calsfoundation@cals.org

Upcoming Events
Be Mighty Little Rock Food Program
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, repeating until July 30, 2022
Allen Jarvis: Land, Water, and Sky
ON VIEW Friday, Friday, June 10–Saturday, August 27
Landing Gallery, Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square, Roberts Library
Many of the places that inspired these simple abstract landscapes of land, water, and sky are in Arkansas and Alabama, especially in the wetlands area of upper Mobile Bay. Artist Allen Jarvis uses objects like yardsticks, rulers, and brightly colored protractors—affixed to reclaimed wood—to build the playful bridges and manmade structures from memory, creating joyful paintings that remind him of the journeys that inspired them.
An event every week that begins at 8:00 am on Friday, repeating until July 22, 2022
Movie
All ages – We will be showing ocean themed movies:
July 1 – Atlantis
July 8 – Disneynature Oceans
July 15 – SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
July 22 – Shark Tale
Grab N’ Go Activity Bags
Craft bag or worksheet.
For preschool and school age kids.
Available during operational hours.
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, repeating until October 1, 2022
Yard Work: Inspirations Found in Our Own Backyards
ON VIEW Friday, June 10–Saturday, October 1
Underground Gallery, Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square, Roberts Library
In this exhibition featuring four artists who first met each other in the University of Central Arkansas Art Department over a decade ago, Kristen Spickard, Barbara Satterfield, Britynn Davis, and Deborah Kuster have come together again to showcase their artistic responses to nature and backyard experiences.
As an apartment dweller,
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, repeating until August 27, 2022
Allen Jarvis: Land, Water, and Sky
ON VIEW Friday, June 10–Saturday, August 27
Landing Gallery, Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square, Roberts Library
Many of the places that inspired these simple abstract landscapes of land, water, and sky are in Arkansas and Alabama, especially in the wetlands area of upper Mobile Bay. Artist Allen Jarvis uses objects like yardsticks, rulers, and brightly colored protractors—affixed to reclaimed wood—to build the playful bridges and manmade structures from memory, creating joyful paintings that remind him of the journeys that inspired them.
An event every week that begins at 3:30 pm on Friday, repeating until July 29, 2022
Tween Time
Play video games and eat snacks in the meeting room.
CALS closed for Independence Day
All branches and buildings of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square will be open Saturday, July 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular hours will resume Tuesday, July 5. Please call 918-3000 for further information.
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, repeating until November 12, 2022
Rock It! Lab Pop-up Shop
Saturday is for shopping and hanging out! Support some of the city’s newest small business owners and be the first of your friends to have the latest trends.
Located on the first floor of the Cox Building, the River Shop provides a co-retail space for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell a variety of creative works, goods and merchandise. In addition to being a retail shop for our entrepreneurs, the River Shop is also a training space for these business owners – teaching them the skills needed to distribute and market their products on a broader scale,
Food for Good Lunch
A midday meal for kids.
Monday – Saturday
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Held in the meeting room.
For ages 18 years or younger.
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Monday, repeating until December 19, 2022
Typing Workshop / Internet Help
An event every week that begins at 10:30 am on Monday, repeating until July 25, 2022
Master Builders
Every Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. join us for our Master Builder challenges. We will build with all kinds of different materials, and will challenge you to build new things.
An event every week that begins at 4:00 pm on Monday, repeating until July 25, 2022
Maker Mondays
An event every month that begins at 4:00 pm on day First of the month, repeating until August 1, 2022
Tail Waggin’ Tutors
CALS Writing Circle: Memoir Writing Workshop
After you’ve written the first draft, what then? A good workshop group can help you figure out what about your draft needs improving, and the process of critiquing other writers helps you become a better writer yourself. Share your memoir-in-progress with other writers to give and receive encouragement, insight, and feedback in a safe and respectful environment. Contact dmoore@cals.org for file sharing information.
An event every week that begins at 10:30 am on Tuesday, repeating until July 26, 2022
Preschool Storytime
Ages 3-7
An event every week that begins at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, repeating until July 26, 2022
Story Time| Ages 6-11
Weekly Storytime for ages 6-11 with dancing, singing, and crafts.
Date Theme
May 24 Caterpillars/Butterflies
May 31 First Days of Summer
June 7 Sharks
June 14 Special Program: Stephin Booth Drumming Workshop–10:30 AM
June 21 Sponges and Anemones
June 28 Special Program: Museum of Discovery –10:30 AM
July 5 Dolphins
July 12 Make Candy Sushi
July 19 Ocean Reefs
July 26 Octopus/Squid
Terror Tuesdays: Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women (1968, NR)
The Terror Tuesdays film series is back! Every Tuesday in July enjoy a classic horror movie at CALS Ron Robinson Theater. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the film starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $7. To buy your tickets online, click on the button below. Tickets will also be available for purchase when doors open.
TUE 7/5: Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women (1968,
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, happening 4 times
CALS Writing Circle: Memoir Writing for Seniors
This ongoing class meets once each week and takes attendees aged 55+ through the steps of writing their own life stories. Students are given tools and techniques to help learn to write regularly and productively. Everyone is welcome; no writing experience is required. Contact dmoore@cals.org.
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until July 27, 2022
Story Time | Ages 3-5
Weekly Storytime for ages 3-5 with dancing, singing, and crafts.
Date Theme
May 25 Caterpillars/Butterflies
June 1 First Days of Summer
June 8 Sharks
June 15 Special Program: Crystal the Mermaid | 10:00 AM
June 22 Sponges and Anemones
June 29 Whales
July 6 Dolphins
July 13 Jellyfish
July 20 Ocean Reefs
July 27 Octopus/Squid
Summer Reading Club presents mömandpöp
mömandpöp is going under the sea to present their newest show: “Wendy the Whale and the Great Beachy Cove Bake-Off!”
Wendy REALLY wants to be a contestant on the greatest underwater baking show but there’s a problem! She keeps dropping the eggs, losing her recipes, and making messes! Swim along with Wendy as she gets expert tips from her underwater friends Jellyfish, Crab, Octopus, and Swordfish! With all brand new tunes from mömandpöp and loads of audience participation,
An event every week that begins at 10:30 am on Wednesday and Friday, repeating until December 30, 2022
Storytime
Join us on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 am for storytime. We will have books, music, games, and so much more.
Summer Reading Club presents Scott Davis – Comedy Magic Show
Magician Scott Davis has been performing magic professionally since the age of 14. Currently Scott performs over 300 live shows a year. Scott has been awarded the 1999 Comedy Magician of the Year by the Arkansas Alliance of Magical Performers and the Arkansas Close-up Magician of the Year for 2000 and 2007 by the Arkansas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Summer Reading Club presents Stephin Booth – Drumming Workshop
Instructor Stephin Booth provides a hands-on musical experience with Afro Caribbean Drumming. Participants will learn about traditional instruments and rhythms and get to practice what learn.
Guided Reading with PowerPoint
Sam Strasner: Documentary Preview and Discussion of What is a Wonder Boy?
CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies Presents LEGACIES & LUNCH
Speaker: Sam Strasner
Arkansas Tech University marked the 100th anniversary of its “Wonder Boys” nickname in 2020. As part of the commemoration, ATU staff members Sam Strasner, Taylor Gamez, and Daniel Gallegos, along with graduate assistant Stormi Leonard, undertook a project to capture that century of athletic success through a combination of interviews and archival research.
The resulting documentary film project,
Summer Reading Club presents Scott Davis – Comedy Magic Show
Magician Scott Davis has been performing magic professionally since the age of 14. Currently Scott performs over 300 live shows a year. Scott has been awarded the 1999 Comedy Magician of the Year by the Arkansas Alliance of Magical Performers and the Arkansas Close-up Magician of the Year for 2000 and 2007 by the Arkansas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Bingo
Patrons will play bingo for a chance at a free book (a cookbook, a book from the current bestseller list, and a children’s book).
Friends of CALS Book Sale Preview
Early shopping in the basement and the Book Sale Preview are for Friends of CALS members only. Memberships are available for purchase at all CALS branches and during the book sale.
Most books at the Used Book Sale are priced at $1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardbacks. Book totes will be available for purchase as well. The revenue generated will go to the Friends of CALS fund to support the Six Bridges Book Festival,
Summer Reading Club presents Scott Davis – Comedy Magic Show
Magician Scott Davis has been performing magic professionally since the age of 14. Currently Scott performs over 300 live shows a year. Scott has been awarded the 1999 Comedy Magician of the Year by the Arkansas Alliance of Magical Performers and the Arkansas Close-up Magician of the Year for 2000 and 2007 by the Arkansas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
T-Shirt Bag
Ages 12-19. Transform an old t-shirt into a tote bag. Bring your own shirt or choose one of ours.
Summer Reading Club presents Scott Davis – Comedy Magic Show
Magician Scott Davis has been performing magic professionally since the age of 14. Currently Scott performs over 300 live shows a year. Scott has been awarded the 1999 Comedy Magician of the Year by the Arkansas Alliance of Magical Performers and the Arkansas Close-up Magician of the Year for 2000 and 2007 by the Arkansas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Summer Reading Club presents Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show – Ocean Magic
Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show is a unique blend of laugh-out-loud comedy coupled with sensational magic, all combined with an educational approach that is all about having fun with books. The show features Tommy as a big kid who shows up to watch his Uncle Fumpernutter perform a magic show. When no one can find Uncle Fumpernutter, Tommy takes over! Unfortunately, Tommy has never done magic before, so he enlists the kids’ help following the instructions in the huge Magician’s Handbook.
An event every week that begins at 2:00 pm on Thursday, repeating until July 28, 2022
Summer Teen Programs
Explore Oceans of Possibilities with our Summer Teen Programs.
- June 9: Sea Sculptures with 3D Printer Pens*
- June 16: Shell Painting/ Mermaid Jewelry
- June 23: Lino Block Carving and Printing an Ocean Tableau*
- June 30: Seafood Cooking–Salmon Patties & Food Creature Creations
- July 7: Jellyfish (Sea) Salt Watercolor Painting*
- July 14: Glow-in-the-Dark Art Inspired by Bioluminescence*
- July 21: Faux Scrimshaw Carvings
- July 28: A Life Aquatic–A Microscopic Investigation
*Programs supported with a grant from the Windgate Foundation
Friends of CALS Used Book Sale
This event is for Friends of CALS members only. Memberships will be sold at door.
Used Book Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 8, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9. The book sale will take place in the basement of CALS Main Library, 100 Rock Street. Friends of CALS members can shop early Thursday, July 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friends of CALS memberships may be purchased anytime online at cals.org/about-friends,
An event every month that begins at 6:00 pm on day First of the month, repeating until July 7, 2022
Socrates Café
Adult patrons can visit the meeting room at the Maumelle Library for a lively discussion of various philosophical questions and a hot cup of coffee.
Extra-Terrestrial Thursdays! 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968, G)
Join us in July for Extra-Terrestrial Thursdays!
Thursday, July 7: 2001: A Space Odyssey
An imposing black structure provides a connection between the past and the future in this enigmatic adaptation of The Sentinel by revered sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke. When Dr. Dave Bowman and other astronauts are sent on a mysterious mission, their ship’s computer system, HAL, begins to display increasingly strange behavior, leading up to a tense showdown between man and machine that results in a mind-bending trek through space and time.
The Henna Artist: Author Talk with Alka Joshi
Join us for an evening with New York Times Best Selling author and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Alka Joshi as she discusses her bestselling books, The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper of Jaipur.
Alka Joshi was born in India and immigrated to the US when she was nine years old, and published her debut novel, The Henna Artist, at the age of 62. The Henna Artist transports readers back to 1950s India and follows Lakshmi Shastri,
Friends of CALS Used Book Sale
Used Book Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 8, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9. The book sale will take place in the basement of CALS Main Library, 100 Rock Street. Friends of CALS members can shop early Thursday, July 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friends of CALS memberships may be purchased anytime online at cals.org/about-friends, in-person during the book sale, or at any CALS branch.
Most books at the Used Book Sale are priced at $1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardbacks.
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, repeating until August 27, 2022
Tai Chi at Main
Friends of CALS Used Book Sale
Used Book Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 8, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9. The book sale will take place in the basement of CALS Main Library, 100 Rock Street. Friends of CALS members can shop early Thursday, July 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friends of CALS memberships may be purchased anytime online at cals.org/about-friends, in-person during the book sale, or at any CALS branch.
Most books at the Used Book Sale are priced at $1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardbacks.
Summer Reading Club presents Brian & Terri Kinder – Music & Fun
Brian Kinder is a singer/songwriter who, along with his wife, Ms Terri, performs rollicking goodtime concerts for kids. Their music is fun and invites audience participation, and is perfectly suited for libraries, schools, fairs, corporate family gatherings, churches, and birthday parties. Yes, Kinder is their real name. (Kinder, German word meaning children as in kindergarten).
For rollicking good time music for kids, there is none finer than Brian and Terri Kinder.
Summer Reading Club presents Scott Davis – Comedy Magic Show
Magician Scott Davis has been performing magic professionally since the age of 14. Currently Scott performs over 300 live shows a year. Scott has been awarded the 1999 Comedy Magician of the Year by the Arkansas Alliance of Magical Performers and the Arkansas Close-up Magician of the Year for 2000 and 2007 by the Arkansas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Summer Reading Club presents Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show – Ocean Magic
Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show is a unique blend of laugh-out-loud comedy coupled with sensational magic, all combined with an educational approach that is all about having fun with books. The show features Tommy as a big kid who shows up to watch his Uncle Fumpernutter perform a magic show. When no one can find Uncle Fumpernutter, Tommy takes over! Unfortunately, Tommy has never done magic before, so he enlists the kids’ help following the instructions in the huge Magician’s Handbook.
An event every 2 weeks that begins at 12:00 pm on Saturday, happening 2 times
CALS Writing Circle: Writing all Year Workshop Group
Are you looking for a writing workshop group? Led by J. Jobe, Writing All Year is a place to share your work-in-progress with other writers. We meet twice a month to give and receive encouragement, insight, and feedback in a safe and respectful environment. Our objective: to improve the work with kindness and compassion. If this sounds like something you’ve been looking for, please join us. Free. All experience levels are welcome. Contact jjobe@cals.org.
Interactive Screening! The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975, R)
Join CALS Ron Robinson Theater for an unforgettable interactive screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! After a newly-engaged couple’s car breaks down they seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, and through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.” Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and the film starts at 9:00 p.m.
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Monday, repeating until July 25, 2022
Story Time | Ages 0-3
Weekly Storytime for ages 0-3 with dancing, singing, and crafts.
Date Theme
May 23 Caterpillars/Butterflies
[May 30 Library Closed in Observance of Memorial Day]
June 6 Sharks
June 13 Boats
[June 20 Library Closed in Observance of Juneteenth ]
June 27 Whales
[July 4 Library Closed in Observance of Independence Day]
July 11 Jellyfish
July 18 Ocean Reefs
July 25 Octopus/Squid
Summer Reading Club presents mömandpöp – Music & Movement for Preschoolers
Bring your preschoolers and join mömandpöp for a fun morning of music & movement.
Layers of the Ocean
10:30am for ages 5-10
11:30am for ages 11-18 Did you know that oceans have layers that different animals live in? Come learn about the layers and make your own ocean layers.
Meditation at Main Online
Time: Jul 11, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89516477011…
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
Finding Family Facts (July 11)
The Butler Center offers a beginner’s genealogy class the second Monday of every month, taught by Rhonda Stewart, the Butler Center’s local history and genealogy expert. Participants will learn how to use online databases and city directories, as well as how to archive family documents. Jump-start your genealogy research with this fun and creative way to learn about the past.
Summer Reading Club presents Museum of Discovery – Oceans of Possibilities
(1-25 Guests)
Hot/Cold Demonstration (Thermo Stratification)
This demo will help to show how layers of water will separate themselves based on temperature. Cold, dense water sinks to the bottom and hot, less dense water rises to the top.
Hands-on Buoyancy Test
This hands-on activity will allow guests to see the difference in density between saltwater and freshwater and how that affects the buoyancy of an object.
Vortex Bottle Demonstration
Whirlpools form in the ocean with the rising and falling of tides.
Summer Reading Club presents mömandpöp
mömandpöp is going under the sea to present their newest show: “Wendy the Whale and the Great Beachy Cove Bake-Off!”
Wendy REALLY wants to be a contestant on the greatest underwater baking show but there’s a problem! She keeps dropping the eggs, losing her recipes, and making messes! Swim along with Wendy as she gets expert tips from her underwater friends Jellyfish, Crab, Octopus, and Swordfish! With all brand new tunes from mömandpöp and loads of audience participation,
Lawyers In The Library – Public Benefits
The Central Arkansas Library System and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services have once again teamed up to offer Lawyers in the Library! Come listen to legal presentations and an opportunity to ask a lawyer your civil legal question. Topics include Criminal Record Sealing and Public Benefits like SNAP and SSI, and will end with a record-sealing clinic.
Public Benefits – Do you have SSI overpayments? Issues with your SNAP benefits? Have a criminal record you would like to seal?
Terror Tuesdays: Teenagers From Outer Space (1959, NR)
The Terror Tuesdays film series is back! Every Tuesday in July enjoy a classic horror movie at CALS Ron Robinson Theater. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the film starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $7. To buy your tickets online, click on the button below. Tickets will also be available for purchase when doors open.
TUE 7/12: Teenagers From Outer Space (1959, NR)
A sensitive young alien teams up with a teenaged human girl to try and protect Earth from an imminent,
First Time Homebuyers Workshop
Have you ever wondered what steps are involved in obtaining a mortgage? Join us for a first-time homebuyer workshop that will take the mystery and uncertainty out of buying a home and getting mortgage ready. We will cover commonly used terms when going through the mortgage process, what documents are needed, applying for a loan, the approval process, and so much more. By the time the workshop is done, you will be ready to proceed with confidence in the pursuit of your first home!
Summer Reading Club presents Museum of Discovery – Oceans of Possibilities
(1-25 Guests)
Hot/Cold Demonstration (Thermo Stratification)
This demo will help to show how layers of water will separate themselves based on temperature. Cold, dense water sinks to the bottom and hot, less dense water rises to the top.
Hands-on Buoyancy Test
This hands-on activity will allow guests to see the difference in density between saltwater and freshwater and how that affects the buoyancy of an object.
Vortex Bottle Demonstration
Whirlpools form in the ocean with the rising and falling of tides.
Storytime
Storytime will be held in the meeting room.
Please call 457-5038 to sign up.
A virtual storytime will be available to watch on the CALS Kids YouTube channel.
Summer Reading Club presents mömandpöp
mömandpöp is going under the sea to present their newest show: “Wendy the Whale and the Great Beachy Cove Bake-Off!”
Wendy REALLY wants to be a contestant on the greatest underwater baking show but there’s a problem! She keeps dropping the eggs, losing her recipes, and making messes! Swim along with Wendy as she gets expert tips from her underwater friends Jellyfish, Crab, Octopus, and Swordfish! With all brand new tunes from mömandpöp and loads of audience participation,
Summer Reading Club presents Brian & Terri Kinder – Music & Fun
Brian Kinder is a singer/songwriter who, along with his wife, Ms Terri, performs rollicking goodtime concerts for kids. Their music is fun and invites audience participation, and is perfectly suited for libraries, schools, fairs, corporate family gatherings, churches, and birthday parties. Yes, Kinder is their real name. (Kinder, German word meaning children as in kindergarten).
For rollicking good time music for kids, there is none finer than Brian and Terri Kinder.
Coral Reef Craft
Ages 10-18. Make your own coral reef using tissue paper and egg carton.
Back-to-School Welcome Pack: Part 1
Summer Reading Club presents Museum of Discovery – Oceans of Possibilities
(1-25 Guests)
Hot/Cold Demonstration (Thermo Stratification)
This demo will help to show how layers of water will separate themselves based on temperature. Cold, dense water sinks to the bottom and hot, less dense water rises to the top.
Hands-on Buoyancy Test
This hands-on activity will allow guests to see the difference in density between saltwater and freshwater and how that affects the buoyancy of an object.
Vortex Bottle Demonstration
Whirlpools form in the ocean with the rising and falling of tides.
Summer Reading Club presents Brian & Terri Kinder – Music & Fun
Brian Kinder is a singer/songwriter who, along with his wife, Ms Terri, performs rollicking goodtime concerts for kids. Their music is fun and invites audience participation, and is perfectly suited for libraries, schools, fairs, corporate family gatherings, churches, and birthday parties. Yes, Kinder is their real name. (Kinder, German word meaning children as in kindergarten).
For rollicking good time music for kids, there is none finer than Brian and Terri Kinder.
Summer Reading Club presents mömandpöp
mömandpöp is going under the sea to present their newest show: “Wendy the Whale and the Great Beachy Cove Bake-Off!”
Wendy REALLY wants to be a contestant on the greatest underwater baking show but there’s a problem! She keeps dropping the eggs, losing her recipes, and making messes! Swim along with Wendy as she gets expert tips from her underwater friends Jellyfish, Crab, Octopus, and Swordfish! With all brand new tunes from mömandpöp and loads of audience participation,
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity – Author Talk with David Allen
Join us as we sit down in conversation with New York Times Best Selling author David Allen, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on personal productivity. David’s thirty-five years of experience as a management consultant and executive coach has earned him worldwide and Forbes’ recognition as one of the top five executive coaches in the U.S. His New York Times bestselling book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, has sold millions of copies and has been published in thirty languages,
Marbled Mugs
Ages 12-19. Use nail polish and hot water to create a marbled effect with your favorite colors on a mug.
True Stories Book Club
This book club reads non-fiction books including true crime, biographies/memoirs, self-help, current events, social sciences/politics.
Occurs the 2rd Thursday of every month excluding holidays.
- December – The Library Book by Susan Orlean
- January – Our Town by James M. Fallows
- February – Sully: My Search for What Really Matters by Chesley Sullenberger
- March – Enemies: A Love Story by Isaac Bashevis Singer
- April – Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- May –
Summer Reading Club presents Stephin Booth – Drumming Workshop
Instructor Stephin Booth provides a hands-on musical experience with Afro Caribbean Drumming. Participants will learn about traditional instruments and rhythms and get to practice what learn.
Crafting with Opal
This is a craft along program. In this program we teach different crafts which could include sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting & others.
This is a virtual program that the Nixon library does live on Facebook every other Thursday (excluding holidays). Just click here to go to our Nixon Facebook page to watch.
Extra-Terrestrial Thursdays! Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977, PG)
Join us in July for Extra-Terrestrial Thursdays!
Thursday, July 14: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Richard Dreyfuss.
Beer, wine, and concessions will be available.
Summer Reading Club presents mömandpöp
mömandpöp is going under the sea to present their newest show: “Wendy the Whale and the Great Beachy Cove Bake-Off!”
Wendy REALLY wants to be a contestant on the greatest underwater baking show but there’s a problem! She keeps dropping the eggs, losing her recipes, and making messes! Swim along with Wendy as she gets expert tips from her underwater friends Jellyfish, Crab, Octopus, and Swordfish! With all brand new tunes from mömandpöp and loads of audience participation,
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
An event every week that begins at 9:30 am on Saturday, repeating until July 30, 2022
Open Makerspace
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
Acupuncture with Margaret Goodloe of Omnis Rehab
Arkansas Sounds presents: Bobby Rush in an intimate solo concert
Don’t miss this rare chance to catch two-time Grammy Award winner, Blues Hall of Fame member, 13-time Blues Music Award winner, and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year BOBBY RUSH performing an acoustic solo show!
After earning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album and a Blues Music Award for Album of the Year for his studio recording Porcupine Meat in 2017, Bobby Rush spent a year writing his follow-up. In 2019, at age 85,
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
Terror Tuesdays: Killers From Space (1954, NR)
The Terror Tuesdays film series is back! Every Tuesday in July enjoy a classic horror movie at CALS Ron Robinson Theater. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the film starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $7. To buy your tickets online, click on the button below. Tickets will also be available for purchase when doors open.
TUE 7/19: Killers From Space (1954, NR)
Bug-eyed beings from Astron Delta bring a nuclear scientist back to life as a spy.
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
Back-to-School Welcome Pack: Part 2
Back-to-School Welcome Pack: Part 3
Book Recommendation Social
Adult and Teen patrons will socialize and make book recommendations regarding current books they are reading. Staff will familiarize patrons with creating Libby accounts for eBook reading.
Phil Plait presents Eclipse Across America
Join Central Arkansas Library System and the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium for this special event! On Wednesday, July 20, Dr. Phil Plait takes the CALS Ron Robinson Theater stage to present “Eclipse Across America.” This event is FREE! Reservations are NOT required. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the event begins at 7:00 p.m. A book signing will follow. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available.
On April 8, 2024, the United States will be treated to one of the rarest and most spectacular of celestial events: a total solar eclipse.
Tablut and Tangrams
Ages 12-19. Learn how to play a board game that was once played by Vikings. Figure out how to put tangrams together to form sea creatures.
Nixon Book Buddies Book Club
This book club reads fiction & non-fiction books.
Occurs the 3rd Thursday of every month excluding holidays.
- January – Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth
- February –The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
- March – Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
- April – The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
- May – Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
- June – Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
- July – Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom,
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
Personal Archiving and Prepping to Digitize Your Personal Papers, Photos, and Other Stuff (July 21)
Learn how to organize your personal papers, photos, scrapbooks, and other items to digitize and store them for future generations. And find out more about CALS DIY Memory Lab and how to use it to preserve your family history.
CALS Writing Circle: Poetry and Prose Performance Practice
Come. Read. Write. Some prompts. Some reading aloud. Contact jjobe@cals.org.
Extra-Terrestrial Thursdays: Alien (1979, R)
Join us in July for Extra-Terrestrial Thursdays!
Thursday, July 21: Alien
In deep space, the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo is awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules halfway through their journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The terror begins when the crew encounters a nest of eggs inside the alien ship. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver.
Beer, wine, and concessions will be available.
You and Nature at Night
Did you know there are four different types of light pollution? And that too much lighting at night isn’t good for either people or wildlife? Light pollution is a global problem, but there’s increasing awareness and a global movement to reduce it. Join Bruce McMath, Chair of the Arkansas Night Sky Association (ANSA), and host Lynn Foster for a discussion of what ANSA is doing and what you and your community can do to help.
Summer Reading Club presents mömandpöp
mömandpöp is going under the sea to present their newest show: “Wendy the Whale and the Great Beachy Cove Bake-Off!”
Wendy REALLY wants to be a contestant on the greatest underwater baking show but there’s a problem! She keeps dropping the eggs, losing her recipes, and making messes! Swim along with Wendy as she gets expert tips from her underwater friends Jellyfish, Crab, Octopus, and Swordfish! With all brand new tunes from mömandpöp and loads of audience participation,
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
BingoFlix: Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959, NR)
BingoFlix returns this July with Plan 9 From Outer Space! Play bingo along to cheesy movie cliches for your chance to win a prize! Beer, wine, and concessions will be available. Admission is $7. To buy your tickets online, click on the button below. Tickets will also be available for purchase when doors open.
SAT 7/23: Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959, NR)
Evil aliens attack Earth and set their terrible “Plan 9”
Meditation at Main Online
Time: Jul 25, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81568155340…
AARP Brain Health Book Club
Summer Reading Club presents Stephin Booth – Drumming Workshop
Instructor Stephin Booth provides a hands-on musical experience with Afro Caribbean Drumming. Participants will learn about traditional instruments and rhythms and get to practice what learn.
Summer Reading Club presents Lela Bloom – Bloomin’ Puppets
Puppeteer and Musician Lela Bloom presents an “Oceans of Possibilities” themed show featuring popular picture books stories told through puppetry.
Terror Tuesdays: Cat Women of the Moon (1953, NR)
The Terror Tuesdays film series is back! Every Tuesday in July enjoy a classic horror movie at CALS Ron Robinson Theater. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the film starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $7. To buy your tickets online, click on the button below. Tickets will also be available for purchase when doors open.
TUE 7/26: Cat Women of the Moon (1953,
CALS Women’s Suffrage Book Club – Ida B. the Queen
Book – Ida B. the Queen by Michelle Duster
Scholar – Cherisse Jones-Branch, Arkansas State University
WHAT?
The CALS Women’s Suffrage Book Club is a book discussion series focusing on texts about the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the United States. Each discussion will include a brief presentation by a local scholar followed by a discussion of the book.
Mid-year vision boards
Patrons and staff will do a middle of the year vision board for things to accomplish by the end of 2022.
Octopus Crafts
Ages 6-8. Make an octopus using a variety of materials like paint and bubble wrap.
Summer Reading Club presents Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show – Ocean Magic
Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show is a unique blend of laugh-out-loud comedy coupled with sensational magic, all combined with an educational approach that is all about having fun with books. The show features Tommy as a big kid who shows up to watch his Uncle Fumpernutter perform a magic show. When no one can find Uncle Fumpernutter, Tommy takes over! Unfortunately, Tommy has never done magic before, so he enlists the kids’ help following the instructions in the huge Magician’s Handbook.
CALS Speaker Series: Sebastián Hidalgo and Josué Rivas, photojournalists (J.N. Heiskell program)
Thursday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m., Ron Robinson Theater (in person)
This exploration of photojournalism spotlights two talented photographers who will speak about their art and approach.
Sebastián Hidalgo is a civic-oriented visual and investigative journalist born and based in Chicago, IL. He covers issues related to the current state of belonging––immigration policy, low-wage labor, and environmental justice. His work has appeared in National Geographic, the New York Times, The National Museum of Mexican Fine Art,
Arkansas Sounds presents A Celebration of Michael Burks
CALS Arkansas Sounds hosts a tribute to the legendary Arkansas blues giant, Michael Burks. To celebrate what would have been his 65th birthday, a collective of friends, family, and former band members will share the stage for a special concert of Michael Burks’ music. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the event starts at 8:00 p.m. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available. General admission tickets are $10. To buy your tickets online, click on the button below.
Cooking up History
Community Outreach Archivist Danielle Afsordeh will discuss the background of historic foodways in Arkansas and how they influenced recipes generations ago, and Justin Vess will guide program attendees through cooking a historic recipe from the Butler Center’s expansive cookbook collection. After the cooking demonstration, Danielle will assist attendees in scanning their own family recipes to have digital copies to share with family and friends.
Danielle Afsordeh, Community Outreach Archivist at the CALS Roberts Library/Butler Center for Arkansas Studies and Justin Vess,
CALS Writing Circle: Journaling for Mental Health
Since journaling is a written record of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, it is the perfect tool for exploring and better understanding our mental health. This low-stress course provides art supplies to decorate and personalize our journals as well as a wide assortment of journaling prompt options to explore and better understand our internal selves. Room 124 in Roberts Library. Contact jjobe@cals.org.
Ask the Natural Gardeners
What are cultivars and natives, and should you buy them? Fall will be here soon. In a natural garden, what should you do (or not do) in your garden in autumn and winter? How should you get rid of English ivy, Bradford pears, and Japanese honeysuckle? Join natural gardeners Lynn Foster, Ben Thesing, and Kay Sanders for a discussion of these and more topics, and bring your questions!
Uncovering the Rich History of Homes in Historically African American Neighborhoods
Property research can be difficult even when a wealth of information is available. The lack of historical records related to the African American experience in Arkansas can make the task of conducting this research for homes in historically African American neighborhoods even more daunting. Join us at the CALS Williams Library in the Dunbar Historic District to learn some tips and tricks for researching the history of homes and their inhabitants in historically African American communities using resources available through the Central Arkansas Library System and the archival collections at the CALS Roberts Library.
Finding Family Facts (August 8)
The Butler Center offers a beginner’s genealogy class the second Monday of every month, taught by Rhonda Stewart, the Butler Center’s local history and genealogy expert. Participants will learn how to use online databases and city directories, as well as how to archive family documents. Jump-start your genealogy research with this fun and creative way to learn about the past.
CALS Writing Circle: Memoir Writing for Seniors at Dee Brown Branch
This 4-part class meets once each week and takes attendees aged 55+ through the steps of writing their own life stories. Students are given tools and techniques to help learn to write regularly and productively. Everyone is welcome; no writing experience is required. Contact dmoore@cals.org.
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, happening 4 times
CALS Writing Circle: Memoir Writing for Seniors
This ongoing class meets once each week and takes attendees aged 55+ through the steps of writing their own life stories. Students are given tools and techniques to help learn to write regularly and productively. Everyone is welcome; no writing experience is required. Contact dmoore@cals.org.
Video Confessional
Six Bridges Presents: Phong Nguyen, Bronze Drum
Phong Nguyen is the Miller Family Endowed Chair in Literature and Writing at the University of Missouri. In addition to Bronze Drum, he is the author of four books: Roundabout, The Adventures of Joe Harper, Pages from the Textbook of Alternate History, and Memory Sickness. He is the coeditor, with Robert Olen Butler, of Best Peace Fiction: A Social Justice Anthology; and coeditor, with Dan Chaon and Norah Lind, of Nancy Hale: On the Life and Work of a Lost American Master.
An event every 2 weeks that begins at 12:00 pm on Saturday, happening 2 times
CALS Writing Circle: Writing all Year Workshop Group
Are you looking for a writing workshop group? Led by J. Jobe, Writing All Year is a place to share your work-in-progress with other writers. We meet twice a month to give and receive encouragement, insight, and feedback in a safe and respectful environment. Our objective: to improve the work with kindness and compassion. If this sounds like something you’ve been looking for, please join us. Free. All experience levels are welcome. Contact jjobe@cals.org.
Mindfulness for Teachers and Counselors
With a new school year approaching, teachers and counselors will once again be asked to wear many hats for our children. In this conversation, we will examine ways that mindfulness techniques can be used to help overcome the stress and anxiety that is all too common in the profession.
This program will be held at the Adolphine Fletcher Terry Library at 2015 Napa Valley Drive in Little Rock.
“Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present,
Personal Archiving and Prepping to Digitize Your Personal Papers, Photos, and Other Stuff (August 18)
Learn how to organize your personal papers, photos, scrapbooks, and other items to digitize and store them for future generations. And find out more about CALS DIY Memory Lab and how to use it to preserve your family history.
CALS Writing Circle: Poetry and Prose Performance Practice
Come. Read. Write. Some prompts. Some reading aloud. Contact jjobe@cals.org.
Lawyers In The Library – Public Benefits
The Central Arkansas Library System and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services have once again teamed up to offer Lawyers in the Library! Come listen to legal presentations and an opportunity to ask a lawyer your civil legal question. Topics include Criminal Record Sealing and Public Benefits like SNAP and SSI, and will end with a record-sealing clinic.
Public Benefits – Do you have SSI overpayments? Issues with your SNAP benefits? Have a criminal record you would like to seal?
All About Monarchs
Did you know that monarch butterflies winter in Mexico, and then fly as far north as Canada each year? Did you know that without milkweed plants there would be no monarch butterflies, and milkweeds are fast disappearing? Join Leslie Cooper, Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator Coordinator with Quail Forever, Joe Ledvina, Botanist for the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and host Lynn Foster, for an introduction to monarch biology and an overview of how you can benefit monarchs and pollinators by creating habitat.
CALS Women’s Suffrage Book Club – The Once and Future Witches
Book – The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Scholar – Wendy Lucas, University of Central Arkansas
WHAT?
The CALS Women’s Suffrage Book Club is a book discussion series focusing on texts about the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the United States. Each discussion will include a brief presentation by a local scholar followed by a discussion of the book.
Issues That Matter: Protecting Arkansas’s Waterways: Hydrating the Harvest
Agriculture is Arkansas’s top industry and crucial to the state’s economy. This program will explore the extensive need for water in Arkansas agriculture and the dangers facing its water supplies.
Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Pulaski County and KUAR.
CALS closed for Labor Day
All branches and buildings of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed Sunday, September 4 and Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day.
Regular hours will resume Tuesday, September 6. Please call 918-3000 for further information.
Buying vs. Renting
In this session, learn about whether to buy or rent.
- Determine if you’re ready to buy.
- Which is better for your situation?
- How to start the home buying process.
Lawyers In The Library – Record Sealing
The Central Arkansas Library System and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services have once again teamed up to offer Lawyers in the Library! Come listen to legal presentations and an opportunity to ask a lawyer your civil legal question. Topics include Criminal Record Sealing and Public Benefits like SNAP and SSI, and will end with a record-sealing clinic.
Record Sealing – Come see us to learn about getting your criminal record sealed. An attorney from the Center for Arkansas Legal Services will be speaking about the kinds of criminal charges that can be sealed,
Gardening for Bees
What do native bees need from us? Listen to Leslie Cooper, Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator Coordinator with Quail Forever, and host Lynn Foster discuss what you can do in your yard to provide food and habitat for the many species of native bees in central Arkansas. Did you know that more than 90% of bee species are solitary? That 70% of bee species live in the ground? And that honeybees aren’t native to North America? Get to know our 4000 species of North American native bees and bring your questions!
CALS closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
All branches and buildings of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed Monday, October 10 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday.
Regular hours will resume Tuesday, October 11. Please call 918-3000 for further information.
Avoiding Identity Theft & Staying Cyber-Secure
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month
CALS Speaker Series: Kimberly Wehle, How to Think Like a Lawyer and Why
Honoring Rabbi Ira Sanders
What does the average person have in common with lawyers? From the mundane to the game-changers, decisions need to be made every day. But a key way in which the everyday person differs from a lawyer is how each goes about making decisions. A non-lawyer often searches for answers to validate or solidify a pre-conceived decision, while a lawyer looks for questions.
Based on her book, How to Think Like a Lawyer and Why: A Common-Sense Guide to Everyday Dilemmas,
The Power of Mind
The Power of Mind is a modern guidebook based on ancient Buddhist techniques for transforming suffering into complete well-being that benefits us and the people around us. We’ve heard platitudes about cultivating love and compassion, but how can we genuinely develop these qualities and share them in our world? As Khentrul Rinpoche states, “Peace and happiness can be attained, but not by searching for something in the outside world—they start within us and then extend out to the entire globe.”
Khentrul Lodrö T’hayé Rinpoche,
Planning for Retirement
How much should I be saving
Basics about 401(k), Roth IRAs and more.
CALS closed for Veteran’s Day
All branches and buildings of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 10 and all day Friday, November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day.
The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square will be open Friday, November 11, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular hours will resume Saturday, November 12. Please call 918-3000 for further information.
Issues That Matter: Protecting Arkansas’s Waterways: Rivers as Roads
Arkansas’s rivers are vital components in the movement of goods and materials in the state. This programs will discuss the challenges faced in maintaining them as viable travel routes.
Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Pulaski County and KUAR.
Lawyers In The Library – Record Sealing Clinic
The Central Arkansas Library System and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services have once again teamed up to offer Lawyers in the Library! Come listen to legal presentations and an opportunity to ask a lawyer your civil legal question. Topics include Criminal Record Sealing and Public Benefits like SNAP and SSI, and will end with a record-sealing clinic.
Record Sealing – Center for Arkansas Legal Services will hold a record sealing clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
CALS closed for Thanksgiving
All branches and buildings of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square will be open Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular hours will resume Monday, November 28. Please call 918-3000 for further information.
CALS closed for Christmas
All branches and buildings of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed Thursday, December 22 at 6 p.m. until Monday, December 26 in observance of Christmas.
The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square will be open Friday, December 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular hours will resume Tuesday, December 27. Please call 918-3000 for further information.
CALS closed for New Year’s Day
All branches and buildings of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed Sunday, January 1 and Monday, January 2 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Regular hours will resume Tuesday, January 3. Please call 918-3000 for further information.