library day at the little rock zoo

Library Day at the Little Rock Zoo

Summer Reading Club has come to an end, but there's time for one more party. On July 31st, Summer Reading Club participants and their caregivers will receive free admission to the Little Rock Zoo. Stop by any CALS branch before the 31st to pick up passes for free admission to this event.

For more Summer Reading Club information, click here »

youth services department closed

Main Library Youth Services Department to Close for Renovation

The Youth Services Department will get a face lift this summer. The Central Arkansas Library System’s Youth Services Department will close July 26—August 8 for renovation. Regular operation and programming will resume on August 9, or when planned updates are complete. Call 918-3050 to confirm the reopening date.
More information »

Library Announces Election

The Library hasn't held an election like this in fifteen years. Back then the issue before the voters was what writers would be on the exterior of the new Main Library. This election we want the voters to select the writers to be incorporated into the remodeled 5th floor of the Central Arkansas Library System's Main Library. The new floor will become the Main reading room for the downtown Library.

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Nominate an author online now »

Download a nomination form now »

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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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 the circulation desk of your local branch. 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.

Renew my online registration?

For security purposes, online registration expires every 12 months. Simply call 501.918.3000 or visit your local branch of CALS, confirm your current address and phone number, and your online registration will be renewed.

View all "How Do I...?" »

CALS events for the next 7 days…

Mon - Jul 26 -- Sat - Aug 07
   Main Library Youth Services Department Closed
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
The Youth Services Department at the Main Library will be closed to the public from July 26-August 6 for technology upgrades. No events will be scheduled for this period.
Thu - Jul 29
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM		   SRC Prgram for ages 6-8
Location: Fletcher Library
Featured Events: Summer Reading Club
SRC program for ages 6-8
Thu - Jul 29
10:00 AM		   Swashbuckling Savvy
Location: Dee Brown Library
Featured Events: Summer Reading Club
Pirate Storytime for Daycares with kids ages 3-5; registration required.
Thu - Jul 29
10:30 AM		   Summer Reading Club @ Terry Library - AGES 3 - 5
Location: Terry Library
AWARDS WEEK - Come for awards, crafts, and fun.
Thu - Jul 29
10:30 AM		   Maumelle Summer Reading Club ages 0-36 months, "Splish Splash Water Play" Storytime
Location: Maumelle Library
Featured Events: Summer Reading Club
Lap-sit baby storytime. This week's theme is "Splish Splash Water Play."
Free. Registration required.
Thu - Jul 29
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM		   Disney Movie Marathon
Location: McMath Library
Thu - Jul 29
2:30 PM		   SRC at Thompson 12-18 yrs
Location: Thompson Library
Summer Reading Club for ages 12 to 18 years. See our calendar on the CALS Kids Page for program details.
Thu - Jul 29
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM		   Water Olympics
Location: Fletcher Library
Featured Events: Summer Reading Club
It's the ultimate clash of the champions! All competitions are team events, so get your friends together and go for the gold! NOTICE: Event will be held at the hilltop across from the Fletcher Library. BE PREPARED TO GET WET.
Fri - Jul 30
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM		   Pinnacle Piecemakers Quilting Circle
Location: Thompson Library
A Quilting Circle at the Thompson Library. All quilters and crafters welcome.
Fri - Jul 30
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM		   Friday Video Games
Location: McMath Library
Fri - Jul 30
3:00 PM		   Movie: Secondhand Lions
Location: Nixon Library
Rated PG; 110 minutes; 2003. Free popcorn and bottled water provided.
Sat - Jul 31
   End of SRC Celebration at Little Rock Zoo
Location: Youth Services (Main Library)
SRC participants will receive free admission tickets to the Little Rock Zoo. Stop by your favorite CALS branch prior to the 31st to obtain your ticket.
Sat - Jul 31
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM		   Disney Movie Marathon
Location: McMath Library
Mon - Aug 02 -- Tue - Aug 03
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM		   Scholastic Book Fair at Thompson
Location: Thompson Library
A Book Fair at the Thompson Library for Children and Teens. The Book Fair will be open one hour before and one hour after each SRC program.
Mon - Aug 02
1:00 PM		   Thompson's Knitting Circle
Location: Thompson Library
A Knitting Circle for all ages, all skill levels.
Tue - Aug 03
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM		   It's Always Something
Location: Main Library
Featured Events: Summer Reading Club
Every first Tuesday of the month Sylvia Wilkes continues a yearlong art tutorial. We will make a book.
Bring your lunch to the East Room; drinks and cookies provided.
There is always something for you at the Main Library on Tuesdays.
Tue - Aug 03
2:00 PM		   Homeschool Storytime
Location: Milam Library
Featured Events: Summer Reading Club
Library time for homeschool children with Ms.Trinity
Tue - Aug 03
5:00 PM		   SUMMER MOVIE: "When in Rome"
Location: Nixon Library
Rated PG-13; 93 min.; 2009. Free popcorn and bottled water provided.
Tue - Aug 03
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM		   Evening Book Discussion
Location: Fletcher Library
Come for a fun and lively book discussion the first Tuesday of each month! For August 3, the selection is "The Whistling Season" by Ivan Doig. Ask a Fletcher staff member for a copy of the book.

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 »