Friends of CALS
Friends of the Central Arkansas Libraries
Overview of FOCAL
Friends of Central Arkansas Libraries (FOCAL) is a nonprofit group interested in books and libraries whose purpose is to support the Central Arkansas Library System. FOCAL volunteers work in programs raising money through book sales, River Market Books & Gifts, the library's "gently read" book store and membership. With funds generated through these projects FOCAL sponsors programs like Summer Reading Club, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF — distributing free books to school children), Read To Me (supplying books to newborns and toddlers when their parents register them for a library card), storytelling, music and puppet shows at the Main Library and many public programs at CALS's twelve branches. Last year FOCAL donated nearly $50,000 to the Central Arkansas Library System.
You can help FOCAL continue to provide programs like these. Submit a FOCAL Membership Application at any CALS branch or contact Susan Hill Gelé at 501-918-3086. Click here to download a FOCAL Membership Application.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of FOCAL. Our volunteers help sort books at the Main Library; staff the desk at River Market Books & Gifts, the library's "gently read" book store, and assist with book sales. Join us and become a FOCAL volunteer. Contact 918-3095 or click here if you would like additional information about volunteer opportunities.
FOCAL Book Sales
Be the first to see what's on the shelves at the FOCAL book sales. FOCAL members are invited to exclusive preview parties and get early access to the book sales before they are opened to the public. Memberships can be purchased at any CALS branch or at the door during any FOCAL event.
FOCAL book sales feature hardback books for $1 and paperbacks for $0.50 in the Main Library basement and 50% off "gently read" books at River Market Books & Gifts for FOCAL members. Other discounts are available to the public.
Funds generated by the book sales support FOCAL programs like Summer Reading Club, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF - distributing free books to school children), Read To Me (supplying books to newborns and toddlers when their parents register them for a library card), storytelling, music and puppet shows at the Main Library and many public programs at CALS's twelve branches.
These sales only happen with the help of many volunteers. If you would like to help, contact 918-3095 or click here if you would like more information on volunteering with FOCAL.
Book Sale Schedule:
November 12-14, 2010
FOCAL Projects
FOCAL activities generate funds that are used to supplement programming at all CALS branches. These programs encourage reading and library participation.
One of the best things about being a FOCAL member is receiving notice about the used book sales and getting early entrance to the sales. Used books are sold at bargain prices in the basements of the Main Library and in the Cox Creative Center. Proceeds from the book sales support library programs and projects like Summer Reading Club; storytelling and puppet shows, Reading Is Fundamental; Read to Me, a program for infants whose parents register them for library cards and grants to branch libraries for programming.
FOCAL can always use help. If you are interested in volunteering for any FOCAL project, please contact Susan Hill Gelé at 918-3086 or click here if you would like more information on volunteering with FOCAL.