Bentonville, AR... The Bentonville Library Foundation is elated and honored to announce a $500,000.00 grant from the Alice L. Walton Foundation in support of the Bentonville Public Library expansion.

Howard Kerr, President of the Library Foundation states, “Alice Walton continues to invest in our community, giving every citizen or visitor exposure to things that heighten our interest in art, architecture, health and well-being, and education. The Bentonville Library Foundation is honored that Alice has chosen to invest in the expansion of our public library. Her generosity is always for the benefit of we the people. Our appreciation is beyond measure.”

Library Director, Hadi Dudley adds “Alice Walton’s philanthropy has significantly contributed to Bentonville’s culture and her gift to our public library will also have a lasting impact in our community. I am grateful for her support.”

The Bentonville Library Foundation continues to raise funds for the project. Several new additional investments have been made and will be acknowledged through naming opportunities in the library expansion. A $20,000 contribution by Cindy Flynt Walters and Betty Flynt provides naming rights to several family reading nooks in the Children’s Library. Thomas and Lynda Main named a 4-seat teen study room with a $16,000 gift. Amy and Henry Alvarado committed $15,000 to name a teen group study room. The Carl and Alleen McKinney Charitable Trust is granting $10,000 to name a children’s study room, and Carter and Leslie Calico invested $10,000 to name another children’s study room. Former Mayor Terry Black Coberly and Jody Coberly will be naming an early learning iPad area for $5,000. Steve and Lina Scroggins have donated $2,500 to name a reading cubby inside the storytime area.

Five corporations have invested in the expansion as well. RJW Logistics Group made a $12,000 donation to name a 4-seat adult meeting room adjacent to the Business and Community Hub named by the Bentonville A&P Commission. Best in Class is naming the Library Foundation office for $10,000 and Diamond State Panels named a youth iPad Station for $5,000. KPMG donated to name a reading cubby inside the children’s storytime space, and Steve Fineberg & Associates have named two children’s art cubbies. The Ozark Outdoor Foundation has also contributed to the campaign.

In a previous campaign announcement from the Library Foundation recognized a $5.5 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation. Prior contributors include Friends of the Bentonville Library, the Bogle family, Bob and Becky Alexander, the McGaugh family, Norma Hoback Estate, the Randy Mattingly family, Mark Tate and family, Howard and Elaine Kerr, Denton and Cathy Seilhan, Doug and Shelley McMillon, Steve and Judy Marquess, Greg and Hadi Dudley and Kathy Jones.

Recent donations bring BLF’s campaign total to $8.75 million in lead gifts. The private funding raised will join the City of Bentonville’s bond funds of $4.5 million toward the library’s $16.75 million expansion project. Combined public and private funding comprise 79% of amount needed to-date.

The Bentonville Library Foundation continues to seek additional donations and naming gifts to help close the funding gap before construction can begin this spring. Learn more about giving opportunities on the Foundation’s website at bentonvillelibraryfoundation.org. or by contacting Teresa Stafford CFRE at [email protected]