red hawk poetry night at CALS

Red Hawk Poetry Night

6:30-7:45 p.m., Thursday, March 11
Darragh Center, Main Library

Red Hawk returns to CALS for a free nature poetry reading and reception. This event and the upcoming poetry installation at the Little Rock Zoo are part of Poetry in the Zoos, a "Language of Conservation" initiative.

RSVP to 918-3032 or email us.

"The Language of Conservation" is an initiative of Poets House in partnership with your z00 and your library and a consortium of zoos and libraries nationwide. It is made possible by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

2010 arkansas literary festival

Arkansas Literary Festival Authors and Events Announced

Readers and writers alike will find plenty of interesting authors and topics at the Arkansas Literary Festival April 8-11 at the Main Library campus and other downtown venues. The seventh annual Festival is guaranteed to be a stimulating mix of authors, panels, special events, performances, workshops, and more.

For a list of scheduled authors and events, click here »

vita tax assistance

Tax Assistance Available

Do all those tax forms leave you scratching your head? Volunteers In Tax Assistance (VITA) will be available at the Central Arkansas Library System to help!

VITA volunteers will be at the Dee Brown, McMath, and Nixon Libraries on various dates through April 15 to help qualified patrons file their tax returns. For a complete schedule, a list of items to bring, and more information, click here »

it's always something

"It's Always Something"

Join us every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., beginning January 2010, for a new adult lunchtime series of events devoted to books, arts, crafts and more! Bring your own lunch; drinks and cookies provided.

For a schedule of "It's Always Something" events, click here.

FOCAL Book Sale Set for March 12-14

Don’t miss the first FOCAL book sale of 2010 on March 12-14 at the Main Library basement and River Market Books & Gifts. In the Main Library basement, shelves are filled with books just waiting for the right reader…

Read more »

CALS Celebrates 100 Years

The Central Arkansas Library System began to celebrate its 100th anniversary on February 2, 2010. The system will mark this historic milestone with projects, programs and events throughout the year.

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CALS Makes Donation for Earthquake Relief Effort

The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) has donated $10,758.68 to assist victims of the earthquake in Haiti through the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

Read more »

CALS Conversion to RFID System Continues at Thompson Library

The Thompson Branch of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) will be closed March 15-20 to complete conversion to a system utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. While the Thompson Branch is closed, patrons may use any other CALS location for checking out or returning items, placing or picking up holds, or computer access.

Read more »

More News & Announcements »

Click any question to reveal an answer

New! Downloadable ebook/audiobook library help »

Get a library card?

Pulaski or Perry County residents can request a library card by completing an online application or at any CALS library. Your library card will be mailed to your home address and photo identification must be presented to complete the application process. A parent or legal guardian should accompany minors who do not have photo identification. If you live in a nearby county ask about the Gateway Project. Read more »

Access my online account?

To access your account, you'll need a library card barcode number and Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you do not have a Personal Identification Number (PIN), you may establish one the first time you login to your account. If you have forgotten your PIN, please visit your local library or call (501) 918-3040 to have your old PIN removed. You will then be able to re-establish your PIN. Click here to log in to your account.

Place a hold on a book?

Once you have identified an item in the online catalog that you would like to hold, simply click the "Request" button located under the the title of the item. If you are not already logged in to your online account, you will be prompted to do so.

Renew materials?

Materials may be renewed by phone or online. To renew by phone, call our automated renewal line at 501.375.5430. To renew online:

  1. Log in to your online account.
  2. You will see a link marked "Items currently checked out" with the number of items you have checked out. Click the link to view the materials you have checked out.
  3. Select the materials you want to renew by checking the boxes in the RENEW column and then click the Renew Selected button. If you want to renew everything, click the Renew ALL button.
  4. If you cannot renew items, a message will appear on the screen. If you are successful, a new due date will appear in the "STATUS" column. Always check the STATUS column for information on the success or failure of your renewal.

Seek employment at CALS?

Simply visit our employment opportunities page. PLEASE NOTE: CALS in an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be accepted for advertised positions ONLY.

View all "How Do I...?" »

CALS events for the next 7 days…

Fri - Mar 12
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM		   Preschool Storytime
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Stories, songs, crafts, and fun for ages 3 to 5 years.
Fri - Mar 12
10:30 AM		   Merry Moppets
Location: Nixon Library
A wiggly, fun storytime for toddlers. Ages: 18mos.-3years old. Registration required.
Fri - Mar 12
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM		   It's Always Something
Location: Main Library
Book group will discuss Skeletons at the Feast. Book group discussion every second Tuesday of the month.
Bring your lunch to the East Room; cookies and drinks provided.
Fri - Mar 12
3:00 PM		   Movie: "The Time Traveler's Wife"
Location: Nixon Library
Rated PG-13. Parental discretion advised. Free popcorn and bottled water provided.
Fri - Mar 12
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM		   Dr. Seuss Make and Take
Location: Fletcher Library
Fun Dr. Seuss crafts for ages 5-11.
Fri - Mar 12
4:00 PM		   Maumelle K-5 Movie Day
Location: Maumelle Library
Grades K-5 come watch a G-rated movie and enjoy popcorn and refreshments. Free. No registration required.
Fri - Mar 12
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM		   Friday Games
Location: McMath Library
Sat - Mar 13
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM		   Ladies Clothing Swap
Location: Fletcher Library
Upcycle and freshen up your wardrobe. Call 663-5457 for details.
Sat - Mar 13
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM		   Puppet Show
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Featuring Wolfe at the Door Puppets
Sat - Mar 13
1:00 PM		   Learn basic cake decorating techiques.
Location: Aerospace Library
Basic Cake Decorating
Sat - Mar 13
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM		   Movie: The Breakup
Location: McMath Library
Sat - Mar 13
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM		   Saturday Afternoon Fun
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
A different activity each week
Sat - Mar 13
3:30 PM		   Family Games
Location: Nixon Library
All ages welcome. Come play some fun games together as a family!
Sat - Mar 13
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM		   New Release: Couples Retreat
Location: McMath Library
Mon - Mar 15
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM		   Storytime for Babies
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Interactive storytime for babies 0-2 and their caregivers
Mon - Mar 15
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM		   Book a Trip with Dewey
Location: Terry Library
For homeschoolers - ages 5 and up - Embark on an adventure with Dewey for a whirlwind journey through the land of nonfiction - including stories, activities, and crafts.
Mon - Mar 15
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM		   Teen Wii World
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Ages 11 and up
Mon - Mar 15
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM		   Kid's St. Patrick's Day Party
Location: McMath Library
Tue - Mar 16
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM		   Itty Bitties Storytime
Location: Fletcher Library
Storytime for ages 0-2.
Tue - Mar 16
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM		   Toddler Tales
Location: Terry Library
Bring your toddlers up to age 36 months for stories, fingerplays, songs, and crafts.
Tue - Mar 16
10:00 AM		   Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Location: Dee Brown Library
Join us for stories, songs, crafts and fun for kids ages 4 and up!
Tue - Mar 16
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM		   Tiny Tots Storytime!
Location: Fletcher Library
Storytime for ages 2-3.
Tue - Mar 16
10:30 AM		   Family Storytime
Location: Terry Library
For children ages 3 to 6, join us in the story jungle for fun with books, songs, fingerplays, and crafts.
Tue - Mar 16
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM		   Toddler Storytime
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Stories, songs, and fun for two-year-olds
Tue - Mar 16
10:30 AM		   Preschool Storytime
Location: Milam Library
Join Ms. Denise for Preschool Storytime each Tuesday morning. Enjoy stories, fingerplays, songs and more.
Tue - Mar 16
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM		   Book Lovers' Book Club
Location: Terry Library
"The Magician's Assistant" by Ann Patchett will be discussed. For more information, call 228-0129.
Tue - Mar 16
11:15 AM		   Maumelle Pre-School Storytime (ages 3-6)
Location: Maumelle Library
Listen to stories and sing fun songs!
Free. Registration required.
Tue - Mar 16
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM		   It's Always Something
Location: Main Library
Sit N' Stitch for knitters, crocheters, and crafters continues this year every third Tuesday of the month. All are welcome.
Tue - Mar 16
2:00 PM		   Homeschool Storytime
Location: Milam Library
Library time for homeschool children with Ms.Trinity
Tue - Mar 16
3:00 PM		   Adult Gamers Club
Location: Dee Brown Library
Tue - Mar 16
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM		   Science Magic
Location: McMath Library
Tue - Mar 16
4:00 PM		   Maumelle YA Gaming (grades 6-12)
Location: Maumelle Library
Teens play fun board games and Wii.
Free. No registration required.
Tue - Mar 16
6:00 PM		   Teen Time
Location: Nixon Library
Game time.
Tue - Mar 16
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM		   Family Fun Night
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Stories, songs, crafts, and family fun.
Tue - Mar 16
6:30 PM		   Maumelle Family Fun Nite! (all ages)
Location: Maumelle Library
Come listen to stories and enjoy refreshments with your family!
Free. No registration required.
Wed - Mar 17
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM		   Toddler Tales
Location: Terry Library
Bring your toddlers up to age 36 months for stories, fingerplays, songs, and crafts.
Wed - Mar 17
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM		   Wonderful Wednesdays Storytime!
Location: Fletcher Library
Storytime for ages 3-5.
Wed - Mar 17
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM		   Preschool Storytime
Location: McMath Library
Wed - Mar 17
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM		   Tyke Tales
Location: Nixon Library
Storytime for ages 3-5.
Wed - Mar 17
10:30 AM		   Family Storytime
Location: Terry Library
For children ages 3 to 6, join us in the story jungle for fun with books, songs, fingerplays, and crafts.
Wed - Mar 17
11:15 AM		   Maumelle Pre-School Storytime (ages 3-6)
Location: Maumelle Library
Listen to stories and sing fun songs!
Free. Registration required.
Wed - Mar 17
3:45 PM		   Teen Movie
Location: Fletcher Library
Catch the hottest blockbusters on DVD at your library every Wednesday!
Wed - Mar 17
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM		   Teen St. Patrick's Day Party
Location: McMath Library
Wed - Mar 17
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM		   Book Bunch
Location: Nixon Library
Storytime for ages 6-8.
Wed - Mar 17
4:00 PM		   Maumelle Theatre Workshop (grades K-12)
Location: Maumelle Library
Featured Events: Mar. 2010
Actors Heather Smith and Thomas Hankins lead a theatre workshop full of techniques and tips for aspiring actors.
Free. Registration required.
Wed - Mar 17
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM		   Puppet Workshop
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Puppetry troupe for elementary, middle, and high school students with Jan Wolfe.
Wed - Mar 17
11:30 PM - 12:30 PM		   Lunchtime Book Group
Location: Fletcher Library
Group will discuss "Mountains Beyong Mountains" by Tracy Kidder. Bring your lunch; we'll provide drinks.
Thu - Mar 18
10:30 AM		   Maumelle Mother Goose on the Loose Baby Storytime (0-36 months)
Location: Maumelle Library
Lap-sit baby storytime. Come listen to stories and sing songs.
Free. No registration required.
Thu - Mar 18
10:30 AM		   Family Storytime
Location: Terry Library
For children ages 3 to 6, join us in the story jungle for fun with books, songs, fingerplays, and crafts.
Thu - Mar 18
3:30 PM		   Louis L'Amour Birthday Movie: "Conagher"
Location: Nixon Library
Rated PG. In honor of Louis L'Amour's birthday, come watch "CONAGHER." Free popcorn and bottled water provided.
Thu - Mar 18
3:45 PM		   Wii Teens
Location: Fletcher Library
Show off your mad gaming skills.
Thu - Mar 18
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM		   New Release: Cirque De Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Location: McMath Library
Thu - Mar 18
4:00 PM		   Maumelle YA Programming Day (grades 6-12)
Location: Maumelle Library
Free. No registration required.
Thu - Mar 18
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM		   After School Antics: Poetry Pep Rally
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Celebrate poetry and prepare for our upcoming Poety Slam. Ages 5 & up.
Thu - Mar 18
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM		   Family Fun Night
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
Stories, songs, crafts, and family fun.

CALS Catalog Goes Digital

What if you could check out an armload of your favorite books and carry them around in your pocket? Or, how about checking out, reading, and returning the latest volume from your favorite author without going to the library?

Cardholders at the Central Arkansas Library System may download their favorite books, in either ebook or audiobook format. The service is free, though it does require downloading software to your computer. So, what are you waiting for?

Begin browsing for an ebook or audiobook now! »

Apply Online for a Library Card

Pulaski or Perry County residents can request a library card by completing an online application or at any CALS library. Your library card will be mailed to your home address and photo identification must be presented to complete the application process. A parent or legal guardian should accompany minors who do not have photo identification. If you live in a nearby county ask about the Gateway Project. If you are not a resident of Pulaski or Perry County or of any of the counties that participate in the Gateway Program, you may purchase a nonresident library card for the fee of $60 per year.

Apply Online for a Library Card Now »