Welcome to the Student Portal. Here you will find recommended resources divided by grade level for research, homework help, and more. Don’t forget about our downloadable and digital eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, and more. View the “Read & Listen” section for links to those services. They’re also available as apps on your mobile device.
For a list of supported e-book devices, click here »
CALS digital music library is provided by Freegal, a service from Library Ideas. Freegal allows patrons to sign in with their library card number and PIN, download up to five songs per week, or stream unlimited music all day long.
Downloaded songs are in MP3 format, work with any music-playing device or software, and once you download the songs, you own them, forever!
Freegal apps are available for Apple and Android, but you can also stream and download just by visiting cals.freegalmusic.com.
You can browse by artist or genre, and advanced search allows searching by song, album, composer, and label. Choose from millions of songs from 65 different countries and thousands of labels.
The complete list of over 100,000 Accelerated Reader titles.
Tags: Accelerated Reader, AR Points, Teacher Resources, Elementary, Middle School, Libros en Español
An online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. Intended for use by PreK to 3rd grade students. Please note: For the best user experience, it is recommended that the latest version of Edge, Safari, Firefox or the Chrome browsers be used. All of these browsers may be downloaded for free.
Tags: Storybooks, Educator Resources, Teacher Resources, Pre-K, Elementary, Preschool
Brainfuse HelpNow provides on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. HelpNow offers personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies) including SAT preparation. The Adult Learning Center is included in the HelpNow suite. Live tutors are available online from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM each day for direct assistance. HelpNow will support the new Count UP math tutoring program but also offers learning assistance in other subjects.
With HelpNow, tutors and students communicate in real time in an online classroom by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, students can use a secure file sharing feature in the writing lab to submit writing assignments to writing tutors any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests – including the SAT.
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Provides access to cultural reports, statistics, and primary source material for countries across the globe, including the United States and Canadian provinces. Includes unique information such as native recipes, interviews, photos and videos. Contains four modules: Kids, Provinces, States and World.
Tags: Teacher Resources, Educator Resources, Cultures, Traditions, World Religions, Governments, Flags
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Provides language learning experiences with step by step lesson plans for 71 different languages. This database features ESL (English as Second Language) lessons for over 16 languages along with a text translator. First time users must create a profile in order to use the resource.
Tags: Languages, Foreign Language, Spanish, French, Chinese, ESL
Includes information on many titles popular with students in grades K-8, arranged by instructional unit, theme or topic. Teachers can find appropriate fiction to complement classroom instruction.
Tags: Teacher Resources, Educator Resources, Book Recommendations, Reader’s Advisory, Libros en Español
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Offers narrated stories with word-by-word highlighting, interactive games, interactive reference material for beginners, and more to help young learners build vocabulary, comprehension, phonics, and reading fluency.
Tags: Reading Comprehension, Reading Fluency, Early Learning, Story Narration
The complete list of over 100,000 Accelerated Reader titles.
Tags: Accelerated Reader, AR Points, Teacher Resources, Elementary, Middle School, Libros en Español
An online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. Intended for use by PreK to 3rd grade students. Please note: For the best user experience, it is recommended that the latest version of Edge, Safari, Firefox or the Chrome browsers be used. All of these browsers may be downloaded for free.
Tags: Storybooks, Educator Resources, Teacher Resources, Pre-K, Elementary, Preschool
Brainfuse HelpNow provides on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. HelpNow offers personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies) including SAT preparation. The Adult Learning Center is included in the HelpNow suite. Live tutors are available online from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM each day for direct assistance. HelpNow will support the new Count UP math tutoring program but also offers learning assistance in other subjects.
With HelpNow, tutors and students communicate in real time in an online classroom by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, students can use a secure file sharing feature in the writing lab to submit writing assignments to writing tutors any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests – including the SAT.
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Provides access to cultural reports, statistics, and primary source material for countries across the globe, including the United States and Canadian provinces. Includes unique information such as native recipes, interviews, photos and videos. Contains four modules: Kids, Provinces, States and World.
Tags: Teacher Resources, Educator Resources, Cultures, Traditions, World Religions, Governments, Flags
A free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. The Encyclopedia contains more than 7,000 entries and 11,000 pieces of media related to Arkansas with new material being added weekly.
Tags: Arkansas History, Arkansas Geography, Central High School, Little Rock Nine, Local History
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
An interactive database with practice tests and tutorials for many standardized academic and licensing tests, such as the GED, SAT, Nursing, Real Estate, etc. Access: Sign in as new user and create personal account using your library card number as your user name.
Tags: ACT, SAT, Test Preparation, GED, College Admission, Jobs, Employment
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Provides language learning experiences with step by step lesson plans for 71 different languages. This database features ESL (English as Second Language) lessons for over 16 languages along with a text translator. First time users must create a profile in order to use the resource.
Tags: Languages, Foreign Language, Spanish, French, Chinese, ESL
Includes information on many titles popular with students in grades K-8, arranged by instructional unit, theme or topic. Teachers can find appropriate fiction to complement classroom instruction.
Tags: Teacher Resources, Educator Resources, Book Recommendations, Reader’s Advisory, Libros en Español
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
General reference database for elementary and middle school learners, researchers, and educators covering curriculum areas and content sets such as reading, language arts, current events, science, social studies, history, health, and technology. SIRS Discoverer provides editorially-selected, indexed, and curated materials from over 2,100 newspapers, magazines, and websites offering guided research for young researchers.
Tags: Educator Resource, Teacher Resource, Middle School, Elementary, General Reference
The complete run of Gale’s Something About the Author reference set, including thousands of illustrated biographical profiles of children’s authors and illustrators.
Tags: Biography, Autobiography, YA Authors, Young Adult Authors, Modern Authors, Contemporary Authors
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Composed of more than 500 full-text scholarly journals and popular science magazines covering research and instruction in earth, life, physical, medical and applied sciences; and technology, engineering, and math.
Tags: Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Technology, Physics, Mathematics, Astonomy, Chemistry, Biology
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Developed especially for young students with simple navigation, easy-to-read articles, multimedia, interactive games and activities, science projects, and teacher tools.
Tags: Educator Resource, Teacher Resource, Lesson Plans, Early Education
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
El contenido, los medios enriquecidos y las funciones interactivas de World Book en español para estudiantes jóvenes.
Palabras Clave: Referencia General, Educación, Historia, Religiones del Mundo, Deportes, Animales, Gobierno
A student-focused resource that offers World Book’s excellent editorial content, rich media, and interactive features in Spanish.
Tags: General Reference, Education, History, World Religions, Sports, Animals, Government
U.S. news content from local, regional, and national sources. Its diverse source types include printed and online newspapers, blogs, journals, newswires, broadcast transcripts and videos. Search local newspapers for specific states or explore specific issues and events.
Tags: Newspaper, Current Events, Current Affairs, Sports, Arkansas
The complete list of over 100,000 Accelerated Reader titles.
Tags: Accelerated Reader, AR Points, Teacher Resources, Elementary, Middle School, Libros en Español
Combines all formats of the newspaper including full-text, online-only articles and page images into one simple search.
Note: There is a 30 day embargo on the image edition of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for remote access.
Tags: Local News, Sports, Current Events, Classifieds, Local Business
Brainfuse HelpNow provides on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. HelpNow offers personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies) including SAT preparation. The Adult Learning Center is included in the HelpNow suite. Live tutors are available online from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM each day for direct assistance. HelpNow will support the new Count UP math tutoring program but also offers learning assistance in other subjects.
With HelpNow, tutors and students communicate in real time in an online classroom by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, students can use a secure file sharing feature in the writing lab to submit writing assignments to writing tutors any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests – including the SAT.
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Provides access to cultural reports, statistics, and primary source material for countries across the globe, including the United States and Canadian provinces. Includes unique information such as native recipes, interviews, photos and videos. Contains four modules: Kids, Provinces, States and World.
Tags: Teacher Resources, Educator Resources, Cultures, Traditions, World Religions, Governments, Flags
A free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. The Encyclopedia contains more than 7,000 entries and 11,000 pieces of media related to Arkansas with new material being added weekly.
Tags: Arkansas History, Arkansas Geography, Central High School, Little Rock Nine, Local History
Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were available only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7.
Tags: Research, Homework Help, eBooks, Term Papers, Research Papers
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
An interactive database with practice tests and tutorials for many standardized academic and licensing tests, such as the GED, SAT, Nursing, Real Estate, etc. Access: Sign in as new user and create personal account using your library card number as your user name.
Tags: ACT, SAT, Test Preparation, GED, College Admission, Jobs, Employment
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Provides language learning experiences with step by step lesson plans for 71 different languages. This database features ESL (English as Second Language) lessons for over 16 languages along with a text translator. First time users must create a profile in order to use the resource.
Tags: Languages, Foreign Language, Spanish, French, Chinese, ESL
Includes information on many titles popular with students in grades K-8, arranged by instructional unit, theme or topic. Teachers can find appropriate fiction to complement classroom instruction.
Tags: Teacher Resources, Educator Resources, Book Recommendations, Reader’s Advisory, Libros en Español
The complete run of Gale’s Something About the Author reference set, including thousands of illustrated biographical profiles of children’s authors and illustrators.
Tags: Biography, Autobiography, YA Authors, Young Adult Authors, Modern Authors, Contemporary Authors
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Composed of more than 500 full-text scholarly journals and popular science magazines covering research and instruction in earth, life, physical, medical and applied sciences; and technology, engineering, and math.
Tags: Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Technology, Physics, Mathematics, Astonomy, Chemistry, Biology
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
El contenido, los medios enriquecidos y las funciones interactivas de World Book en español para estudiantes jóvenes.
Palabras Clave: Referencia General, Educación, Historia, Religiones del Mundo, Deportes, Animales, Gobierno
A student-focused resource that offers World Book’s excellent editorial content, rich media, and interactive features in Spanish.
Tags: General Reference, Education, History, World Religions, Sports, Animals, Government
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Includes the articles of the World Book Encyclopedia, a Biography Center, dictionary, atlas, an extensive multimedia collection, thousands of editor-selected Web sites, correlations to curriculum standards, and much more.
Tags: General Reference, Research Topics, Lesson Plans, Educator Resource, Teacher Resource
U.S. news content from local, regional, and national sources. Its diverse source types include printed and online newspapers, blogs, journals, newswires, broadcast transcripts and videos. Search local newspapers for specific states or explore specific issues and events.
Tags: Newspaper, Current Events, Current Affairs, Sports, Arkansas
Combines all formats of the newspaper including full-text, online-only articles and page images into one simple search.
Note: There is a 30 day embargo on the image edition of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for remote access.
Tags: Local News, Sports, Current Events, Classifieds, Local Business
Read current articles from over 50 local Arkansas publications.
Tags: Local News, State News, Sports, Current Events, Local Business
Brainfuse HelpNow provides on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. HelpNow offers personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies) including SAT preparation. The Adult Learning Center is included in the HelpNow suite. Live tutors are available online from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM each day for direct assistance. HelpNow will support the new Count UP math tutoring program but also offers learning assistance in other subjects.
With HelpNow, tutors and students communicate in real time in an online classroom by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, students can use a secure file sharing feature in the writing lab to submit writing assignments to writing tutors any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests – including the SAT.
Brainfuse JobNow offers the following services:
Live Interview Coaching: Patrons can brush up on interview techniques or get live online interview practice from trained job coaches. Job coaches and patrons communicate via live chat in our online classroom. In addition to live interview coaching, patrons enjoy 24/7 access to interview tips and career resources. The coaches are available from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM every day.
Resume Lab: Patrons can submit their resumes any time through the JobNow Resume Lab and a job coach will send it back within 24 hours with detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. Users are also able to download resume templates, or browse resources for producing better resumes.
Career Resources: Patrons enjoy 24/7 access to a carefully-selected library of job resources. In addition, Brainfuse job coaches help users strategically target jobs best suited to their interests and qualifications.
The Central Arkansas Library System has partnered with Driving-Tests.org to provide access to manuals and practice tests for the Arkansas Driver’s Test. The site includes practice tests for car and motorcycle licenses, as well as for the CDL.
Tags: Driving Test, Arkansas Driving, Driver’s License, CDL, Practice Test
A free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. The Encyclopedia contains more than 7,000 entries and 11,000 pieces of media related to Arkansas with new material being added weekly.
Tags: Arkansas History, Arkansas Geography, Central High School, Little Rock Nine, Local History
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Includes current journals, magazines, and newspapers from ethnic and independent presses. Content covers 1990-present, with specialized coverage of the following ethnic categories: African American/Caribbean/African; Arab/Middle Eastern; Asian/Pacific Islander; European/Eastern European; Hispanic; Jewish; Native People. It is updated daily with new content and contains over 2 million full text articles.
Tags: Newspapers, International News, World News, Current Events
Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were available only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7.
Tags: Research, Homework Help, eBooks, Term Papers, Research Papers
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
An interactive database with practice tests and tutorials for many standardized academic and licensing tests, such as the GED, SAT, Nursing, Real Estate, etc. Access: Sign in as new user and create personal account using your library card number as your user name.
Tags: ACT, SAT, Test Preparation, GED, College Admission, Jobs, Employment
The complete collections of Contemporary Literary Criticism, Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism, and Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism in one easily searchable resource.
Tags: Literary Commentary, 19th Century Criticism, 20th Century Criticism, Humanities, Literary Theory
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Primary and critical text database for literary research at all levels. The collection includes full text of more than 350,000 works of poetry, drama, and prose stretching back to the 8th century through the present day.
*Literature Online (LION) is no longer supported. Please check out our new Literature Database, ProQuest Literature One*
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Provides language learning experiences with step by step lesson plans for 71 different languages. This database features ESL (English as Second Language) lessons for over 16 languages along with a text translator. First time users must create a profile in order to use the resource.
Tags: Languages, Foreign Language, Spanish, French, Chinese, ESL
Includes subject headings, reviews, summaries and more for over 135,000 fiction titles. Use Novelist to find other books by a favorite author, or similar books to a title you’ve already read.
Tags: Reader’s Advisory, Book Recommendations, Book Reviews, Libros en Español
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
A large general research database featuring a diverse mix of content including scholarly journals, trade publications, magazines, books, newspapers, reports and videos.
Tags: General Reference, Academic Research, Scholarly Journals, Information Technology, Information Science, Dissertations, Theses
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Developed to help students do more effective research and to assist educators in teaching the basics of the core information literacy principles of finding, evaluating, and using information.
Tags: Academic Research, Information Literacy, Research Process, Thesis, Educator Resource, Teacher Resource
This research tool provided via Traveler Access.
Background and analysis on 350+ leading issues, providing pros and cons on social, scientific, health, historic, economic, political, and global issues.
Tags: Research Topics, Information Literacy, Leading Issues, Primary Sources
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Access more than 500 lifelong learning courses in over 30 subject areas, many of which offer continuing education units (CEUs). All classes are designed and led by professional instructors and include videos, assignments, quizzes, tests, and options for social media interaction with other learners. Patrons may take multiple classes and learn at their own pace.
Tags: Continuing Education, Online Learning, GED, Computer Basics, ESL, Research Skills, Web Design, Test Preparation, Programming Languages
CALS is partnering with several local schools to provide students with improved access to research and reading materials through the Tech Card Program. Students in participating schools will be issued a Tech Card which can be used to access the library’s electronic resources from school or home.
Tech Cards cannot be used to check out physical materials (books, dvds, etc.) from the library. Parents and students may apply for a library card with borrowing privileges at any of our locations or by visiting our website.
Access to some of our online resources may require users to enter the Tech Card number (printed under the barcode on the back of the card) and a PIN. The PIN on every Tech Card is set to 1234.
The Tech Card issued for the school year will expire on September 1 of next year. If your child is enrolled in a participating school for the following year, they will be issued a new Tech Card for use next year in the fall.
If you have questions about the Tech Card Program, please contact Ellen Samples, Youth Services Coordinator, at (501) 918-3059 or by email at outreach@cals.org.
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