Due to inclement weather, all CALS locations will be closed Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27.

Digital Library

Favorite books (and other items) from the Main Library Staff

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Visit the renovated and reimagined Main Library

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News & Events

Blog

CALS – Off the Shelf – January 2026

Off the Shelf features new releases in both physical and digital media, exhibitions, and highlights larger system-wide programs. We hope this publication serves our patrons by providing current news about our collection– the foundation of all great libraries. A full schedule of events can still be found at HERE.

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Event

Monthly Main Library Tour

We invite you to explore the reimagined spaces and amenities at Main, learn about CALS programming, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what makes the public library such a wonderful resource for central Arkansas.

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Event

Rock It! Lab River Shop

More than just a retail space, the River Shop also serves as a Proof of Concept program, where business owners receive hands-on training in marketing, product distribution, and exceptional customer service — equipping them with the tools to grow and thrive.

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Event

Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore

We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller and one of NPR’s 2024 “Books We Love” highlights.

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Event

Carnival of the Animals

Bring the entire family to the Main Library for an event filled with animals, music, and fun! Enjoy a special performance of Carnival of the Animals by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Funding provided by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust.

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Event

2026 Black Family Expo

Learn about families with strong ties to Central Arkansas’s Black history and explore CALS’s resources for preserving your own family history. Giveaways will be happening all day, so stop by and celebrate Black History Month with the CALS team!

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Special Blog
Blog

Spring Speaker Series Lineup Announced

The CALS Spring Speaker Series will host a dynamic lineup of voices from literature, journalism, and beyond. Bestselling author ReShonda Tate, rare book specialist Rebecca Romney, poet Ross Gay, and journalist Richard Kreitner will visit to discuss their works at the Ron Robinson Theater.

The national bestselling author of more than 53 books,

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Point of Interest

Be Mighty Food Resource Guide

 The mission of the Central Arkansas Library System is to connect people, nurture potential, and grow community. One of our core values is to provide access to all.

This Food Resource Guide is a tool to connect people in our community, who are experiencing need, with food pantries and hot meals. We have made every effort to verify the information in the guide for accuracy. In addition to locations and hours of operation, you will see any special considerations or requirements to participate in the meal or pantry program at each location.

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Point of Interest

CALS Park

The Little Rock City Board has approved a resolution to improve the greenspace at 2nd and Cumberland streets. Strong grassroots support from the community played an important role in moving the project forward.
Efforts are now underway to raise the funds needed to transform the space into a fully functioning park next year. Those interested in supporting this community-led initiative to enhance downtown Little Rock and improve the green space outside CALS’s newly renovated Main Library are encouraged to visit the CALS Foundation  website. Please include a notation for CALS Cumberland Street Park.
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