NLRPLS Blog

The North Little Rock Public Library System (NLRPLS) is thrilled to share exciting news: the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub will officially join our family on January 1, 2025!   This milestone is the result of months of planning and collaboration with Winrock International. The Innovation Hub, a dynamic center for creativity and entrepreneurship, has been inspiring makers, entrepreneurs, and learners since 2014. With this transition, the Hub will become an official library location, giving our community even greater access to its transformative resources and programs.   What Does This Mean for the Innovation Hub? The Hub will remain a space for innovation, creativity, and collaboration—but now with the added strength and support of the North Little Rock Public Library System....

Friends, it's that time again! We're gearing up for our second annual Free Prom Shop, and that means replenishing our stock of suits, dresses, and alternative formal wear for local teens.  Every year, hundreds of teens miss out on prom and other formal events due to the high cost of formal wear. The North Little Rock Public Library System is proud to meet our teens where they are by providing as many free outfits as possible this season. Last year, more than 100 donated suits and dresses found their perfect fits and made their debuts on dance floors across Central Arkansas!  If you'd like to be part of this year's incredible experience, we're accepting donations of gently used suits, dresses, and formal wear in modern styles and inclusive sizes. Donations can be dropped off...

As the days grow shorter and the year winds down, November invites us to slow down and savor the power of words. This month’s Adventures in Reading Challenge celebrates Poetry and Novels in Verse—stories and reflections woven into lines that sing, inspire, and resonate. Poetry and verse novels offer a unique experience, capturing powerful emotions in beautiful, succinct language. We encourage you to explore this format that, while concise, can be deeply moving and thought-provoking.  Here are our top Poetry & Novel in Verse recommendations for November:  Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman  The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo  Starfish by Lisa Fipps  You Are Here by Ada Limón  An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo  Visit your nearest North Little Rock Public Library branch to find these books or...

The North Little Rock Public Library System is excited to partner in this year’s Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive, supporting those in need with warm winter clothing. From November 1-30, we invite community members to donate new or gently-used cold weather items—flannels, hoodies, sweaters, coats, hats, scarves (including handmade items), gloves, and more. All donations will benefit The Van, a local organization dedicated to helping the unsheltered in our area. Donation boxes are conveniently located at: William F. Laman Public Library, 2801 Orange St Argenta Public Library, 420 Main Street Rover (our Mobile Library) Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, 204 E 4th St Help spread warmth this winter! With your donations, we can ensure that more individuals in our community have...

As the fall season sets in, October brings with it an opportunity to dive into stories that challenge, provoke thought, and inspire. Our October Reading Challenge is all about celebrating Banned Books, a testament to the power of literature to spark conversation and reflect diverse experiences. These books have faced challenges for their content, but they continue to resonate with readers across generations. We invite you to explore stories that have made an impact, even when facing opposition.  Here are our top Banned Book recommendations for your October reading journey:  The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky  The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison  Flamer by Mike Curato  Looking for Alaska by John Green  The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood  Visit your nearest North Little Rock Public...

Looking for a tasty meal before or after casting your vote? The North Little Rock Public Library System is excited to host local food trucks at Laman Library during early voting! Check out the schedule below, and be sure to follow this page and our social media for any updates or changes. Schedule: Monday, 10/28: Tracy B's, 11 AM - 6 PM Tuesday, 10/29: North of the Rock (BBQ), 11 AM - 4 PM Wednesday, 10/30: CANCELLED Thursday, 10/31: M&M Soul Food, 10:30 AM - 5 PM (approx.) Friday, 11/1: Tracy B's, 11 AM - 6 PM Saturday, 11/2: Tracy B's, 11 AM - 4 PM Stop by for some delicious local food before or after you vote! Stay tuned for updates!

Exciting developments are underway in North Little Rock as the North Little Rock Public Library System (NLRPLS) prepares to take over the management and operations of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. This dynamic center for innovation and entrepreneurship has been a cornerstone of creativity in our community since its establishment in 2014.  Pending finalization this fall, the transition from Winrock International to NLRPLS marks a significant milestone for both organizations and the broader community. NLRPLS aims to build upon the Hub's legacy of fostering innovation by expanding access to its transformative programs and resources. This strategic move underscores the library system's commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and empowering community members in the digital age.  "The acquisition of the Innovation Hub’s programming, equipment, staff, and...

As we bid farewell to the global stories of July, August invites us to explore the world of romance. Our August Adventures in Reading Romance Challenge is here, and we want to remind you that romance novels are for EVERYONE. These stories of love, connection, and heartfelt moments have something for everyone to enjoy. Here are our top recommendations to spark your romantic journey:  Beach Read by Emily Henry  The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks  Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert  The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen  Visit your nearest North Little Rock Public Library location to find these books, or access eBooks on the Libby app with your library card.  August is the perfect month to lose yourself...

This July, we're celebrating the richness of global literature with a challenge to read translated works. Dive into stories from around the world, translated into English, and discover new perspectives with these incredible recommendations:  Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One by Raphaelle Giordano  A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman  Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho  What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Ayoama  Find these suggestions and more at your nearest North Little Rock Public Library location. Whether you prefer a physical book or an eBook on the Libby app, we've got you covered!  July is the perfect time to explore translated works, offering a window into different cultures, philosophies, and ways of life. Whether you're lounging at the...