Central Arkansas Library System

09/06/2026

CALS McMath Library received this note from Ellen Webster of New Jersey!
She's written over 13,000 thank-you notes in the past decade to family, friends, strangers, and businesses across the country as part of her Thank-You Note Project. Here is what she said to the staff at McMath.

09/05/2026

CALS remembers Gloria Steinem.

A powerful icon of America's feminist movement, Steinem's decades-long career changed the lives of generations of women. She was also a celebrated journalist and author — CALS has several of her books, as well as books about her life and work, in our collection.

Learn more about her legacy at cals.org.

09/05/2026

Test your '90s trivia at Sanders Library or write down your thoughts at Fletcher Library. Here is a preview of events happening around CALS after Labor Day.

Tuesday, September 8
3:30PM | Creation Station: Balloon Smash Art | Sanders Library
4:30PM | Meet Me in the Library: Paint by the Numbers | Nixon Library

Wednesday, September 9
4PM | Clay Critters with Jose Hernandez (teens) | McMath Library
5PM | Ink & Inspiration Journaling Circle | Fletcher Library

Thursday, September 10
3PM | Soft Serve Shortcut | Fletcher Library
4:30PM | Chase Money Skills | Nixon Library
6PM | Knit at Night | Maumelle Library

Friday, September 11
4PM | Nerd Out Day: '90s Trivia | Sanders Library

Saturday, September 12
1:30PM | Catch the Sun! | Fletcher Library
2PM | Big Poppa Bubble | Sanders Library

For a full list of events, visit cals.org.

09/04/2026

📚 Library cards have perks!
When you get a card, you get access to the catalog, digital library, resources and so much more.
Head to your nearest branch to sign up for a new card — or renew the one you've got!

09/04/2026

Cool off with a treat from Loblolly Creamery. Show your library card and get 10% off your purchase during Library Card Sign-Up Month.

🍦📚 September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and we’re celebrating our love for libraries in TWO sweet ways!
1️⃣ Show your library card (any library) at checkout at any Loblolly location and get 10% off your purchase all month long!
2️⃣ SUPER READER is back!
Tutti frutti, bubble gum like flavor. Banana, vanilla, and citrus combine forces to bring you one super scoop that reads like a page turner, sweet, colorful, and unforgettable. Created in celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month.🍌🍊✨
(Contains: milk)

We’re proud to support the “Power of the Card” program alongside Saline County Library System, CALS, and four other Central Arkansas library systems working together to champion public libraries. 💙
Get your card, get your scoop, and show your support for the incredible work libraries do in our communities!

09/04/2026

Labor Day weekend plans, sorted. Show your library card (CALS, GarlandCounty, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff/Jefferson County or Saline County) at Jacksonville Community Center for a $2 day pass.

🎉Help us celebrate "Library Card Sign Up Month" with the Central Arkansas Library System. We want to encourage our community to discover all the benefits of holding a library card.

😍The Jacksonville Community Center is offering a $2 day pass to anyone presenting a valid library card from one of the five participating library systems—North Little Rock, Central Arkansas, Garland County, Pine Bluff/Jefferson County, and Saline County.

✨The discount will be honored from September 1 through September 30, 2026.
www.jacksonvilleparks.com

Need a library card?
Visit CALS.org/lcsum or NLRlibrary.org/power to learn how to get a library card and find a full list of discounts!

09/04/2026

🎶 Tap your feet to the next Sounds in the Stacks concert!

Jazz and pop keyboardist Julia Buckingham takes the stage from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, at CALS Rooker Library — and it's free to attend.

See the full music lineup: https://events.cals.org/event/16664199

09/03/2026

Spend an evening with New York Times bestselling author Ariel Lawhon!

Known for The Frozen River, Lawhon brings her new novel, The Pirate Queen (out September 8), to the Six Bridges Book Festival fundraiser.

The first 60 ticket buyers get a complimentary copy of The Pirate Queen!

Your ticket supports the festival's free public programming — grab a seat and help keep it going.
🎟️ Get your tickets: https://events.cals.org/event/16715373
Ariel Lawhon

09/03/2026

Your voice shapes the policies for our kids' futures. 🗣️

Join Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and CALS for an interactive learning event on Tuesday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CALS Main Library.

Connect with fellow advocates through round-table discussions, quizzes and more as we dig into issues that impact the well-being of Arkansas's children and families.

Bring your questions, your passion and your community spirit.
Learn more and RSVP ➡️ https://events.cals.org/event/16585219
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

09/02/2026

Coming Soon!!
There is a new business coming to Start Up Cafe at Rock It Lab. Sylvia Tyler is the founder of Chocolate Spoon Bake Shoppe, bringing a dessert experience rooted in nostalgia and elevated with intention. Taste these sweet treats for yourself on Wednesday, September 9.