The Bentonville Library Foundation announced it has received a $500,000 grant from the Alice L. Walton Foundation to support the library's expansion.
The library has now raised about 79% of its $16.75 million fundraising goal. Plans call for a 22,975-SF addition to the library, which was built in 2006. The current size is 38,500 SF.
Construction is set to begin this spring. The city is contributing $4.5 million in bond funds to the project.
"The Bentonville Library Foundation is honored that Alice has chosen to invest in the expansion of our public library," Howard Kerr, president of the library, said in a news release. "Her generosity is always for the benefit of we the people. Our appreciation is beyond measure."
The library foundation continues to raise private funds for the project. Major gifts include a $5.5 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation, a $20,000 gift by Cindy Flynt Walters and Betty Flynt, and a $16,000 commitment by Thomas and Lynda Main.
