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.

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2026 Genealogy Workshop

Saturday, November 7, 2026 
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
CALS Main Library | Darragh Center (5th floor) 

Discover your family’s history in this free immersive, full-day workshop led by Dr. Margarita Rosa. Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors’ stories to life.

 

Register to Attend
featuring dr. margarita lila rosa, cals butler center and arkansas united

Upcoming Events & Programs

  • 2026 Genealogy Workshop

    CALS Main Library | 5th Floor Darragh Center

    Discover your family’s history in this free immersive, full-day workshop led by Dr. Margarita Rosa. Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors’ stories to life.

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  • 2nd Friday Art Night

    CALS Main Library

    At our monthly 2FAN event, attendees will be greeted in the Main Library’s first-floor Shaylea Harding Lobby with 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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  • Storytelling and Collage Art Illustration with author/artist Cathy Melvin

    CALS Main Library

    Those young and young at heart can join author and artist Cathy Melvin as she reads her book Cypress Knees and Tupelo Trees with the use of an upcycled Crankie theater. After the story, you can create your own autumn-themed collage illustration on a bookmark to take home.

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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.

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explore arkansas history

Digital Projects