NLRPLS Blog

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 business. At the end of the year, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. Entries can be submitted in person at either the Laman or Argenta...

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 highlight countries based on a letter or group of letters, and your challenge is simple: read a book or watch a movie 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 entered into a prize drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant. At the end of the year, all monthly entries go into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. Submit your entry in person at either Laman or Argenta Library, or online here:👉 https://nlrlibrary.org/communityresources/readingchallenge June’s...

In 1986, Japanese writer Haruki Murakami published an essay coining the concept of 小確幸, or shoukakkou. The term means “small but certain happiness.” In Korean culture, the term is 소확행, or sohwakhaeng, and it quickly gained popularity during a time of economic struggle and anxiety. It’s a philosophy of enjoying the small things in life—especially the things that are free or nearly free. A “small but certain happiness” could be as simple as lighting a candle, splashing in a puddle, washing your hands with good-smelling soap, or going outside just to feel the sun.  It’s a concept that has helped many people find a little more joy in their lives—and one that we embrace at Laman Library in North Little Rock with our free adult programs!  For many adults, summer isn’t quite as joyful as it used...

Summer at the North Little Rock Public Library System is a time full of fun, fresh experiences, exciting reading challenges, and meaningful learning opportunities. It’s also when we focus on helping students prevent summer learning loss, often referred to as the Summer Slide. The Summer Slide is the loss of academic progress that can occur during the summer months when schools are out of session. Studies show that students can lose up to two months of reading proficiency over the summer—adding up to 2.5 to 3 years of learning loss by 5th grade! Encouraging reading for pleasure, offering creative problem-solving experiences, and supporting peer socialization are all proven ways to keep young minds active. Our Club Laman summer learning program is designed to do just that! This once-weekly, hands-on program reinforces...

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 highlight countries based on a letter or group of letters, and your challenge is simple: read a book or watch a movie 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 entered into a prize drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant. At the end of the year, all monthly entries go into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. Submit your entry in person at either Laman or Argenta Library, or online here:https://nlrlibrary.org/communityresources/readingchallenge May’s Theme: Countries That Start with G & H From...

Are you interested in volunteering at Laman Library this summer? Teens can support their community and learn more about their local library’s resources and programs while connecting with other teens! Volunteer hours will count toward the 75-hour graduation requirement. Student volunteers must be in high school and between the ages of 14 and 18. Successful student volunteers can expect to earn 20+ hours per term. If you’d like to apply, stop by the children’s desk at Laman Library to pick up an application. The application submission deadline is Wednesday, April 30. Applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview in May, and final decisions will be made by May 16. If you have any questions, email Jenna at jjones@nlrlibrary.org for more information. 

April is Earth Month, and here at the North Little Rock Public Library System, we are celebrating the true library way- by bringing our community together for fun and free learning, creativity and connection! There is something great for everyone in our great community. Here are some ways you can come celebrate with us!  Ongoing Eco-Friendly Programs  One of the most special things about the library is how it creates opportunities to connect with nature all year long. Several recurring programs invite the community to slow down, get curious, and feel a little more hopeful about our planet.  Nature Club is a weekly favorite for little explorers, offering hands-on fun while learning about animals, plants, weather, and the world around us. ...

Welcome to February’s installation of the North Little Rock Public Library System’s Reading Around the World Challenge! This month, our focus is on countries that start with “B.” When you think of “B,” consider the diverse list of nations including the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, and Burundi. Each country offers a unique cultural and historical perspective, inviting you to broaden your literary horizons.  Below are our top recommendations for February, along with why each one belongs on your reading list:  I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman  This powerful novel comes from an author hailing from Belgium. Available on Libby, the story explores themes of identity and...