Hub has been owned and operated by Winrock International for the past eight years; its planned transition to NLRPLS marks a significant milestone for both organizations and the community at large.
The Innovation Hub has been a beacon of creativity and ingenuity since its inception in 2014, fostering a culture of innovation and providing invaluable resources for entrepreneurs, makers, and learners. With this pending agreement — which both sides expect to be finalized by the end of the year — NLRPLS aims to further enhance the Hub’s offerings and expand access to its transformative programs and services. This investment underscores the library system’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting local entrepreneurs, and empowering community members to thrive in the digital age.
The planned Hub transition from Winrock to NLRPLS was unanimously approved by the library system’s board of directors at its bi-monthly meeting on May 20, 2024, demonstrating the board’s confidence in the strategic importance and potential impact of this initiative. Under the pending agreement, Hub programs will be managed and operated by NLRPLS while leasing the Hub’s headquarters in North Little Rock, from Winrock. The library system will continue to run the Hub’s ongoing community-based programs, classes and services, and Hub staff will become employees of the library system when the agreement is completed.
Crystal Gates, executive director of NLRPLS, expressed her enthusiasm for this exciting opportunity: “The addition of the Innovation Hub’s programming, staff and services represents a monumental step forward for our community. By bringing together the resources and expertise of the North Little Rock Public Library System with the innovative spirit of the Hub, we will create a hub of learning, creativity, and collaboration unlike any other. We are thrilled to embark on this journey and look forward to the countless possibilities it will unlock for our community.”
Joyjit Deb Roy, Winrock’s chief global programs & development officer, said: “Winrock has long supported the Hub’s mission of improving the lives of Arkansans by inspiring innovation and expanding opportunities, with the two nonprofits beginning a unique affiliation nearly a decade ago. During its partnership with Winrock, the Hub expanded programs that support creatives and entrepreneurs and STEAM education for Arkansas youth. Winrock is proud to have invested in that growth. Now, we are incredibly excited to announce the next phase in the Hub’s evolution, with North Little Rock’s library system assuming management and operation of the Hub’s programming.”
Errin Stanger, former director of the Innovation Hub, shared her support for the transition: “The Hub is beginning a new relationship with a local partner that upholds its mission and will ensure ongoing programmatic impact. The NLRPLS is already deeply engaged and committed to fostering community-based learning and programming, and the Hub’s long-established, STEAM-focused programming is a perfect fit for the library’s community outreach and service goals.”
For more information about the Innovation Hub and NLRPLS transition, contact Crystal Gates at crystal.gates@lamanlibrary.org or call (501) 758-1720; at Winrock International, please contact Joyjit Deb Roy: Joyjit.DebRoy@winrock.org.
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