Welcome to CALS Roberts Library

Location & Hours Explore our Collections

The Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art is the special collections branch of the Central Arkansas Library System.

CALS Roberts Library houses the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies,  Encyclopedia of Arkansas, DIY Memory Lab, CALS Art Program, and UA Little Rock Center for Arkansas History and Culture. The mission of the Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art is to engage the people of Central Arkansas in meaningful conversations about our rich history and artistic heritage and its impact on our present.

Apply today

David Stricklin Research Fellowship

The fellowship was created in recognition of David’s many contributions to the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, the Central Arkansas Library System, and the community. It aims to support students, teachers, and researchers in accessing and using materials from the CALS Butler Center collections.

Application open now through May 27,  2026

Learn More and Apply
photograph of a man in a plaid shirt with a hat, a woman with short hair and glasses and a geometric patterned polo, and a man in a suit

Upcoming Events & Programs

  • Personal Archiving

    Online via Zoom

    Learn the basics of saving your family papers, photos, and more.

    View Event

  • Colorful Creative Corner with CALS

    UA Little Rock Downtown

    All ages are welcome to this free Summer @ CALS program for coloring, collaging, and creating whatever you want! All supplies provided. Come hang out and create in a relaxed (air-conditioned!) atmosphere. Bring a friend or make a new one!

    View Event

  • Legacies & Lunch: Unveiling the History of the USCT in Arkansas

    CALS Main Library Darragh Center (5th Floor)

    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.

    View Event

preserve your memories

CALS DIY Memory Lab

Digitize your home movies, photographs, slides, negatives, and scrapbooks!

Make an Appointment
color and black and white photographic prints laid out on a grey grid surface

Recent Blog Posts

Need a Speaker?

We offer programs and guest speakers to groups of all sizes and ages. We will come and speak to your group about Arkansas history, CALS Art Collection, Butler Center of Arkansas Studies collections, the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, and Personal Archiving / DIY Memory Lab.

Book a Speaker

explore arkansas history

Digital Projects