BPL Needs Assessment
Study 2021

About BPL’s Study

A 6-month project that was mission-focused and community-driven featuring four public engagement techniques.

Two Options

Community feedback, library data and industry standards prompted MSR Design to develop two options for BPL’s future expansion.

Scheme 1: Bond Option

6,400 SF addition dedicated to expanding the children’s department. It lends itself well to phasing additional expansions while addressing some immediate library and community needs.

Scheme 2: Full Option

26,555 SF addition addressing all needs identified in the engagement process. Single-phased approach for optimized efficiency and economy. Best suited for all encompassing 20-year look ahead for the library and community’s needs.

BPL of the Future

After review of existing conditions paired with synthesis of community, staff and stakeholder feedback, the following summarizes findings and areas of focus for the project as it progresses.

Areas of focus

Resolving Existing Issues

• Acoustic privacy / separation from active spaces and quiet spaces
• More room for diversified and increased collection
• Staff space that allows more privacy for patron information and staff conversation
• Enlarged children’s area – both for crafts and story time
• More parking with more clear paths for pedestrian / vehicular traffic
• Improved space to serve teens
• Better visibility of staff service from entry
• More welcoming and open entry experience
• Cafe is beloved, ensure it stays/improves
• Activate west side of building for views from Main St.

Areas of focus

New Spaces/Elements

• More quiet study rooms and small meeting rooms
• Outdoors space with connection to children’s area
• Outdoor gardens for learning - accessible to all
• Larger Walmart room with ample storage and prefunction space that doesn’t create bottleneck
• Connection to community in terms of learning and art
• Connection to bicycling community
• To become a resource for community and tourists - “community hub”
• More places to meet and socialize, both casual and enclosed of all sizes
• Maker space for variety of activities with shared resources + tools
• Adult topical classes for learning new skills
• Community collaboration, workshops, partnerships and connection + better spaces to support those

Project Info & Acknowledgements

In October 2021, Bentonville Public Library celebrates 15 years at 405 South Main Street.  Since opening, the library has become a downtown destination for patrons of all ages and backgrounds.  

To fully understand how Bentonville Public Library should continue to enhance its already vital role in our city by continuing to offer more services, materials and programs our patrons expect from a first-class library, a formal Needs Assessment study became necessary. 

City Council approved an agreement for professional services with MSR Design on September 8, 2020.  A Needs Assessment steering committee kicked off the project on September 23, 2020. 

• Considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic were made throughout the library’s project.  
• Using information gathered from the public through surveys, workshops and meetings, MSR expertly developed two options for Bentonville Public Library’s Needs Assessment study. 
• The group relied on industry expertise, our library’s data, city information, and current trends in public spaces, with special emphasis on Bentonville’s unique and wonderful community.
• MSR’s site plans, layout options, conceptual imagery and budgetary proposals are solid representations of what could be designed and developed in the future. 
• A future architectural design phase will more specifically determine how the library facility and grounds will be constructed.

BPL’s Needs Assessment study is fully supported by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, in partnership with the Bentonville Library Foundation.