Little Rock, AR – The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is preparing to kick off the annual Summer Reading Club (SRC). This year the theme is “Oceans of Possibilities,” and explores stories of mysteries, adventure, friendships and more that take place deep within the sea. Multiple branches throughout the system will be hosting kick off events. SRC events are free and open to the public and program registration is available at all locations or online at cals.beanstack.org.

SRC takes place June 13 through July 30 and encourages readers of all ages to continue learning during the summer months. Registration opens May 31. Upon registration, patrons can receive a free tote bag and a ticket to the June 7 Travelers baseball game while supplies last. At that point, participants can begin reading, participating in activities, and earning badges in the Beanstack tracking platform. Weekly programs and prize drawings will begin June 13, with a grand prize drawing held on August 1.

SRC Kickoff Events

Children’s Library & Learning Center, 4800 W. 10th Street, is kicking off SRC at their branch on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event includes games with an opportunity to win prizes, lunch and refreshments, and a honey extraction and tasting in the Teaching Kitchen. Baptist Health will be onsite with educational games focuses on healthy eating. The kickoff event will also serve as a ribbon cutting for the library's new Little Free Pantry. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Little Free Pantry to help with the initial stocking. People who bring items will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a CALS swag bag that includes a $25 gift card.

McMath Library, 2100 John Barrow Road, is hosting an “Ocean Commotion” party on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Event features mermaids, pirates, snacks, games and crafts, including shark tooth necklaces, sand art, and a photo station. Weather permitting, stations will be set up inside and outside the library.  

Thompson Library, 38 Rahling Circle, is going "under the sea" on Thursday, June 2, 5:30-7 p.m., with carnival games, crafts and treats in the courtyard.   

Milam Library, 609 Aplin Avenue in Perryville, is kicking off on Saturday, June 4. Stop by during regular library hours (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) to register for SRC, grab a snack, and surf by the sharky photo booth.

Sanders Library, 10200 Johnson Drive in Sherwood, is hosting a Color War, Monday, June 13, at 1 p.m. Kids get messy with color powder then get washed and have some water fun.

Rooker Library, 11 Otter Creek Court, starts the summer with a special concert by mömandpöp under the pavilion on Monday, June 13, at 1 p.m.

Dee Brown Library, 6325 Baseline Road, has a two-day event Monday, June 13, 2-4 p.m., and Tuesday, June 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with games, crafts, and snacks.

For more information about Summer Reading Club, contact Ellen Samples, Youth Services Coordinator at 501.918.3059 or [email protected]. Visit cals.org/summer-reading-club-2022 to see the full schedule of events for the Summer Reading Club.  

About CALS

The Central Arkansas Library System includes 15 branch libraries located in Little Rock, Perryville, and throughout Pulaski County. CALS has the largest research collection in central Arkansas. Most of its more than one million items may be reserved online and picked up at any branch that is convenient to the patron. Library Square, the library system’s downtown Little Rock campus, includes the Main Library, as well as the Ron Robinson Theater, the Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Art, and the Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square.