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family photograph of a black family visiting fair park with a scrapbook layout

2026 Black Family Expo
2026-02-07 11:00:00 2026-02-07 14:00:00 America/Chicago 2026 Black Family Expo Learn about families with strong ties to Central Arkansas’s Black history and explore CALS’s resources for preserving your own family history. Giveaways will be happening all day, so stop by and celebrate Black History Month with the CALS team! CALS Main Library - 5th Floor -

Saturday, February 07
11:00am - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-02-07 11:00:00 2026-02-07 14:00:00 America/Chicago 2026 Black Family Expo Learn about families with strong ties to Central Arkansas’s Black history and explore CALS’s resources for preserving your own family history. Giveaways will be happening all day, so stop by and celebrate Black History Month with the CALS team! CALS Main Library - 5th Floor -

Learn about families with strong ties to Central Arkansas’s Black history and explore CALS’s resources for preserving your own family history. Giveaways will be happening all day, so stop by and celebrate Black History Month with the CALS team!

Visit the Central Arkansas Library System’s Black Family Expo to learn about families with strong ties to Central Arkansas’s Black history. Be ready to explore the CALS' resources available to preserve your own family’s history, sign up for a library card, get a free family photo, and have fun with the entire family. Giveaways will be happening all day, so please stop by and celebrate our community’s Black History with the CALS team!

To reserve a table to display your family memorabilia, contact Danielle Afsordeh at 501.320.5726 or dtafsordeh@cals.org. There will be 16 tables available. Organizations with ties to Central Arkansas’s Black community are also welcome to display, but priority will be given to families.  

  • DIY Memory Lab: Learn how to preserve your family history, and digitize up to five items (family documents, photographs, and slides) at the Mobile Memory Lab station in the CALS Main Library Darragh Center. One flash drive will be provided to each family with the scanned items. You can bring your items to the Mobile Memory Lab table at the event and have a scanned photo reprinted for our community memory wall!
  • CALS Cruiser Bookmobile: Outside CALS Main Library from 11:00 - 2:00
  • Photobooth: Have a souvenir family photo taken between 11:30 AM and 1:30
  • Craft Corner with Shannon: Create a frame for your family photo and participate in the artist demonstration with Perrion Hurd
  • Family Storytelling: There will be time slots in our production studio to record family stories
  • Be Mighty: Food demonstration at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM
  • CALS Used Book Store Pop-up shop
  • Rock It! Lab Market 
  • Youth programs in CALS Darragh Center 

Enjoy free refreshments, raffle giveaways and more for the entire family.

AGE GROUP: | All ages |

EVENT TYPE: | History & Genealogy |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Hours
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Main Library

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

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Cancelled
Make ChatGPT Your Assistant
Sat, May 23, 10:00am - 11:30am
Learn how to use ChatGPT to draft emails and documents faster, summarize reports and research, generate ideas and outlines, and automate everyday writing tasks.
Coffee & Crafts - In the Makerspace!
Sat, May 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Sip on coffee, socialize, and take advantage of the craft supplies in the Makerspace! This will be a light version of Makerspace open hours.
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Sensory Saturday
Sat, May 23, 11:00am - 2:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Activities that stimulate a child's senses, including sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste, movement and more. Sensory play is important for a child's development in helping them learn and grow. Enjoy a variety of activities at this event.
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, May 23, 11:30am - 1:30pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Cancelled
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, May 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Healing Through The Storm
Sat, May 23, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
This program focuses on supporting mental and emotional well-being through education and skill-building in Trauma & Anxiety, Stress Management, and PTSD & Emotional Trauma.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, May 26, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Artistic Accessories: Mini CD Keychains
Tue, May 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Add some customization to you style with these fun DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Painted Rock Cacti
Tue, May 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Make a cactus plant that will never die! We'll paint rocks to look like cacti, that can forever be apart of your spring or summer decor.
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Policy Lab in Little Rock - An Interactive Learning Event
Wed, May 27, 10:00am - 2:00pm
New date Tuesday, September 15, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Join the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition for Policy Lab, an interactive training where you will learn key aspects of critical public policies impacting the well-being of Arkansas’s children and families.
Shooting Manual: Lowkey Photography
Wed, May 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Shift out of auto and take control! In this hands-on class, you'll learn to master manual camera settings and use shadow and contrast to create dramatic, professional-quality, low-key images. Bring your camera--lighting equipment provided.
This event is full
Storytime
Wed, May 27, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
That Retro Look - Pixel Art
Wed, May 27, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Retro pixel art graphics are back! In this class, we'll show you how to make pixel art and animations using Piskel, a free, web-based tool.
Yarn Butterflies
Wed, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Today we will be using popsicle sticks and yarn to make sweet little butterflies!
3D Pen Jewelry
Wed, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's get creative with our STEM tools and make 3D pen jewelry! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Draw Your Dream Garden - In the Makerspace!
Thu, May 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Map out your dream garden! Draw your vegetable garden, flower beds, or ideal patio layout. Whether you bring your ideas to life is up to you!
This event is full
Paper Towel Roll Birds
Thu, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Tweet your way into the library and make little birds out of recycled paper towel rolls!
Young Entrepreneurs
Thu, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Take steps in creating a product and marketing a business. This class aims to encourage young entrepreneurial mindsets and inspire new ways to make money at a young age. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
An Evening with Walter Mosley - Virtual Author Talk
Thu, May 28, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
This live simulcast reading and author Q&A is presented in partnership with Pyramid Art, Books, & Custom Framing and in association with National Association of Black Bookstores
Storytime
Fri, May 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Confetti Shaker Bookmarks
Fri, May 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Start your summer read with these easy, colorful bookmarks! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Fairy Garden-in-a-Jar
Fri, May 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Create a hangout spot for the fairies this summer! Using materials from nature, we'll make a cozy little garden in jars.
CALS Field Day
Sat, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let’s celebrate the start of summer with outdoor activities and popsicles!
Dino Kites
Mon, Jun 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
In this program, we will make a unique Dinosaur kite soar high in the sky!
Unearth Your Pride
Mon, Jun 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Use mini Perler Beads to make Earrings and Keychains that celebrate your Pride or your allyship! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-19 only.
Dinosaur Eye Magnets
Tue, Jun 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
This one will really catch the eye! Using pebbles, paper and a little paint, we'll make dinosaur eye magnets you can use to hang up all your summer artwork.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Jun 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Monthly Tour of the Main Library
Wed, Jun 03, 10:30am - 11:45am
Welcome to your new Main Library! On the first Wednesday of each month, join library staff on a tour of the newly renovated Main Library.
Unveiling the History of the USCT in Arkansas - Legacies & Lunch June 2026
Wed, Jun 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Historian Ronnie Nichols and sculptor Vinnie Bagwell will discuss the history of the U.S. Colored Troops in Arkansas and the new monument erected in CALS Library Square to commemorate their service.
Coding with Fiero Code - Intro to Coding Language Series
Wed, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know where to begin?
Gemstone Mining
Wed, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
You’ll be handed a solid "Sediment Cylinder"—a hardened, compressed mix that’s hiding some seriously cool minerals. You aren't just looking for rocks; you're looking for loot. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Watercolor Geodes
Thu, Jun 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Get creative with watercolors and glitter to paint your own Geodes!
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jun 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Dino DIYS: Jurassic Terrariums
Fri, Jun 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
It's Summer @ CALS! Let's kick off this year's theme by making some dinosaur-themed DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Cave Painting - In the Makerspace!
Fri, Jun 05, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Go back in time and take part in the prehistoric art of cave painting! We will be using natural pigments, charcoal, and paint to decorate the "cave walls" of the makerspace.
Create Your Own Prehistoric Discovery
Sat, Jun 06, 11:00am - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Step back in time and become a paleontologist for the day! In this hands-on workshop, patrons will create their own fossil casts using molding clay and fossil replicas. Learn how fossils form and take home your very own prehistoric creation.
Big Poppa Bubble
Mon, Jun 08, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Soap bubble artist and cosmic pop star Big Poppa Bubble will blow your mind with the biggest, soapiest, most pop-able bubbles ever! An immersive performance that will delight all ages with good clean fun.
Unearth Your Next Book
Mon, Jun 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
A classic "Blind Date" with a book for our teens. Come in and choose one of out preselected "Dates" to read this summer. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Delicious Dirt Cups
Tue, Jun 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
You'll want to dig deep into this delicious treat made with Oreos, pudding, and gummy worms!
Dino Movie
Wed, Jun 10, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Lights, camera… mystery! Join us for a surprise dinosaur-themed movie where the title isn’t revealed until showtime. Enjoy the fun of guessing, watching, and experiencing a prehistoric adventure on the big screen! 
Plant Pals!
Wed, Jun 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Welcome all teen plant enthusiasts! We will learn the basics of planting either native Arkansas plants or a yummy vegetables! You will leave with a guide on plant care and your own nursery pot! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
DIY Binoculars
Thu, Jun 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Unearth the secrets of the Summer as you explore your surroundings with your new homemade binoculars!
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jun 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Lava Loaded Nachos
Fri, Jun 12, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Get ready for a snack that erupts with flavor! In this hands-on program, Patrons will build their own “volcano” nachos with layers of chips, cheese, and toppings. Watch your creation come together like a tasty eruption!
Dino DIYS: Fuzzy Dino Bags
Fri, Jun 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
It's Summer @ CALS! Let's kick off this year's theme by making some dinosaur-themed DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Community Resources Bingo
Fri, Jun 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us in the Community Resources Lounge for a bingo! Attendees can enjoy snacks while socializing and enjoying some lighthearted fun. Patrons will be able to play multiple rounds of Bingo for the chance to win exciting prizes. All are welcome!
Unearthing Flavors: International Taste Test
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come expand your horizons and your palate by sampling snack foods from around the world! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Juneteenth Bracelets
Mon, Jun 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
We will use colors from the Pan- African flag to make bracelets with powerful words! We will also be learning more about Juneteenth through some fun trivia questions.
Father's Day Keychains
Mon, Jun 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Make leather keychains for a father figure in your life. Whether it's a dad, an uncle, or a teacher, they deserve recognition this father's day. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Juneteenth Lanterns
Tue, Jun 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Juneteenth is approaching! Let's celebrate freedom with paper lanterns made with Juneteenth colors and designs.
Greek Vase Magnets - In the Makerspace!
Tue, Jun 16, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Learn about Greek vases and paint your own! We will be painting Greek vase magnets in this program.
Dinosaur Puppets
Wed, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let’s make unique dinosaur puppets using string and popsicle sticks! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Coding with Fiero Code - Intro to Coding Language Series
Wed, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know where to begin?
Dino Keychains - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Jun 18, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
We will be making felted dinosaur keychains by hand sewing.
Tommy Terrific's Wacky Magic Show
Sat, Jun 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Tommy will be presenting "A Magical Dinosaur Dig" featuring a huge Magic Trunk filled with Dinosaur Fossils and Tools for Dinosaur Exploration.
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jun 20, 11:30am - 1:30pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Bingo-saurus!
Sat, Jun 20, All day
504 | Adult Programming Room
B-I-N-G-O just got prehistoric! Join us for Dino Bingo, a fun and family-friendly game featuring dinosaur-themed cards, exciting rounds, and chances to win prizes. It’s classic bingo with a roaring twist!
Cancelled
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jun 20, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Summerween Bash
Sat, Jun 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Solve word searches, make coloring pages, try on fun costume pieces, and learn to make a Summer twist on Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Punch! Don't forget to ask for spooky book recommendations as well! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Dinosaur Tails
Mon, Jun 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's get creative and make some colorful dinosaur tails!
Summer Solstice S'mores
Mon, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens are invited to greet the new season by making sun banners with water colors, and ending the program by making and enjoying s'mores. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
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