CALS Blogs

Last April, we were excited to celebrate the grand reopening of the Sue Cowan Williams Library. The building had been closed for about six months for extensive renovations—its first major upgrade since opening in 1997.

As we look ahead to the reopening of the Main Library this fall,

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and this year, we’re shining a bright spotlight on the incredible individuals who give their time, talent, and energy to the Central Arkansas Library System. Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 20–26),

Have you ever wanted to start or join a book club? CALS can help you get started! We have book club kits in a wide variety of genres. Let’s get started! Reach out to friends who enjoy reading and gauge their interest in joining a book club. Once you’ve got your group together,

Over the past several years, CALS and libraries across the nation have faced a growing wave of book challenges aimed at limiting access to diverse materials. This impact was felt in Arkansas with the passage of Act 372, signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on March 31, 2023. This law imposes restrictions on library materials and creates criminal penalties for librarians.

September 22 through 29, book lovers buzzed around downtown Little Rock, meeting authors, hearing behind-the-scenes stories, and scooping up copies of books; during all this, there were many moments of connection, learning, and joy. Over 8 days, CALS hosted 35 free public programs (most of them at CALS locations); welcomed 5,600+ audience members and students;

“For every American dream, there is a corresponding nightmare…”

We recently caught up with two of the authors who will be at the CALS Six Bridges Book Festival at the end of next month. Eli Cranor is no stranger to the Fest, as this will be his third book and his third visit.

The fall brings so many fun things, but here at CALS, we’re buzzing about the upcoming Six Bridges Book Festival. This year we have a trio of workshops, including two cookbook authors and one about gardening.

We caught up with Lana Williams and chatted with her about her new book, The Container Garden Recipe Book: 57 Designs for Pots,

Recently CALS hosted a one-page teen writing contest with the prompt of “Adventure begins at your library,” (pulled from this year’s Summer @ CALS theme). While there were many wonderful entries, these three were the best of the best! Congratulations to the winner, Siyona – who is only 11!