Top 10 Things to Do in August

It’s time to get back to the books! And not just the ones in the classroom. CALS has everything you need to make it through the month, whether you’re writing a research paper, binging movies on hoopla or Kanopy, or just enjoying a much-needed weekend reading session. Work or play, CALS saves the day!

1. CALS Town Halls (Aug. 7, 11 AM, 6:30 PM, Aug. 8, 1 PM, Virtual)

Tell CALS what you would like to see for the future of the library system. Join in on a series of virtual Town Halls or take the survey (available until August 5). Learn more about the CALS Strategic Plan at cals.org/strategic-plan. (All Ages)

2. Live Author Talk with Karin Slaughter (Aug. 22, 6:30 PM, Ron Robinson Theater)

Author of the popular “Will Trent” Series, Karin Slaughter will be at Ron Robinson Theater discussing her latest book, This is Why We Lied, the twelfth book in the series. The first 250 attendees will receive a free copy of the book. Registration is required but does not ensure that a book will be available for you.

3. Garden to Table Cooking Classes (Aug. 6 & Aug. 8, 9:30 AM,)

Bring the kids for a cooking class at the Children’s Library with Apple Seeds. Seating is limited, register for Tuesday here and Thursday here. (Children)

4. Sounds in the Stacks (Aug. 27, 6:30 PM)

Come to Nixon Library and listen to Charlotte Taylor (pop and blues guitar with vocals) in this free, intimate concert among the book stacks. (All ages)

5. College Prep Virtual Discussion with author Irena Smith (Aug. 15, 1 PM, Virtual)

Thanks to the Library Speakers Consortium, CALS patrons can participate in the virtual author talk with Irena Smith, author of The Golden Ticket to College Admissions Is Not What You Think. You will hear about constructive ways to approach the college application process while preserving your relationship with your teen. Register here.

6. Listen to Stampede (available August 2)

The third studio album from Orville Peck comes out this month. The 15 tracks include duets with the likes of Willie Nelson, Diplo, Elton John, Beck, and Kylie Minogue. Check it out or place a hold here.

7. Suminagashi Workshop – Japanese Paper Marbling (Aug. 24, 10 AM, Sanders Library)

Learn the technique of Japanese paper marbling called suminagashi. Registration is required and space is limited. (Adults)

8. Repair Cafe (Aug. 18, 2 PM, Dee Brown Library)

Don’t trash it, save it! The Repair Cafe is an international program aimed at reducing items that make their way into landfills. Bring in items that need a little TLC and get help from skilled volunteers that will either repair your item or help you do it yourself. (Looking to repair jewelry specifically? Visit with local artist, Stacey Bowers of Bang Up Betty, on Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fletcher Library for a drop-in jewelry repair clinic)

9. Make Bracelets!

Join us at Mini Main to create custom charm bracelets on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 4 PM. If you miss out then (or just want to make MORE), swing by Fletcher on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 3 PM to make friendship bracelets. (Teens)

10. Check out the research tools from CALS

Whether you need a database on agriculture, a login for the Wall Street Journal or Today’s Science, or access to the Arkansas driving test, you can find it all at cals.org/research-tools.