CALS Library Square Books Opened to Enthusiastic Crowd

Library Square Books, CALS new used bookstore, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Thursday, August 20, with an enthusiastic crowd that lined the sidewalk.

CALS Executive Director Nate Coulter; Jessica Scott, CALS Used Book Sale & Store Manager; and Gina Gemberling, President and CEO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, spoke at the ceremony. Library Square Books officially opened when Scott cut the ribbon, accompanied by several CALS staff members and ambassadors from the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees browsed gently read books for early and middle-grade readers, along with genres and topics ranging from sci-fi to cookbooks. Many also picked up CALS swag and commemorative Library Square Books totes, T-shirts, and fans.

“We get hundreds of books every week delivered to one of our libraries across the system… but these are books that someone has read and given to us, and we’re so grateful for all those people in that supply chain,” Executive Director Nate Coulter said.

CALS held a soft opening for the store last weekend, during 2nd Friday Art Night and the next day, in preparation for the grand opening.

Book prices start at $2 for Step into Reading children’s books. Paperbacks are $4, hardcovers are $8, children’s books are $4, and rare books are individually priced. In addition to the bookstore, CALS plans to resume its popular used book sale inside the Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art later this year.

“We’re trying to bring affordable used books downtown and bring the used bookstore back to the library system,” said Jessica Scott, Used Book Sale & Store Manager.

From 2001 until 2021, CALS operated a used bookstore in the Cox Creative Center at 120 River Market Ave. (now the Rock It! Lab). From 2021 until 2023, the used bookstore was located on the first floor of the Roberts Library. The bookstore closed in May 2023 to make way for “Mini Main” during the two-year renovation of the Main Library.

“The community just really missed it. People weren’t happy when the store closed previously, and there have been so many changes. … I think it was just time for it to come back,” Scott said.

Library Square Books is located at 405 President Clinton Avenue, connected to the first floor of Roberts Library. Hours are Wednesday–Friday, noon–5 p.m., and Saturday, noon–4 p.m.

 Visit Library Square Books