February 2023 North Little Rock Public Library System

Millage Increase Special Election

North Little Rock voters asked to decide two mills increase for libraries

North Little Rock voters will be asked to vote on a referendum to increase funding for city libraries on February 14.

The North Little Rock Library Board of Trustees is encouraging voters to turn out for the referendum. If approved, the referendum would provide a 2-mill increase to the amount of taxpayer funding the library receives. Additional funds would be used to maintain and modernize facilities, extend hours and sustain and enhance essential services, including those provided by a future state-of-the-art mobile library

“Libraries are vital in the lives of many community members - from the youngest, just developing literacy skills, to seniors living on a budget,” said Crystal Gates, North Little Rock Public Library Executive Director “We are the only places in our community providing free access to public computing and continued educational opportunities ”

“We are proud to have our own, award-winning library in North Little Rock and are looking forward to expanding their outreach to underserved neighborhoods with a new mobile library," said North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick. “The libraries in our city have created innovative ways to maximize the return on investment for our citizens. The millage increase will allow the North Little Rock Libraries to continue to provide unique and educational opportunities for our entire city ”

The current level of funding, set more than 20 years ago in 2002, is not adequate to support the present level of programs, services, staffing and collections while providing funds for building repairs and modernization, Gates said In the last few years, the cost of electronic resources has nearly doubled, and funds are needed to upgrade technological and digital resources.

With increased funding, the library can also provide longer operating hours, automatic doors for barrier-free access and renovations to mechanical systems nearing the end of their expected lifespans.

If the millage does not pass, libraries may see a reduction in programs, including outreach to daycares, schools and seniors to complete system renovations for aging buildings Argenta Library occupies the 91-year-old historic Post Office building on Main Street, and Laman Library, at 2801 Orange Street, is 60 years old

The proposed plan would cost a homeowner in the City of North Little Rock (a home with a $150,000 Fair Cash Value) $5 more a month in property taxes.

Long-time North Little Rock resident, Debra Buckner said, “When I check out one book a month instead of buying it, I save at least $25 a month. Not to mention, the ease of other services the library provides to me, like helping get my passport processed!” Cheryl Yopp another long-time North Little Rock resident, shared her similar experience with NLR libraries. She saves at least $500 per year on books as well as utilizes the free notary services and Laman’s passport processing services

More than 201,000 visitors borrowed over 94,000 items last year, she said The libraries hosted 2,500 programs with 98,000 attendees More than 21,000 community members used the public computers, and librarians shared outreach programs with 18,439 people at daycares, assisted-living facilities and community events.

Early voting is February 7-10 from 10 AM to 5 PM.

For more information, please contact North Little Rock Public Library’s Just Between Friends Group at friends@lamanlibrary org

fEBRUARY

C E L E B R A T E B L A C K H I S T O R Y

While many Black achievements are not covered in most textbooks, Black Life in America a unique digital archive of news media presents the broad sweep of African American history in ways no other online resource can match. Access this database at NLRLibrary.org/digital

Adults & Teens:

February 2 at 3 PM: Trivia at Laman

February 4 at 9:30 AM: Dungeons & Dragons at Laman

February 14 at 5:30 PM: Book Sampler at Laman

February 15 at 1 PM:

Marry Me Movie at Argenta

February 17 at 9 AM:

Romance Book & Movie Discussion of Pride & Prejudice (2005) at Laman

Children

February 9 at 3:30 PM: Valentine Bingo at Laman

February 14 at 10 AM: Valentine Storytime at Laman

February 14 at 3 PM:

Valentine's Day Party at Argenta

February 14 at 3 PM:

Valentine Connor's Corner at Laman

All Ages:

February 14 at 5:30 PM:

Movies on the Big Screen: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Laman

FREE LIBRARY PROGRAMS

MAKE GREAT DATES FOR PARTNERS, FRIENDS, FAMILIES, AND YOURSELF!

1OOObooks before kindergarten

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten mission is to promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers and to encourage caretaker and child bonding through reading.

North Little Rock Public Library System’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child ages birth to five years can take part. Just follow these steps:

Register: Sign up online at http://lamanlibrary.readsquared.com/ or sign up at the Argenta or Laman Library children’s departments

Track Your Reading: Use READsquared or fill in a circle for each book you read with your child on your paper reading record

Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time

100-Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading record to the library to receive a special reward You can also log the books read on READsquared

1,000 Books: You did it! Come celebrate at the library and receive a special prize

Learn more at Argenta or Laman Library Children's Library or at our blog - NLRLibrary org/blog

Cameron and Lily have each read 200 books so far!

The North Little Rock Public Library System has a wonderful new reading challenge for ages 12-18 - Read 100 Books Before Graduation! Any and every book counts towards completing the challenge including library books, e-books, personal books, audio books, etc.

To participate in the challenge, teens pick up a reading log in the Laman Teen Center, fill it out as books are finished, and show it to a staff member to sign off on. The challenge will be available digitally, soon!

The goal of the program is to help teens form a desire to read on their own and to inspire a desire for lifelong learning

Each month teens who show that they’ve read at least one book will be entered into a drawing for a gift card When a teen reads 50 books, they get to choose a Funko Pop from our broad selection When a teen completes the challenge and reads 100 books, they will receive an Amazon Kindle as well as a certificate of completion during the yearly Teen Center Awards that are held each May

Often times it can be difficult for teen patrons to find books that speak to them In an effort to alleviate the stress and anxiety prompted by the question of “what should I read next?” there will be new list of staff and patron recommendations every month in the Teen Center

Learn more at the Laman Teen Center or on our blog at NLRLibrary org/blog

Atohi (left) and Deshun (right) are getting a head start!

Third-Friday Art Walk at Argenta Imagine

Exhibition by Six Bridges Watercolor Group

The Six Bridges Watercolor Group's Imagine opens at Argenta Library on Friday, February 17, during ThirdFriday Art Walk. There will be a reception from 5 – 8 PM. The exhibit continues with free admission in the library gallery through March 8.

The group works primarily in watercolor, but members also explore other water-based media. They came together during the pandemic to pursue their common love of painting. They meet regularly, primarily on Zoom to share ideas, discuss work, and to encourage pursuit of personal and collective artistic growth.

The exhibition Imagine is made up of collective and individual painting explorations. This exhibition focuses on their work in water-based media and embodies the qualities of water. "Its fluidity, transparency, and its ubiquity make it a subtle and difficult partner," says Stephen Lanford, member of the Six Bridges Watercolor Group.

Six Bridges Watercolor Group:

Stephen Lanford, Laura Remmel Powers, Kaye Ridings, Kathy Kemp, Suzzette Patterson, Rita Friend, Sage Arnold, Cheryl Hughes, Beth Darr, Joyce Steen, Marsha Pratt, Bonnie Moody, Andrea Kielpinski

I Hope Some Day You'll Join Us by Laura Remmel Powers

Autumn Leaves by Cheryl Hughes

February 2023

FUN & AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Saturday, February 4

Region Metro Job Fair

Main Office 901 Maple St

9 AM - 12 PM

Saturday, February 4

Free Lion Legal Clinic

William F. Laman Public Library

9 AM - 12 PM (arrive early)

Tuesday, February 7

Festival of the Senses: Stanzas and Serenades

Sarah Dailey (Mezza Soprano) Hee Kyung Juhn (Piano)

St. Luke's Episcopal Church 4601 JFK Blvd. 7 PM

Friday, February 17

Third Friday Art Walk

Multiple gallery openings in Downtown Argenta

5 PM - 8 PM

Pro Tip:

Did you know that the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission stocks community ponds with trout throughout Central Arkansas in the cooler months? Check out a fishing pole from our Library of Things and then go to www.agfc.com for all the details. You can win prizes too.

North Little Rock Public Library System

2023 Reading Challenge Reading Through The Decades

Monthly Challenges

January: 1900-1909

February: 1910-1919

March: 1920-1929

April: 1930-1939

May: 1940-1949

June: 1950-1959

July: 1960-1969

August: 1970-1979

September: 1980-1989

October: 1990-1999

November: 2000-2009

December: 2010-Present

February Recommendations: Books published or set in 1910-1919

Enjoy going back through the decades and reading a book that was published or set in that particular decade.

Each month after reading your choice, fill out an entry form at either location or on the website (NLRLibrary.org/misc/readingchallenge) to be entered into a prize drawing! Use the link above or scan the QR code below.

Each month one lucky reader will win a Book Lover's Gift Bag, filled with many items to make your reading time spectacular.

The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey

Back to the Garden by Laurie R King Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel

The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman