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…

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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.

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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…

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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.

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 »