Central Arkansas Library System

10/30/2026

Today was Nate’s last day as our executive director. He has been a positive force for CALS and libraries across Arkansas. As we close this chapter, we want to share some of the words he shared with our staff. And our staff have a few kind words to share with him, too.

Enjoy retirement, Nate! 🧡

“It has been the single greatest privilege of my professional career to work alongside every one of you to make CALS one of the finest public libraries in the United States. It will remain in that elite category because of you. And because you’ve earned the confidence of the community, they will continue to invest in you and this noble, egalitarian enterprise. They are proud of you and what you and they have built. They love and depend on the many treasures that their CALS investment provides. In short, they are in love with CALS. Me too.” — Nate

10/30/2026

🦒 Say hello to the wild side! 🐾
The Little Rock Zoo is bringing the fun to you with a hands-on activity station and a chance to meet ambassador animals up close. Drop in, explore, and enjoy a relaxed, free-flowing experience at your own pace.
Free and fun for all ages!
🗓 Saturday, November 6 | 11AM
🗺 Terry Library

10/29/2026

Here is a look at CALS by the September numbers. 👀

📚 Library Visits: 121,530
🔄 Circulation: 203,893
🪪 Library Cards Issued: 1,364
🎉 Program Attendance: 17,755
🍽️ Be Mighty Meals: 7,399
🙋 Staff Assistance Interactions: 34,901
💻 Public Computer Use: 17,031
🗓️ Meeting Room Bookings: 224
🌐 Website Visits: 230,397
📖 Encyclopedia of Arkansas Visits: 222,765
📶 WiFi Sessions: 77,843
📦 Items in the Collection: 822,266
Thanks to our patrons for continuing to support your CALS library!

10/29/2026

Recognizing the past, present and future direction of CALS. At tonight’s event celebrating Nate Coulter’s next chapter, we had the honor of taking pics of former CALS Executive Director Bobby Roberts, current Executive Director Nate Coulter (his last day is Friday, October 30) and future Executive Director Jay Barth, who starts December 1.

10/28/2026

Join us at Main Library as we celebrate Nate Coulter’s tenure as executive director of CALS! 🎉 The crowd is growing, so come say goodbye and wish him well.
📸 Photos showcase the changes he’s led, including the Main Library renovations.
✍️ Write a word of encouragement for his next chapter in the dictionary we’re giving him as a gift.
🎶 Live music from the Redd Shoee Creww Sing, Dance, Love, Repeat
🥐 Light snacks from Boulevard Bread Co. Boulevard Bread Company
A short ceremony starts at 5PM, so there’s still time to stop by!

10/28/2026

Nate Coulter is retiring as executive director of CALS. 📏 One team member got an early start on measuring the office. (Video description-Jessica is measuring Nate’s office. He walks in surprised to see her there)

10/28/2026

The search for the next CALS executive director has ended. After interviews with candidates, the CALS Board of Directors selected Dr. Jay Barth for the role.

Jay Barth, the former director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, has been selected as the next executive director of the Central Arkansas Library System.

Barth, who has an expected start date of Dec. 1, was selected from three candidates Tuesday after each gave in-person interviews with the CALS Board of Directors.

Read more at the link in the comments.

10/27/2026

Join us for a transformative virtual conversation with Asha Frost, Healing Rainbow Medicine Woman as she explores her groundbreaking book, You Are the Medicine: 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance on Tuesday, November 3 at 1 PM CT via digital live-stream in partnership with CALS.

Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/cals/upcoming

10/27/2026

Before it was a river route, it was their home. 🌊

During National Native American Heritage Month, join us for a look at a chapter of Arkansas history: the Arkansas River water route of the Trail of Tears.

Aaron Boswell will discuss the development of an interpretive strategy for the route, created through his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

📅 Wednesday, November 4 | 12PM - 1PM
📍Main Library
🥪 In-person attendees will enjoy a lunch of a sandwich, chips, a cookie, and a drink, courtesy of the CALS Foundation.
🔗 https://events.cals.org/event/17591321
Promotional artwork courtesy of Mary Lupton Art.

10/26/2026

🗓 SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, October 28
Join us as we share a few memories and wish Nate Coulter well as he turns the page to his next chapter.
Drop in from 4PM - 6:30PM at CALS Main Library. A brief program begins at 5PM.
Free and open to all.