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calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
Top 10 Things to Do in September
September has the most letters out of all the months, and it just happens to have the most events out of the year. Coincidence? Ok, yeah, it probably is. Regardless, September is packed with month-long, week-long, and some day-long events. Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month, check out all the fab fun of Six Bridges Book Festival, take a stand with Be Mighty for Hunger Action Month, or read a banned book in solidarity.
1. Six Bridges Book Festival (September 22-29)
We could write a whole top 10 just about Six Bridges Book Festival, but that wouldn’t be fair to all the other amazing things happening this month. So, we will say that you can rub elbows with nationally acclaimed authors during the party Friday night, get to hear from Ilyon Woo, Eli Cranor, Ayana Gray, and more. Or spend the day at Children’s with Little Readers Rock. Dive into the food scene with demonstrations from Anne Byrn and Crystal Wilkinson in the new Williams Community Kitchen or hit up the Root Cafe Annual Pie Competition and Recipe Swap. See more at sixbridgesbookfestival.org.
2. The Fletcher Library is turning 50! (September 7, 11 am-1 pm)
Back in 1974, the Fletcher Library was added to the system to serve the “more western side of Little Rock.” (Let’s all take a moment to consider that!) This branch is beloved within the community for fun aspects like a bubble machine when you sign up for your library card and the unofficial mascots – the squirrels. Celebrate with cake, live music, crafts and games. Full event details here.
3. Banned Books Week (September 22-28) Get “Freed between the Lines” this year! Celebrate Banned Books Week by reading a banned book. Check out the list of the 10 most challenged books from 2023. Rooker Library will be playing Banned Books Bingo with the teens on September 26 at 5 pm.
4. National Voter Registration Day (September 17) It’s an election year, so get out and rock the vote! But before you do, make sure that you’re registered (voter registration information found here). If you’re not, stop by any CALS branch and fill out a registration form, we will take care of sending it in for you.
5. Reap the Rewards of “Bookworm Bargains” (All September) We’ve joined up with the North Little Rock Public Library System to bring discounts all over town to library card holders. Find the full list of discounts at cals.org/bookworm-bargains.
6. Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) Celebrate with Pinata making at Nixon Library on September 9 and 16 at 4 pm and All About Alebrijes at Children’s Library on September 14 at noon. Find all the events here.
7. Elaine Massacre of 1919 –Legacies & Lunch (September 4, 12 PM) A screening of The Elaine Riot: Tragedy & Triumph, followed by a discussion with Sybil Jordan Hampton and Guy Lancaster about the Elaine Massacre, the deadliest racial confrontation in Arkansas history and possibly the bloodiest racial conflict in the history of the United States. Registration required.
8. Sid’s Seed and Plant Swap (September 7, 10 am) Plant lovers unite! Join us at McMath Library where you can share seeds, cuttings or whole plants. Trades only, no sales. Can’t find what you need? “Shop” from the Seed Library at McMath. Details here.
9. Exhibition on Screen Presents, “Frida Kahlo” (September 21, 4 PM, Ron Robinson Theater) Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often-turbulent life. Tickets are $10.
10. Six Bridges Book Festival (September 22-29) Seriously, you’ll regret not going to the festival. Can’t make it to the in-person events? Check out the virtual events leading up, including Regina Porter and Manisha Sinha. The full schedule will be available soon at sixbridgesbookfestival.org.
Bonus: Join Be Mighty for the “Hunger CAN’t Wait” food Drive! Win prizes while you help feed your neighbors around central Arkansas. Follow Be Mighty socials for weekly themes and prompts: @BeMightyLittleRock
