NLRPLS Blog

Banned Books Week is an annual event that usually takes place during the last week of September. However, this year, it will run from October 1 to 7. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of free and open access to information, a time to reflect on the challenges to intellectual freedom, and a chance to stand in solidarity with those who champion the right to read diverse and sometimes controversial ideas. Banned Books Week is not just an isolated event; it's a movement that unites a diverse coalition of organizations dedicated to free expression. It emphasizes the critical role libraries play in preserving and promoting intellectual freedom. Banned Books Week Events: October 2: Children: Banned Books Week Scavenger...

The North Little Rock Public Library System is "whale-y" excited to present programs of epic proportions. In the month of September, we will be exploring all things whale! There are so many opportunities to dive into learning and to introduce and foster a love of life science and eco conservation. Kids, adults, teens, and everyone in between—there's something for all ages. One element you can't miss is our life-size whale tail on display in the Laman Children's Department. In front of the circulation desks, everyone is welcome to see the true scale of these magnificent creatures of the deep. When you stop by, make sure to scan the QR code to access videos on whale communication, lunge feeding, and cetologists...

September is Library Card Sign-up Month Since 1987, September has been Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. We hope you’ll show your support for public libraries and the important work they do in our communities on both sides of the river by participating in the “Bookworm Bargains” program. NLRPLS and CALS are working together to celebrate Library Card Signup Month in a big way. We are asking local businesses to participate by helping add more value to an already valuable card (a library card). During the...

Are you ready to take a journey back in time? The North Little Rock Public Library’s Reading Through the Decades Challenge is here, and this April, we’re exploring the 1930s. Whether you’re interested in classic literature or want to discover new authors, we’ve got you covered with our monthly picks. To participate, simply read a book that was published or set in the 1930s, and fill out this entry form or at one of our locations. By doing so, you’ll be entered into a prize drawing for a Book Lovers Gift Bag, filled with many items to make your reading time spectacular. Without further ado, here are our top picks for the 1930s: The Color Purple by Alice Walker: This Pulitzer Prize-winning...

Come out to Laman Library for a day of free geeky fun on May 13 from 9 AM to 1 PM! We will have presentations with our featured guest speakers (Jo Arellanes, Mitch Breitweiser, and Randy Duncan), geeky craft projects, a photobooth, a vendor fair, and a cosplay contest! Find the schedule of events and the LamanCon Code of Conduct below! All Day Children’s Department – Make Your Own Comic Craft and Activity Packets and get a free preview copy of The Last Comics on Earth by Max Brallier and Joshua Pruett Teen Center – Make perler bead art inspired by your favorite fandom (for ages 12-18) Lecture Hall – (Starting at 9:30 AM) Vendor Fair Room 124 – (Starting at 9:30 AM) Photobooth Studio- Use...

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2nd Annual Health and Community Expo at the Argenta Library, in partnership with Hospice Home Care. This event promises to be a day filled with valuable resources, engaging activities, and community connections. Join us on Friday, June 9, from 10 AM to 4 PM, for an event that will leave you inspired and informed about various health and community services. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect. Vendors: The Health and Community Expo will feature an array of vendors providing valuable information and services to enhance your well-being. With vendors such as ABI Blood Mobile, Deal Family Creations, AR PRIDE, ARORA, and many more, attendees will have access to a wide range...

Register now for the All Together Now Summer Reading program at the North Little Rock Public Library System! Join us in tracking your reading, listening, and watching activities for a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the summer. Laman Library and Argenta Library have a thrilling lineup of programs planned for all ages. Participating is a breeze, and everyone can have fun, including adults! Simply sign up using the READsquared website, where you can effortlessly log the books you’ve read, the music you’ve listened to, and the movies you’ve watched. Children can also visit either library to receive a paper tracker and have their names displayed on our summer reading wall of fame. Plus, they stand a chance to win weekly...

Looking for an exciting reading challenge this June? Look no further! The North Little Rock Public Library system is here to make your literary journey through the past a delightful experience. Introducing the “Reading through the Decades” challenge, where you’ll explore literature from various eras by delving into books published or set in specific decades. This month, we transport ourselves back to the vibrant 1950s, a time of immense change and cultural shifts. Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of this transformative decade by picking up a book that captures its essence. As an added bonus, each completed book allows you to enter a prize drawing for a chance to win a Book Lovers Gift Bag, brimming with...

A message from Executive Director, Crystal Gates  Hello, North Little Rock!  We’re excited to announce our system’s official name change to the North Little Rock Public Library System. With a rich history of providing outstanding resources, innovative programs, and a welcoming environment, we feel this system name represents our strong connection to the community.    We began as the North Little Rock Public Library in 1946, and we are thrilled to embrace our vibrant community by renewing the North Little Rock Public Library System name. Our location on Orange Street was dedicated in honor of former North Little Rock Mayor William F. (Casey) Laman in 1962. The library grew into a system with service downtown, and soon we’ll expand again through the...