Bentonville’s Best Friends Center Opens a Little Free Library

A cat curls up on a windowsill while a kid flips through a picture book two feet away, unbothered by the whole arrangement. That’s the scene waiting for you at Best Friends Pet Resource Center this August, where a new Little Free Library is about to open its doors.

THE DEETS

📅 Sunday, August 9, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
📍 Best Friends Pet Resource Center, 1312 Melissa Dr, Bentonville
🔗 More info

Built by Neighbors, for Neighbors

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Arkansas volunteers built the library by hand, and it now sits in the lobby of the pet resource center, stocked with books for readers of every age. Stop by at noon to see it unveiled, then stick around while it opens for browsing.

More Than a Bookshelf

Once the ribbon drops, an indoor local market takes over the space until 4 p.m., giving you a reason to linger past the library itself. Free, family-friendly craft activities are also available, so kids have something to do with their hands while the grown-ups shop.

A Read-Aloud With the Cats

Here’s the part that sets this one apart. Kids are welcome to bring a book into one of the free-roaming cat rooms and read out loud to the adoptable cats. It’s a quiet way to introduce a child to both reading and rescue in the same afternoon.

Adopt While You’re There

Best Friends is waiving adoption fees for the entire month of August, so if a cat or dog catches your eye during the visit, this is the weekend to make it official.