NLRPLS Blog

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...

Ready to set out on a global adventure? The North Little Rock Public Library System invites you to join our Reading Around the World Challenge! This year-long program offers the perfect opportunity to discover new stories, cultures, and perspectives—all from the comfort of your favorite reading spot.  How It Works  Each month, read a book or watch a movie that fits the month’s theme. You can choose stories by authors from, set in, or about countries that match the theme.  Submit an entry form at any library location or online here to be entered into the monthly prize drawing. (One entry per person, per month.)  Each month, one lucky participant will win a gift card to a local restaurant.  Grand Prize Drawing  At the end of the year, all...

Kick off the year with the North Little Rock Public Library System’s Reading Around the World Challenge! For January, we’re focusing on countries that start with “A.” It’s your chance to explore diverse cultures and voices by reading books or watching movies by authors from, set in, or about countries that begin with the letter "A."  Some of the countries that start with "A" include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, and Austria. Whether you're looking to dive into historical fiction, explore rich folktales, or experience contemporary works, these countries offer a wide variety of literary landscapes to explore.  To get you started, here are some recommended reads for January’s challenge:  1. Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez  Set in Argentina, this haunting novel blends...

Ready to set out on a global adventure? The North Little Rock Public Library System invites you to join our Reading Around the World Challenge! This year-long program offers the perfect opportunity to discover new stories, cultures, and perspectives—all from the comfort of your favorite reading spot.  How It Works  Each month, read a book or watch a movie that fits the month’s theme. You can choose stories by authors from, set in, or about countries that match the theme.  Submit an entry form at any library location or online here to be entered into the monthly prize drawing. (One entry per person, per month.)  Each month, one lucky participant will win a gift card to a local restaurant.  Grand Prize Drawing  At the end of the year, all...

Edited on January 15, 2025 The North Little Rock Public Library System (NLRPLS) is embarking on an exciting journey to create its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, and we want your voice to guide us! Whether you’re a frequent library visitor, a casual user, or someone who hasn’t yet explored all the library has to offer, your input is essential in shaping the future of your library system. “Our library system is so much more than books—it’s about connecting people to ideas, opportunities, and each other,” said Crystal Gates, Executive Director of NLRPLS. “We want to hear directly from our community to ensure we’re meeting your needs and expectations. Your input will help us grow and evolve to serve North Little Rock better than ever...