Bentonville
Public Library

$4,975,000

Bentonville Public Library celebrated 15 years at 405 South Main Street. Since opening, the Library has become a downtown destination for patrons of all ages and backgrounds.

The proposed improvements are important to enhance Bentonville Public Library’s already vital role in our city by continuing to offer more services, materials and programs our patrons expect from a first-class library.

BPL’s project will be financed by the Library Improvement Bond and private fundraising efforts.

As plans progress, particular details will change, improve and be refined, but the Library’s values and proposed amenities will remain the same.

Our expansion "Dream Team", including representatives from Bentonville Public Library, MSR Design, Hight Jackson and Flintco, attended the Bentonville City Council meeting on March 29, 2022 supporting the Library's expansion plans.

Pictured left to right: Kristilyn Vercruysse, Hadi Dudley, Randal Hurban, Judy Marquess, Angie Bailey, Teresa Stafford, Klint Kimball, Patrick Horath, Jonathan Williams, Larry Perkin (not pictured: Howard Kerr)

Presentations

Project Timeline

March 8, 2021: Needs Assessment Study published
April 13, 2021: Voters passed a $4.975M Bond for Library Improvements
May 10, 2021: Bentonville Library Foundation voted to support the project, setting a fundraising goal of $10.5M
September 14, 2021: BPL contracted with MSR Design and Flintco for design and pre-construction services
October 2021: Project kick-off with steering committee, stakeholder discussions and pre-design work
November – December 2021: Topographical survey and geotechnical report complete
November 2021 – February 2022: Schematic Design and Pricing phase
May 18, 2022: The Big Reveal Event hosted by Bentonville Library Foundation
April – August 2022: Design Development and Pricing phase
September – December 2022: Construction Documents and Pricing phase
January and February 2023: Permitting and Bidding
Spring 2023: Construction begins and Groundbreaking
May 20 - June 3 2024: Two-week closure to move Friends of the Library Read It Again Bookstore, install new 9-bin materials sorter, and temporarily move reception desk.
August 2: Library Closure to return front desk and operations to newly renovated spaces
September 30 – October 27 (4weeks): Library Closure to install furniture, move collection, install technology, fishtank, and artwork
October 30: Ribbon Cutting and Welcome Celebration
October – January: Fall Renovation of new Business Center and Community Hub, offices, adult collection area
Early 2025 (TBD): Fall Renovation Re-opening

General Synopsis:

We’re making room for more!

Bentonville Public Library improvements are planned:

Expansion of 22,795+/- SF
Interior renovations and modifications
Exterior modifications
Estimated budget = $16.75M +/-

Proposed design features include:

Expansion of the children’s department with a new, larger storytime space and craft area
Reimagined teen zone with study and collaboration spaces
Multi-purpose activity room (makerspace) for all ages
More meeting and collaboration rooms for community use
Connections to nature through outdoor spaces
Minor renovation to some staff areas
Light renovation throughout facility, as needed.

Proposed new construction and renovation plan will:

Allow BPL to serve more patrons of all ages
Provide additional programmable spaces
Expand opportunities to connect with others
Enhance the library experience
Integrate new areas with existing spaces
Improve staff’s ability to serve our community

Concept Renderings

Concept renderings are images that illustrate what could be designed for the Library’s improvements.

The final plan is subject to change.

Expanded Children's Library

A vibrant space for young patrons to make meaningful connections to literature
Storytime space will welcome large audiences for storytimes, library lessons and other activities
Expands services to youth and community families
A place for gathering, play-based learning and reading
Additionally, a new, larger craft area is proposed with the storytime space