CALS Blogs

A Conversation with Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott

In the latest episode of the CALS podcast, Primary Sources, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott sits down with Matt DeCample to talk about growing up in Southwest Little Rock, what he hopes to see change as a newly elected mayor, and the unique path he took from being a shy child to an outspoken public speaker and politician.


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GrinchFest Delights Kids With Spunky Acting, Crafts, Music

Sparkling paper trees and cottony snow made a snazzy backdrop for holiday photos at Children’s Library last Friday, but the photos weren’t with the guy in the red suit. Instead, kids and grinning adults got to meet a very different Christmas character—the GRINCH.

Our Grinch was so charming that most of the kids felt just fine about sitting next to him for a picture,


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New Nexus Nook Brings Coffee, Comfort, and Community to Main Library

A perfect blend of library and coffee shop arrives at CALS Main Library this Saturday, December 15, as we open the new Nexus Nook! This coffee shop and gathering space will offer beverages, snacks, a vibrant atmosphere and a host of new possibilities for connecting with others.

The Nexus Nook and its seating area enhance the ground floor of the library in exciting ways.


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Local Students Learn to Research with Historical Magazines at Main Library

We love it when hands-on research helps our local students learn at CALS!

Students from Pulaski Heights Middle School visited the CALS Main Library this month to research their projects for National History Day. Our magazines, newspapers, history books, databases, and even microfilm make wonderful academic resources  to expand student research beyond the boundaries of school libraries.


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Alzheimer’s Resource Sessions Coming to CALS Branch Libraries

Alzheimer’s Disease can be a frightening prospect for those with the disease and for their families. Community education is vital to help families cope and to teach strategies for safety and comfort. This winter, the library system will host public educational sessions led by an expert community educator, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association – Arkansas Chapter.


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Podcast: Rex and Paul Go on a Western Arkansas Sojourn

Rex and Paul chew the fat about their sojourn in western Arkansas (part one), starting at Texarkana and heading north. And admiring four beautiful lakes, checking out the museum at Ashdown, pondering the origins of the name De Queen and admiring cool things going on there, humoring Rex’s sore feelings about a football state championship of long ago,


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Birdwatching Area Dedicated in Memory of Alan Ross Kumpe

This fall, Fletcher Library has a new birdwatching area created in memory of a nature-loving young man, Alan Ross Kumpe.

Meredith Ross, Alan’s mother, initiated the gift and was joined by Alan’s father, Peter Kumpe, and Alan’s brother, Elliot Kumpe, for the dedication on November 12. Though Alan left the world too early,


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Small Business Saturday Offers Festive Holiday Street Fest

Small Business Saturday is coming to the River Market and Library Square this weekend!

On Saturday, November 24, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, join the downtown street fest with gift vendors, local beer, local shops, Christmas karaoke, and kids’ holiday crafts.

At our Galleries at Library Square, you’ll find one-of-a-kind,


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