Coughlin Library

The Bentonville Public Library Foundation Board of Directors met with Cynthia Coughlin, wife of former Walmart executive Tom Coughlin, to discuss the new library`s name. The Coughlin family asked for removal of their name from the building. The 38,000 square foot facility was planned to bear Tom Coughlin`s name. Board members tossed around several other options and settled on `The Bentonville Public Library.` Cindy Suter, Director of the Bentonville Public Library, says the new name reflects the public`s support of the project. "This library is the library for the community and we want everyone to know that this is their library and a place they can be very proud of," she said. Suter says the Coughlin family still wants to be involved. "They have a strong interest in the library and really want to see it become a very key facility for the community." Public opinion seems to agree with the Coughlin family`s move. "He was a well respected member of the community and turns out he wasn`t acting the way he should`ve, I wouldn`t want his name on my library," says Greg Leding, a Northwest Arkansas resident. Andy Cirelli, a Fayetteville resident added, "I think somebody in his standards should represent the community a bit better than what he`s done." The new library plans to open in October.