Bentonville, AR… The Bentonville Public Library (BPL) is partnering with the Bentonville Parks and Recreation Department, the Public Art Advisory Committee and Friends of the Bentonville Library to request proposals for a book-sharing box prototype for installation in city parks.  

These library boxes will allow community members to take a book or leave a book, available seven days a week, 24 hours a day and accessible to all. The objective is to combine the concept of Little Free Libraries® with public art, creating a unique installation that is both an attraction and a service to the community. The book box should be designed in a manner that helps promote and encourage reading and represents the importance of literacy in our community. Units designed to include up to three (3) storage areas for children’s, adult/teen books and/or community resources are of particular interest. 

Any artist, architect, graphic designer, landscape architect or any other designer is eligible to submit a proposal. 

Each year, city employees submit ideas for the Mayor’s Bright Idea Award. Mayor Stephanie Orman selects one project each year for implementation. Bentonville Public Library submitted the idea of a book-sharing box in public parks and was the winner of the “Bright Idea Award” for 2022.  

Details and submittal form available online at www.bentonvillepublicart.com.   

The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 23, 2022 at midnight CST.