501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
Williams Grand Reopening Brings Several Celebrations This Spring
Little Rock, AR – The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is planning several celebrations for the grand reopening of the Sue Cowan Williams Library, 1800 Chester St. There will be three events: a ticketed “Family Dinner Night,” a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and a Neighborhood Block Party. Information about the celebrations can be found at cals.org/williams-grand-reopening.
The grand reopening celebration kicks off with the Family Dinner Night fundraising event on Thursday, April 18, from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. The fundraiser is inspired by a recurring Williams Library program, Family Dinner Night, where patrons young and old share the experience of preparing then eating a meal together.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to highlight Family Dinner Night because it’s one of the most successful and well-loved programs offered at Williams Library,” said Latina Sheard, Williams Library Branch Manager. “Family Dinner Night, in many ways, illustrates the best things about our branch. We are a community that feels like a family, and hosting this event as a fundraiser will allow us to raise money that will benefit this program and others that are an asset to the community we serve.”
The dinner will feature food and drinks provided by neighborhood restaurants, the musical stylings of Bijoux and Jazz Central from Little Rock Central High, and a first look at the library. Participating restaurants include Afrobites, Community Bakery, El Sur, K Hall & Sons, and Mockingbird Bar & Taco, with others to be added. Tickets are $75 per person and available at cals.org/williams-grand-reopening. The proceeds from the event will support programming at Williams Library, including Family Dinner Night. This event is sponsored by Ben E. Keith Foods.
The Ribbon Cutting event will take place on Friday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include statements from CALS Executive Director Nate Coulter. This event is free and open to the public and will be the first day the library is officially open.
The Neighborhood Block Party will take place on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include building tours, food trucks, music, and other entertainment. This event is free and open to the public.
Sponsorship opportunities are available: Friends of the Feast Sponsor ($250). Neighborhood Nourisher Sponsor ($500), Taste Trailblazer Sponsor ($1,000), and Flavorful Philanthropist Sponsor ($2,500). Full details are available on the event page.
Williams Library closed in November 2023 to begin construction that includes moving the entrance to the west side of the building as well as adding a demonstration kitchen to the community room, a loft area for additional employee space, and a dedicated space for teens. Renovations also include a variety of cosmetic upgrades, such as paint, flooring, and new artwork.
