CALS Launching MicroLibrary in Wrightsville

The library system will offer more services customized to fill community needs

The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) will launch the MicroLibrary at the Millie Brooks Library, 13024 Hwy 365, Wrightsville, with an opening celebration on Tuesday, October 13, at 1:00 p.m. The new MicroLibrary will be a reconfiguration of the library’s space, including the addition of child-friendly furniture and more desktop and laptop computers.

The MicroLibrary is the result of feedback from library users as well as data collected over the last two and half years, including a recent survey to gauge expectations and interests of Wrightsville residents.

“Our goal is to help as many people as possible with reaching their full potential,” said CALS Executive Director Nate Coulter. “We have noticed a decline in the number of people visiting and borrowing materials from the Brooks Library. We wanted to figure out what we might offer instead that would be more attractive and useful to the community. The MicroLibrary is our attempt to offer services, resources, technology, and even entertainment, in response to what the community says they need from us.”

A team of employees will support the rollout of the new Brooks MicroLibrary, selected because of their interest in working in underserved communities. Programs and services will include a business center, new materials available for checkout weekly, and more meeting space once in-person programs resume.

“The MicroLibrary is an exciting concept,” said Pam Rudkin, Branch Services Coordinator. “I am hopeful to share this model of customized library services in more underserved areas of the county as we gauge its success. Our outreach and community liaison teams are devoted to this project and enthusiastic about the future of these types of services.”

Outreach Coordinator Courtney Jones said the MicroLibrary is part of CALS’s continuing effort to expand outreach services especially in the areas of literacy and workforce development. “This is an opportunity to connect with the folks of Wrightsville in creative and meaningful ways,” said Jones. “We’re especially looking forward to creating partnerships there in the community which will allow us to reach out beyond our brick and mortar location.”

With the launch of the new MicroLibrary on October 13, Brooks Library will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Courtney Jones at 320-5782 or cjones@cals.org.