charlaine harris

Charlaine Harris to give Darragh Lecture

Charlaine Harris will present the Fred K. Darragh Lecture on November 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library's Darragh Center.

The Fred K. Darragh Distinguished Lecture was established in 1998 in honor of Mr. Darragh's contributions to public libraries. He served on the CALS board, including service as Board President. The lectures reflect Mr. Darragh's interest in civil liberties, international friendship and education.

For reservations, call 918-3029 or email CALS.

photo © Caroline Grayshock

david sedaris

David Sedaris

Best-selling author David Sedaris will appear at a one-night event to benefit the Arkansas Literary Festival at 7 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2009. Sedaris is the author of Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well as collections of personal essays, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and When You are Engulfed in Flames, each of which became immediate bestsellers.

For more information about Sedaris's appearance or for the latest news from the Arkansas Literary Festival, click here.

Oley E. Rooker Library

The Board of Trustees of the Central Arkansas Library System unanimously voted to name the new library in southwest Little Rock after Oley E. Rooker. The Trustees instructed the director to investigate the feasibility of designating the entire site on which the Rooker library will sit as the Otter Creek Plaza. The plaza would include not only the library, but a gazebo, a fountain and surrounding grounds. Construction of the Rooker Library is underway and should be completed within twelve months.

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the original little rock library

Cause to Celebrate

The history of CALS dates back to February 1, 1910, when the original Little Rock Public Library opened its doors to the public. As part of the celebration, we are writing a history of CALS and its impact on the communities of Central Arkansas. We invite you to share your memories by completing a questionnaire.

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CALS Implements Changes in Confidentiality Act

In accordance with changes in the Arkansas Library Confidentiality Act 757 of the General Assembly, which amended Arkansas Code 13-2-704, Central Arkansas Library System patrons aged 18 and older can appoint a designee for the purpose of picking up items placed on hold by the cardholder, or for viewing and paying the cardholder's fines. Changes in the law take effect July 31, 2009.

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Labor Day Closings

In observance of Labor Day, all branches of the Central Arkansas Library System will be closed Sunday, September 6 and Monday, September 7, 2009. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, September 8.

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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.

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Under Construction

Our online calendar is currently down for repairs. Please bear with us as we work to restore the service. If you have questions about a particular event, please call the individual branches to inquire about their schedules.