NLRPLS Blog

Over the past several days, I’ve been meeting with staff across the Library System to share updates about the future of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. I know this has been a heavy week for our team, our partners, and our community. I want to acknowledge that openly.  While the Library System cannot sustain the Hub in its current form in the long term, I remain fully committed to finding a path that preserves as much of its mission, services, and spirit as possible. We are actively exploring several possibilities, including moving equipment to other Library locations for free public use, partnering with other makerspaces, schools, and libraries, and even working with a potential buyer who may continue programming. These are ongoing conversations, and while nothing...

The North Little Rock Public Library System (NLRPLS) is announcing a significant operational change regarding the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. After a unanimous vote by the Library Board on November 17, 2025, the Hub’s lease will not be renewed in 2026.  The Hub will continue operating as a part of NLRPLS through the end of 2025, providing programs and services to the community. This ensures residents can continue to access the Hub’s resources, classes, and maker programs for the remainder of the year.  Financial Review and Operational Realities  A full review of the Hub’s first year under NLRPLS highlighted some operational costs and financial realities that were higher than initially anticipated. Several of the Hub’s core services rely heavily on grant support, and the shifting grant landscape created additional challenges. ...

This month, the Reading Around the World Challenge takes you to Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turkey. These stories explore themes of identity, belonging, history, and human connection. If you are looking for your next read or watch, here are five recommendations to help you complete the November challenge:  Theft by Abdulrazak Gurnah  Author from Tanzania This novel from Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah explores family, displacement, and morality in modern Tanzania. It is a deeply moving story about human relationships and social change.  The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson  Set in Tonga A tale of adventure and self-discovery set in the beautiful islands of Tonga. Johnson weaves a story that highlights culture, identity, and the power of place.  Black American Refugee by...

The North Little Rock Public Library System is proud to support the Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive this November. From November 1 to 30, you can help provide warmth to those in need by donating new or gently-used cold-weather items including flannels, hoodies, sweaters, coats, hats, scarves including handmade items, gloves, and more. All donations benefit The Van, a local organization dedicated to assisting unsheltered individuals in our community. Donation locations: William F. Laman Public Library, 2801 Orange St Argenta Public Library, 420 Main St Rover (our Mobile Library) Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, 204 E 4th St Want to add a little hands-on fun to your giving? Join us for Helping Hats, a beginner-friendly loom knitting class where you can create cozy...

The holidays are here, and we're daydreaming about tables sagging under the weight of annual potlucks, lazy afternoons scented with butter and spices, and everyone gathered together to brighten up the darkest months of the year. Of course, this year might be a bit different for some of our neighbors as SNAP benefits come to an end on November 1st and more than 240,000 Arkansans are cut off from their primary source of food support. (source)  If you plan to donate items to your local food banks or shelters this year, let your library of choice offer some guidance to make the most of your gift!  Bring any of the following items, sealed and far from their expiration date, to your local food pantries:  Flour  Sugar  Brown Sugar  Baking Powder  Baking Soda  Shelf Stable Milk  Salt  Spices  Bouillon Cubes  Crisco  Cooking Oil (any kind, but...

Looking for fun, free Halloween events for the whole family in North Little Rock? The North Little Rock Public Library System has you covered with a full week of spooky, family-friendly activities at both Laman and Argenta Libraries. From live string music to nostalgic movie fun and a big neighborhood carnival, these Halloween library events are the perfect way to celebrate the season.    👻 North Little Rock Bowlievers String Ensemble Halloween Shows  Kick off Halloween week with the North Little Rock Bowlievers String Ensemble, a talented group of local musicians bringing you an afternoon of spooky and fantastic sounds. Children and adults will perform solos, group pieces, and ensemble music that captures the fun of the season.  📅 Tuesday, October 28 🕟 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM 📍 Argenta Library,...

The Reading Around the World Challenge from the North Little Rock Public Library System is your passport to a year of global stories. Each month, we feature countries based on a letter or group of letters. Your challenge is simple: read a book or watch a movie that is set in, about, or by an author from one of that month’s featured countries. Each month you participate, you can submit an entry form to be included in a prize drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant or a voucher for classes at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. At the end of the year, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite...

This month, the Reading Around the World Challenge takes you to Panama, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, and more. These stories highlight themes of identity, resilience, culture, and human connection. If you are looking for your next read or watch, here are five recommendations to help you complete the September reading challenge.

This fall, the North Little Rock Public Library System invites you to join us for a series of vibrant, family-friendly, and bilingual programs celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). These events honor tradition while bringing our community together through art, food, music, and storytelling.