More Than Books: The Library That’s Changing Bentonville

Discover how a $16M transformation turned this local library into a vibrant hub for creativity, learning, and community connection.

Author

Randy Wilburn
April 22, 2025

Hey Folks,

We just had a wonderful but wet Easter weekend, and we are still basking in the full start of spring here in Northwest Arkansas. We are also still celebrating our 6-year anniversary of the podcast all month long. I don’t know about you guys, but when my family members have a birthday, they never celebrate for a day; they tend to celebrate for the WHOLE month.

How about you?

We are going to keep the party going at least until the middle of next week.

🎧 This Week’s Episode: “Beyond Books: How the Bentonville Library is Reinventing Community”

What if a library wasn’t just a place to borrow books but a hub for innovation, creativity, and connection? This week on the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast, we step inside the newly transformed Bentonville Public Library to see how they’re doing just that.

Library Director Hadi Dudley and Marketing & Communications Manager Tara Clark share the story behind the library’s $16 million expansion and how it’s redefining what a modern library looks like in one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. From makerspaces and outdoor classrooms to a “Library of Things,” Bentonville’s library is proving it’s not just keeping up with the times—it’s leading the way.

👉 Listen now → Episode 313

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this episode is a reminder of the powerful role libraries play in shaping strong, inclusive communities. You’ll also hear how the library is expanding access to tech, learning resources, and even practical tools—yes, you can check out a sewing machine or telescope with your library card!

📬 Know someone who loves libraries or community innovation? Forward this newsletter and help spread the word!

🧭 FindItNWA.com Is Live 🎉

We officially launched FindItNWA.com—our hyper-local business directory with nearly 2,000 listings and more being added daily. If you own or love a local business, this is where you want to be.

➡️ List your business or explore local gems → FindItNWA.com

🗣️ Tell Us What You Like About the Podcast

To celebrate our 6th year and keep improving, we’re asking you to help shape the future of the show.

It only takes a few minutes, and your input will help us craft the kind of stories you want more of. This questionnaire is a brand new survey we just created this week.

📝 Take the Listener Survey → Click HERE

We’re grateful to share these stories with you each week. Here’s to building a stronger, more connected NWA—together.

Talk soon,

Randy Wilburn

Host of I Am Northwest Arkansas®