CALS Blogs

Why are Arkansas’s bears considered the most successful reintroduction of a large carnivore anywhere in the U.S.? Why are native gardens better for the environment than gardens full of non-natives? Why are trees, shrubs, and flowering plants better than turf grass lawns? How should you start a native garden? What do you need to know to germinate native seeds for your yard?

Nate Coulter, Executive Director
In November, the millage increase was passed; how are you using that extra money? 

We were so pleased that the citizens of Little Rock entrusted CALS with approximately 2.4M annually of much-needed additional funds. This was our first rate increase since 2007. We promised that the funds would be used to help pay our staff a living wage,

When the millage was passed, we made a promise that the largest portion of the additional funds would be used on acquiring digital media. One way that we decided to do that was to reinstate a beloved application, Hoopla. Hoopla is a web and mobile library media streaming platform for comics, movies, music,

As we look ahead to 2022, CALS has some exciting things planned! But first up, we want to extend our hours to allow additional access to branch resources. Beginning on January 3, 2022, evening hours have been added at several branches, so there will be at least one branch open until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

From December 12 through the 18th, CALS brought back the Food for Fines program. Patrons were able to donate prepackaged non-perishable items to reduce library fines. Patrons were allowed to offset up to $25 worth of fines. Arkansas ranks second in the nation in food insecurity and 17.3 percent of Arkansans are facing hunger issues.

This year across all of the CALS locations,

All branches of the Central Arkansas Library System will close at 6:00 pm Thursday, December 30, and will remain closed through Sunday, January 2. Regular hours will resume throughout the system Monday, January 3.

Please call 918-3000 for more information.

 

Did you know that you can do your holiday shopping at the library? It’s true. You can find gifts for just about everyone on your list while perusing one of the most beautiful stores in downtown Little Rock. The Galleries and Bookstore at Library Square is a simply stunning space to take in,

Shed unwanted library fines this holiday season. The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is continuing its tradition of helping those in need by holding its annual Food for Fines event from Sunday, December 12, through Saturday, December 18.

Food for Fines gives patrons an opportunity to help others in central Arkansas and to reduce fines for overdue library materials.