CALS Blogs

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!

On Thursday, July 27, a group of patrons gathered in the community room at Dee Brown Library to celebrate. While most people spend their summers avoiding the heat and relaxing, this group was working on building their language skills. The language acquisition program at Dee Brown offered two options- English as a second language and Spanish as a second language.

The Witherspoon Arts & Cultural Gala and Award Ceremony is hosted by the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. It recognizes artists and purveyors of the arts for their accomplishments and contributions to the arts, literary arts and cultural community. The award recognizes the achievements of high excellence and accomplishments.

Latina Sheard was awarded the The Witherspoon Librarian of the Year Award –

On Thursday, May 30, the air was electric in the historic Cox Building, the home of the Rock It! Lab; not just from the lively tunes being played by DJ Swift 720, nor the food from Afrobites (although it was delicious), but from the excitement of listening to five soon-to-graduate individuals taking part in the pitch competition.