Welcome to CALS Roberts Library
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 Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors’ stories to life.
Upcoming Events & Programs
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Personal Archiving
Learn the basics of saving your family papers, photos, and more.
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Day of the Dead Festival Craft Corner
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
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!
Recent Blog Posts
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The 1986 movie Maximum Overdrive is not a good movie. It was written and directed by Stephen King himself, based…
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The 2026 Community History Seminar is officially underway! On August 12, CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies community outreach archivist…
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We are enjoying the cooler air and looking forward to some fun (and free!) art experiences at CALS this fall!…