Bentonville Public Library (BPL) is taking part in Welcoming Week NWA Presented by ENGAGE from September 9 – 18. The celebration will include multiple events focused on community, diversity and sharing culture. All the Library’s events will take place at BPL or virtually and can be found on our online event calendar. Some sessions require registration.

Special library offerings include: 

Resettlement for Refugees in NWA on September 12 at 6PM. This event is in partnership with Canopy Northwest Arkansas. Canopy will provide information about the resettlement efforts made through the organization for refugees. Register on the Library’s online event calendar.

On a Positive Note: Kick-Off Event on September 12 from 3:30 – 5:30PM. This drop-in event invites teens to write encouraging postcards and notes that are perfect to share with family, friends, teachers and more. In addition, they will be creating uplifting notes to fill a 'wall of positivity' in the Teen Zone. Registration is not required.

Around the World with BPL on September 13 at 4:30PM. This brand new library program allows students in kindergarten to 6^th grade to meet with community members that originate from another country to celebrate our region’s growing diversity. The program kick-off on September 13 will feature an “Around the World” welcoming roundtable and international show and tell by the Library’s presenters. At future monthly sessions, each guest will highlight their particular culture and share their experiences. Registration is not required.

Road Maps to Freedom on September 17 at 2PM. The Library’s final event celebrating Welcoming Week NWA explores the commonalities and differences between the Underground Railroad and Green Book with a focus on how both served as road maps to freedom for African Americans. Session content is presented by Kerry Jones, Park Guide at the Pea Ridge National Military Park. Registration is not required.

Alongside these and more events, BPL will feature a Welcoming Week NWA display including our diversity resources, relevant books and interactive inclusive activities. Visit the Library, use the hashtag #WhereWeBelong and tag Bentonville Public Library to be part of the celebration.