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Image for event: If All Arkansas Read the Same Book

If All Arkansas Read the Same Book

An Afternoon with Author Rick Atkinson

2026-05-28 12:00:00 2026-05-28 13:30:00 America/Chicago If All Arkansas Read the Same Book In partnership with the Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library and Two Friends Books. Bentonville Public Library - Walmart Foundation Community Room

Thursday, May 28
12:00pm - 1:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-05-28 12:00:00 2026-05-28 13:30:00 America/Chicago If All Arkansas Read the Same Book In partnership with the Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library and Two Friends Books. Bentonville Public Library - Walmart Foundation Community Room

Bentonville Public Library

Walmart Foundation Community Room

In partnership with the Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library and Two Friends Books.

Welcome to An Afternoon with Rick Atkinson!

Join us on Thursday, May 28th at 12:00 PM (Central Time) for an afternoon with the renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, Rick Atkinson in interview with KUAF Ozark at Large's, Kyle Kellams as they discuss the second volume of his landmark American Revolution trilogy and#1 New Your Times bestseller, The Fate of the Day.  Atkinson is the author of eight narrative histories about five American wars, including The Long Gray Line, the Liberation Trilogy (An Army at Dawn, The Day of Battle, and The Guns at Last Light), and The British Are Coming.  He also wrote In the Company of Soldiers, an account of his time with General David H. Petraeus and the 101st Airborne Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.  He is also the lead essayist in Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery, published by National Geographic in 2007.  

Atkinson’s awards include the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for history; the 1982 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting; and the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for public service, awarded to the Washington Post for investigative articles directed and edited by Atkinson on shootings by District of Columbia police officers. Additionally, he is the recipient of numerous other prestigious awards for literature and national reporting.

Atkinson has served as the Gen. Omar N. Bradley Chair of Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College, where he remains an adjunct faculty member. He is a Presidential Counselor at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, an elected member of the Society of American Historians and the American Antiquarian Society, and an inductee in the Academy of Achievement, for which he also serves as a board member. He formerly served on the governing commission of the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Atkinson worked as a reporter, foreign correspondent, and senior editor for two decades at the Washington Post.


The “If All Arkansas Read the Same Book” community-read project is designed to encourage the enjoyment of reading and to promote book discussions across the state. The program is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library. 

Two Friends Bookstore will be on site selling additional copies of Atkinson's books. Don't miss this chance to see Rick in person and enjoy a wonderful afternoon.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Author Talks & Lectures |

TAGS: | |

Bentonville Public Library

Phone: 479-271-3192

Hours
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Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 8:00PM

Mon, Apr 27 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 28 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 29 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 30 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 01 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 02 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 03 Closed

About the branch

Bentonville Public Library is a department of the City of Bentonville. Bentonville Public Library is located just 3 blocks south of the Downtown Square, at 405 S. Main Street in Bentonville, Arkansas. Facility amenities include adult collection, children's and teen spaces, private study rooms, event spaces, makerspace and digital lab, genealogy research center, sensory and wellness room, business centers, book club lounge, and café.

Upcoming events

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Tue, Apr 28, 9:15am - 10:00am
Rotary Conference Room
Join City of Bentonville Parks and Recreation for Yoga Register

Tue, Apr 28, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Tue, Apr 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Tue, Apr 28, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Tue, Apr 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Tue, Apr 28, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
Join us for an hour of free-play with Lego and Duplo blocks. For children K-6 grades.

Tue, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Monthly classes that provide resources for healthy eating, support home arts, and promotes local restaurants, small businesses and the Bentonville Farmers Market.
This event is full

Wed, Apr 29, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Wed, Apr 29, 10:00am - 11:00am
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Wed, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, Apr 30, 9:15am - 10:45am
Rotary Conference Room
Join us for Tai ChiRegister

Thu, Apr 30, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, lap bounces, and more! Best for ages 0-18 months and their caregiver.

Thu, Apr 30, 10:00am - 11:00am
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Thu, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, Apr 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Thu, Apr 30, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Haney Conference Room
Stop by and study for your upcoming AP exams!

Thu, Apr 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Children's Craft Room
Join us for a fun, art-filled afternoon making pop-art portraits of your very own pet! Grades 4-6 only.
This event is full

Fri, May 01, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children's Area
Practice your reading-aloud skills with a non-judgmental audience - a dog! All ages welcome.

Sat, May 02, 11:15am - 11:45am
Storytime Room
Join Goldfish Swim School and their friendly mascot Bubbles to learn how you can keep safe in the water this summer!

Sat, May 02, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Find your new favorite board game at Bentonville Public Library every first and third Saturday of the month!

Sat, May 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Sat, May 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.
This event is full

Mon, May 04, 9:30am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Adults Arts & Crafts Workshop

Mon, May 04, 10:00am - 11:30am
Haney Conference Room
Friends of the Bentonville Library Monthly Meeting

Mon, May 04, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Mon, May 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Makerspace
Adults Arts & Crafts Workshop
This event is full

Tue, May 05, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Tue, May 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Tue, May 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Tue, May 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Tue, May 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
Open play chess for all skill levels. For kids in K - 6th grade.

Tue, May 05, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Children's Craft Room
Join us each month as we read and discuss a different graphic novel. This month, we're talking about Winging It by Megan Wagner Lloyd. For students in grades 4-6.

Wed, May 06, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Wed, May 06, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Wed, May 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Wed, May 06, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Lounge
Teens in 7th - 12th grades, drop in anytime during our monthly UnBook Club gathering!

Wed, May 06, 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Library Advisory Board Monthly Meeting

Wed, May 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Baggett Book Club Lounge
May discussion of "All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven

Thu, May 07, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, lap bounces, and more! Best for ages 0-18 months and their caregiver.

Thu, May 07, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Thu, May 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, May 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Thu, May 07, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
7th - 12th graders are invited to join D&D @BPL!

Fri, May 08, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Sat, May 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Join us for an introductory discussion on developmental speech and language communication norms, followed by speech and language screenings. For ages 2-8 and their adults.

Sat, May 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Sat, May 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Children's Area
Practice your reading-aloud skills with a non-judgmental audience - a dog! All ages welcome.

Cancelled
Sat, May 09, 11:15am - 11:45am
An animated storybook and thematically paired non-fiction title! For all ages.

Sat, May 09, 11:15am - 11:45am
Join BPL staff on the Bentonville Square for a special storytime at the Farmer's Market! All ages are welcome.

Sat, May 09, 12:15pm - 2:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Join us for an introductory discussion on developmental speech and language communication norms, followed by speech and language screenings. For ages 2-8 and their adults.

Sat, May 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
Monthly classes that provide resources for healthy eating, support home arts, and promotes local restaurants, small businesses and the Bentonville Farmers Market.

Mon, May 11, All day
Travel the world with spices through BPL's newest adventure, Spice Club!

Mon, May 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Rotary Conference Room
Learn gardening techniques and resources for 50+

Mon, May 11, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Mon, May 11, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Children's Craft Room
Read, think, and share ideas about great books! This month, we're talking about Severe and Unusual Weather by Jessie Ann Foley. For children entering 4th - 6th grade.
This event is full

Mon, May 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Makerspace
Adults Arts & Crafts Workshop
This event is full

Tue, May 12, All day
Travel the world with spices through BPL's newest adventure, Spice Club!

Tue, May 12, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Tue, May 12, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Tue, May 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Tue, May 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Tue, May 12, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
Come join us for Pokemon games, activities, and fun! For kids ages 5-14. Beginners welcome!

Tue, May 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Baggett Book Club Lounge
May Discussion of Daughters of Chaos by Jen Fawkes

Wed, May 13, All day
Travel the world with spices through BPL's newest adventure, Spice Club!

Wed, May 13, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, movement, and LOTS of fun! Best for ages 18-36 months and their caregiver.

Wed, May 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Wed, May 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Wed, May 13, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
May discussion of The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

Thu, May 14, All day
Travel the world with spices through BPL's newest adventure, Spice Club!

Thu, May 14, 9:30am - 9:50am
Storytime Room
Books, songs, lap bounces, and more! Best for ages 0-18 months and their caregiver.

Thu, May 14, 9:30am - 10:30am
Kerr Meeting Room (167)
Local attorneys Todd Whatley, CELA, and Lauren Adcock of Generations Legal Group invite you to join them for a cup of coffee and an open conversation about aging, planning, and caring for loved ones.

Thu, May 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Thu, May 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Walmart Foundation Community Room
This event is part of The Artosphere Festival. A free ticket, obtained through Walton Arts Center, is required. Register

Cancelled
Thu, May 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Engaging stories, silly rhymes, interactive music and movement activities, and more! Best for ages 3-6 and their caregiver.

Thu, May 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
This event is part of The Artosphere Festival. A free ticket, obtained through Walton Arts Center, is required. Register

Thu, May 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Thu, May 14, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Baggett Book Club Lounge
Adults Arts & Crafts Club

Thu, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Digital Lab,Makerspace
Club for creating animated films. For all patrons 12 and older.

Fri, May 15, All day
Travel the world with spices through BPL's newest adventure, Spice Club!

Fri, May 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
Walmart Foundation Community Room
This event is part of The Artosphere Festival. A free ticket, obtained through Walton Arts Center, is required. Register

Fri, May 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
This event is part of The Artosphere Festival. A free ticket, obtained through Walton Arts Center, is required. Register

Fri, May 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Sat, May 16, All day
Travel the world with spices through BPL's newest adventure, Spice Club!

Sat, May 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Sat, May 16, 11:15am - 11:45am
Storytime Room
An animated storybook and thematically paired non-fiction title! For all ages.

Sat, May 16, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Find your new favorite board game at Bentonville Public Library every first and third Saturday of the month!

Sat, May 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Sat, May 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Storytime Room
Come learn about the lives and works of classical composers. This month, we're talking about John Williams! This event is for all ages. No registration required.

Mon, May 18, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Mon, May 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Haney Conference Room
Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting

Mon, May 18, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Makerspace
Adults Arts & Crafts Workshop
Registration opens Monday, May 4 2026 at 5:30pm

Mon, May 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Haney Conference Room
Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society Monthly Public Meeting

Tue, May 19, All day
The library is taking a 3 week storytime break. Storytime will resume the week of June 8.

Tue, May 19, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Tue, May 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Cancelled
Tue, May 19, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Join Ms. Megan in exploring the works of famous artist Vincent van Gogh. After learning about the artist, we'll paint a sunflower inspired by his unique styles & techniques. For grades K - 6.

Wed, May 20, All day
The library is taking a 3 week storytime break. Storytime will resume the week of June 8.

Wed, May 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Baggett Book Club Lounge
Enjoy coffee and conversations with other book lovers!

Wed, May 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Wed, May 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Makerspace
Adults Arts & Crafts Workshop
Registration opens Wednesday, May 6 2026 at 9:00am

Thu, May 21, All day
The library is taking a 3 week storytime break. Storytime will resume the week of June 8.

Thu, May 21, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Thu, May 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Baggett Book Club Lounge
May Discussion of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Thu, May 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Thu, May 21, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
7th - 12th graders are invited to join D&D @BPL!

Thu, May 21, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Children's Craft Room
Creative writers, this is your space! Come hang out with us for a 5-session course that explores a different fun aspect of creative writing each month. For students in grades 4-6.

Fri, May 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Sat, May 23, All day
The library is taking a 3 week storytime break. Storytime will resume the week of June 8.

Sat, May 23, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Sat, May 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace laser cutting & engraving machines.

Tue, May 26, All day
The library is taking a 3 week storytime break. Storytime will resume the week of June 8.

Tue, May 26, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Tue, May 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.

Cancelled
Tue, May 26, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Join us for an hour of free-play with Lego and Duplo blocks. For children K-6 grades.

Wed, May 27, All day
The library is taking a 3 week storytime break. Storytime will resume the week of June 8.

Wed, May 27, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Wed, May 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Adults Arts & Crafts Workshop
Registration opens Wednesday, May 13 2026 at 1:00pm

Wed, May 27, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotary Conference Room
Teens, join us to grow your creative writing skills and meet new friends!

Thu, May 28, All day
The library is taking a 3 week storytime break. Storytime will resume the week of June 8.

Thu, May 28, 10:00am - 11:00am
Makerspace
Patrons age 10 and over should attend. Patrons under 18 require parental signature.

Thu, May 28, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Walmart Foundation Community Room
In partnership with the Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library and Two Friends Books.

Thu, May 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Must take Makerspace 101 first. Provides an orientation for using the BPL Makerspace 3D printers.