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.

Upcoming Events & Programs

  • 2nd Friday Art Night

    CALS Main Library

    At our monthly 2FAN event, attendees will be greeted by local artists selling their work, art demonstrations, a craft table, a DJ or performer playing music, and light refreshments and libations.

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  • Beginning Watercolor Painting

    CALS Roberts Library

    Focus, breathe, and paint with artist Judy Redditt in this free watercolor class for adults of all abilities.

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  • Writing All Year Workshop Group

    Online via Zoom

    Join us twice a month to give and receive writing feedback in a safe and respectful environment.

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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