Books

Bentonville Public Library is understandably interested in introducing young children to the world of books. Tomorrow, the library will host a kickoff for their “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. Samantha Sacry, marketing specialist for the Bentonville Public Library, said it begins tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

Today on The Outline: The UofA Board of Trustees approves the sale of land that houses the former SEFOR nuclear reactor. Also, Arkansas Tech University- Ozark begins cardiac sonography classes. Plus, Ozark Regional Transit announces its highest monthly ridership since 2016.

On today's show, the experiences working in a zoo that led Roland Smith to a career as a writer. Plus, Ashtyn Barbarie explains how experiences form her songs, and our Friday regulars with Michael Tilley and Becca Martin Brown.

Roland Smith is an accomplished writer, a former zookeeper, and the author of They Are Here!

The annual Six Bridges Book Festival begins with virtual author talks on Monday and continues with in-person events, including a pie contest, throughout the week in Little Rock.

There are 133 national monuments in the United States. Some are man made, but many are protected natural areas like Bears Ears in Utah. Bears Ears was established by President Obama in 2016. A year later, President Trump ordered a review to reduce the amount of territory protected, though President Biden later restored the original boundaries. The tug of war over Bears Ears highlights what can be a confusing realm of protected lands. McKenzie Long writes about this This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments.

Journalist Zoë Rom got her start running on the backcountry trails in Fayetteville. Now, the writer and editor for Outside and champion ultra-runner, is putting her years of experience into a guide for how to be a "sustainable runner."

Every odd year, Arkansas' voter roll is combed through to correct and remove registered voters information. This year, hundreds of names are incorrectly marked as "inactive" on the list. Also on today's show, Tyson Foods announces the closing of four poultry plants. Plus, an interview with author Keith Vire about his new novel, “The Black Telecaster: A CrossRoads Story," and more.

The book, “The Black Telecaster: A CrossRoads Story,” is mostly set in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and examines friendship, addiction, reconciliation and aging.

On today's show, how people can reduce waste, the City of Tontitown's appeal to stop the expansion of the Eco Vista Class 4 Landfill and a new book on Washington County history. Also, Samaritan Community Center's 21st annual Fresh Start: BackPacks for Kids event is Saturday and more.