501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
A Message from the Executive Director
Main Library will open to the public beginning Monday, September 29. Our Grand Reopening Celebration will take place on Saturday, October 4, from 9 AM-4PM. Bring the whole family and join us for a full day of activities, games, entertainment, food, and fun to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library.
The Next Chapter for the Main Library
There have been several changes to the neighborhood that will be reflected in the design of the new building. The removal of the interstate onramp in 2020 makes it so that walls on the south side of the building can be opened up a bit to let in more natural light. The exterior facade will look very similar to its current state but with extra glass and a vestibule on the front. The first-floor corner will be renovated to create a separate entrance for Boulevard Bread.
Everything inside the building will be moved around with more intelligent design in mind. The Children’s Area will move to the rear of the first floor (formerly the Darragh Center), so children can access the previously underutilized courtyard for programs; while the Teen’s Area will be moved to the 2nd floor, just above the Children’s. Overall, the children’s and teens areas will have 70% more space than in the previous configuration.
Additional changes include:
- Spaces for children to learn and play both indoors and outdoors
- Numerous presentation and programming spaces
- Teaching and catering kitchens
- Video Production Studio
- A variety of technology-infused study and meeting rooms
- Inviting areas to meet friends or quietly read
- Rooftop terrace with gathering space for entertainment and special events
The transformed Main Library will be a jewel of the River Market District; unique in its value as a public space and a destination for interesting and essential programs and services. The renovated building will feel right at home in the newly reimagined downtown Little Rock, alongside the recently reopened Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the soon-to-open Stella Boyle Smith Music Center, and the planned renovation of the Museum of Discovery.
Support the Capital Campaign
For more information on the CALS Capital Campaign, The Next Chapter: A Vision for the New Main Library, contact Eliza Borné, CALS Development Director, at etborne@cals.org, or download the PDF booklet below.
Work in Progress!
Renovation Team
Snapshot
Every year at Main Library (based on annual averages over a 10-year period):
- 316,689 people visit for various events and resources
- 46,045 people use the computers
- 48,316 children, youth, and caregivers come for programs, books, and other resources
- 52,915 teens come to hang out, study, and attend programs
- 1,128 meetings are held yearly
Highlights of the New Main Library
Lower Level
- Computer Lab and technology classrooms equipped with in-demand technologies
- Expanded offices for library-based social workers and a connecting lounge
First Floor
- Multi-use and modular public spaces
- Lobby: fosters community gathering with a café, retail area, easily accessible popular materials, and many comfortable seating options
- Youth Center with teaching kitchen, activity room, story time stage , wellness room, outdoor courtyard
- 29,075 sf dedicated to Children and Teens (across first and second floors), a 69% increase
Second Floor
- Teen Center with makerspace, study rooms, teen programming room
Third & Fourth Floors
- Improved access to collections and multiple study rooms and meeting spaces throughout — suitable for coworking or business meetings
Fifth Floor
- Expansion of and additional meeting spaces throughout
- New teaching kitchen
- New production studio
- New programming room
Roof
- Rooftop terrace with gathering space for entertainment and special events
