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
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Upcoming Events & Programs

  • Walter Pryor: This Leaves Me Okay – Legacies & Lunch

    CALS Main Library Darragh Center & Virtual via Zoom

    Walter Pryor will be joined in conversation by Martie North to discuss his reflective memoir This Leaves Me Okay, exploring the Arkansas Black rural experience.

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  • 2nd Friday Art Night

    CALS Main Library

    Join us inside the CALS Main Library! We’re excited to show off some of the library’s newly renovated space. Boulevard Bread Company’s location inside the library will also be open with a limited menu, so you can purchase your favorite snack, treat, or coffee.

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  • Community History Seminar 2026: Info Session

    Virtual via Zoom

    Learn about the application requirements and benefits of applying for the 2026 Community History Seminar cohort designed especially for preserving the history of community-based organizations in Central Arkansas.

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preserve your memories

CALS DIY Memory Lab

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

Make an Appointment
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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