Bentonville Public Library
🏢 Bentonville Public Library · Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville Public Library
The Bentonville Public Library opened in its current 38,000-square-foot home on South Main Street in 2006, but the institution traces its roots to November 11, 1918 — when a handful of books were gathered in the east room of the Massey Hotel — and now serves one of America's fastest-growing cities with two locations, evening hours four days a week, and a nationally recognized maker and business collection.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 405 South Main Street, Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone: (479) 271-3192
Website: bentonvillelibrary.org
Plus Code: 86879Q9R+3H (Bentonville, AR)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Bentonville Public Library
Bentonville Public Library was founded on November 11, 1918, in borrowed space at the historic Massey Hotel. After moving through several temporary homes — including the First Presbyterian Church basement and City Hall — it returned to a renovated Massey Hotel in 1979 as the Allen D. Clark Library, remaining there for nearly 27 years. A public-private partnership raised $7 million of the $9 million cost for the current 38,000-square-foot flagship at 405 South Main Street, which opened on October 30, 2006. A second branch opened in 2015 at the Bentonville Community Center at 1101 SW Citizens Circle (with expanded hours including weekends). The library is a city department operating with an annual budget of nearly $2 million. Its collections include the BPL for Readers, BPL for Makers, and BPL for Business specialty areas, and its Library of Things lends tools, equipment, and devices alongside traditional print and digital materials. Through the state's Arkansas Traveler Database Program and the Mockingbird ILL platform, cardholders can access research databases and borrow from libraries across Arkansas.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded November 11, 1918 — over a century of library service in Benton County
- 38,000-square-foot flagship opened 2006 at 405 South Main; Community Center branch opened 2015 for weekend access
- BPL for Makers and Library of Things collections for tools, technology, and creative equipment
- BPL for Business resources including market research, career tools, and entrepreneurship support
- Arkansas Traveler Database Program provides free statewide research databases to every cardholder
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Bentonville Public Library cardholders can access a rich set of digital resources at no cost:
📚 Services
- Free library cards for Bentonville and Benton County residents
- Library of Things: tools, equipment, devices, and specialty items
- BPL for Makers maker resources and equipment
- BPL for Business market research and career resources
- Public computers, printing, copying, faxing, and scanning
- Meeting room rental for community and nonprofit use
- Homebound delivery service
- Interlibrary loan via Mockingbird statewide network
- Book club kits and reader's advisory
- Outreach programming throughout the community
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programs
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Adult programs and author events
- Maker workshops and tech classes
- Book clubs and community reading groups
- Business and career development programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Northwest Arkansas
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Bentonville · Browse all Arkansas libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Bentonville Public Library founded, and where was its original location?
The library was founded on November 11, 1918, when books were gathered in the east room of the Massey Hotel in downtown Bentonville — the same building that was later renovated in 1979 to house the library again as the Allen D. Clark Library. The current 38,000-square-foot building at 405 South Main Street opened on October 30, 2006.
Does the library have a second location with weekend hours?
Yes. A branch at the Bentonville Community Center at 1101 SW Citizens Circle opened in 2015 and offers hours that include weekends. The downtown location at 405 South Main is open Monday through Thursday until 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 5 p.m. (closed Sunday).
What is the Library of Things at Bentonville Public Library?
The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional items you can borrow with your library card — think tools, equipment, electronic devices, and specialty gear. The BPL for Makers area adds fabrication and creative equipment to the mix. Items vary; check the catalog or ask staff for current availability.
Is there a fee for a library card if I live in Benton County?
Cards are free for all residents of Bentonville. Benton County residents outside the city also qualify for a free card. A non-resident fee applies for those who live outside the county — the library's website or staff can confirm the current rate.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.