The Bentonville library has arrived
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Inside the newly expanded library. Photo: Alex Golden/Axios
The newly expanded Bentonville Public Library is open with more space, materials, amenities — and more of a presence.
Why it matters: Bentonville's population has roughly doubled since 2006 when the current library was built. Its downtown location opens itself up to foot traffic in what has become a destination area in NWA.
State of play: The addition includes new amenities like teen study rooms; a maker space with sewing machines and 3D printers; a 225-person capacity meeting room; sensory and wellness room; digital lab with video, gaming and podcast equipment.
- The expansion includes 22,795 square feet of extra space, putting the library at 61,295 square feet total.
The intrigue: The children's and teen sections are in the new space, which includes a puppet theater and flexible space for events and modern furniture intended to invite kids to curl up with a book alone or with a caregiver, library director Hadi Dudley told Axios.
- There's also a walkway with seating and art on loan from Oz Art — like a mini art gallery embedded in the library.
What they're saying: The library didn't have enough space for events or for the amount of materials it needs, Dudley said.
- Now, the hope is the space inspires and delights the community, she said. It's bright and airy with lots of windows and more outdoor space.
How it works: Library cards are free to anyone in Benton County plus Fayetteville residents, Bentonville Public Schools employees, Bentonville city employees and Bentonville business owners. Otherwise, a card costs $15 a year.
By the numbers: The expansion's cost was approximately $16.75 million. Voters in 2021 approved a $4.97 million bond for the project, and the Bentonville Library Foundation raised nearly $11 million including $5.5 million from the Walton Family Foundation and $1.5 million from the Walmart Foundation.
What's next: What will include a book club lounge and business center is still under renovation in the space that was formerly the children's section. It should be open in January.
- Also, stay tuned for outdoor gardens where children will learn gardening.