Providence Park Neighborhood Bookshelf
Mabelvale, Arkansas
(About 20 minutes from downtown Little Rock)
Celebrating Our Fourth Neighborhood Bookshelf
Our fourth Neighborhood Bookshelf now has a home at Providence Park in Mabelvale, southwest Pulaski County, about twenty minutes from downtown Little Rock. Providence Park provides permanent homes and strong community support for neighbors who have experienced chronic homelessness. As a result, the neighborhood creates opportunities for stability, connection, and a fresh start.
In addition, the Providence Park bookshelf will offer free books for children, teens, and adults. The bookshelf will become part of a community centered on welcome, dignity, and new beginnings. Ultimately, it offers a simple way to bring stories, imagination, and moments of calm into everyday life at Providence Park.
What You Will Find
Picture books, early readers, and chapter books for kids
Engaging books for teens, including series favorites and graphic novels
Fiction and nonfiction for adults, with hopeful and encouraging reads
Practical books on topics such as wellness, work, and life skills
Simple extras like bookmarks, coloring pages, and activity sheets
This Neighborhood Bookshelf at Providence Park was formerly a free food pantry. This is the before picture. It is scheduled for a complete remodel, and its generous interior will soon hold many books. Visit again in about six weeks to see the after.
Future photos will show the completed artwork and the inside of the shelf once it is fully stocked.
A Closer Look at the Art
The structure in the photo shows how the box looked before the renovation. It originally served as a free food pantry and Blessing Box where neighbors could leave or take groceries. Now, however, PCE is giving it a new purpose as a Neighborhood Bookshelf for Providence Park.
Because the box is tall and deep, it will hold a large collection of books for readers of all ages. Over the coming weeks, volunteers will clean, repair, and completely refresh the structure. Then, a local artist will repaint it with colors and images inspired by the serenity of Providence Park, including gentle tones that suggest trees, sky, and quiet paths. Ultimately, the finished bookshelf will serve as both a small work of public art and a quiet celebration of reading at the heart of the community.
About the Art
“We love that this bookshelf started as a pantry. The same structure that once held food will soon hold stories, and both are about neighbors caring for one another.”
Want to Help?
Donate books, volunteer to restock, or sponsor art supplies for future shelves.
Stewardship and Care
A local team connected to Providence Park will help keep the shelf clean, welcoming, and well stocked. PCE will support the effort with ongoing book supplies, art materials, and outreach to partner groups. Together, stewards and volunteers will keep an eye on how the shelf is used and what kinds of books neighbors most enjoy.
How You Can Help
Bring a gently used book that inspired you
Choose a children book or chapter book and leave it for a young reader
Share a photo of your visit and help spread the word
Volunteer to help restock or host a mini book drive for Providence Park
Connect PCE with local authors, artists, and community partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All books on the Providence Park Neighborhood Bookshelf are free. Neighbors can take a book, keep it, pass it along, or bring one back to share.
You can visit the shelf when Providence Park is open and as the neighborhood continues to grow. As more homes are completed, the bookshelf will be easy to reach for residents and visitors during typical daytime and early evening hours.
Absolutely. We gladly accept gently used books for children, teens, and adults, especially titles that reflect diverse cultures, life experiences, and paths to home and healing.
Providence Park serves neighbors who have experienced homelessness, trauma, and major life disruption. Books that are hopeful, practical, and affirming are especially welcome, along with fun and imaginative stories that offer simple escape and joy.
Local stewards connected to Providence Park and volunteers from the Partnership for Community Enrichment work together to keep the shelf stocked, tidy, and inviting.
Yes. You can donate books, help with restocking, organize a small book drive, or partner with us on events that connect Providence Park residents with reading and creative expression.
Mailing Address
2513 McCain Blvd. Suite 2, #161
North Little Rock, AR 72116-7606
Website: https://providenceparkhome.com/
Talk to us
Ideas? Questions? We are always open to new suggestions and available to talk about possible new projects!