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.

Register today

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 Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors’ stories to life.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

  • Day of the Dead Festival Craft Corner

    CALS Main Library

    The event is free to attend and parking is free with validation in the library lot/deck (as space is available).

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  • Legacies & Lunch – Interpreting the Trail of Tears Along the Arkansas River

    CALS Main Library | Darragh Center (5th Floor) & Online via Zoom

    During National Native American Heritage Month, Aaron Boswell will discuss the development of an interpretive strategy for the Arkansas River water route of the Trail of Tears, created through his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Free lunch provided!

    View Event

  • 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 Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors’ stories to life.

    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