Page 64 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

THE CHAMBER

Eva White Awarded

Iverson Riggs Citizen of the Year

Retired Crawford County Library
System (CCLS) Director, Eva White,
received recognition as the Iverson Riggs
Citizen of the Year at the Chamber’s
Annual Meeting in June, putting a cap
on a career that influenced thousands of
residents of Crawford County.
Jessica Blasingame, Executive Director
of Crawford County Volunteers for
Literacy, commented regarding White’s
tenure as Library Director. “For over
twenty years, Eva has worked tirelessly to
ensure Crawford County has exceptional
libraries for the public. She has dedication,
passion, and has promoted literacy along
with community development…”
During White’s career as Director, the
library system added or expanded three
branch locations, and she spearheaded the
efforts to fund and construct the current
main library in Van Buren. The communities
of Mountainburg, Alma and Mulberry also
have benefited from those efforts.
Shirley Yeager, owner of Yeager’s Eva White, 2024 Iverson Riggs Citizen of the Year.
ACE Hardware and Shamrock Liquor, Photo courtesy The Chamber
and a longtime Library Board member,
added “She is a leader unlike any other, others, adding “She is the consummate the Library early in 2024, but her impact
who has given back in so many ways professional, has a quiet and peaceful on the communities of Crawford County
that make Crawford County stand out demeanor. The Van Buren Library, overseen and Van Buren in particular will be felt for
amongst its peers. Without leaders like by Eva, had important resources that made generations. The Chamber congratulates
Eva, and the energy she has poured into a difference in my graduate research and Eva White on being the 2024 recipient
our communities, we would not be able to completing my Master’s degree.” of the Iverson Riggs Citizen of the Year
support our citizens the way they deserve.” White retired from her position at award.
“I witnessed Eva leave an indelible 2105 Industrial Park Road
mark on our community through her Van Buren Store Van Buren, AR 72956
479.474.8051
tireless efforts and leadership,” said Jane Knowledge • Convenience • Service Weekdays 7:30 am - 5 pm
Anne Balkman, Library Specialist for Alma ® Est. 1944 Everyone Welcome Saturday 7:30 am - 1 pm ®
School District and former Library Board Closed Sunday
member. “Eva was an integral part of the pet feed hay bulk feeds
creation of the Friends of the Crawford and and and
County Library System Foundation, a hardware minerals bag feeds
non-profit organization that raises funds
for resources that are not covered by the
Library System budget.” lawn tires seeds
Van Buren resident and Director of and and and
the Drennen-Scott Historic Site, Tom garden equipment fertilizers
Wing, echoed the sentiments of the
64 Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org