NLRPLS Blog

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...

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...