In this issue:
Message from Executive Director, Crystal Gates
Women's History Month Programs
Upcoming Art Exhibitions AND MORE!
Whew. It’s been a busy few weeks here at our NLR Libraries. As you probably know already our request for an increase in millage funding did not pass Many of you are most likely wondering, “what’s next?” Most importantly, please be assured that NLR Libraries are still here, and we remain committed to being your library of choice.
At this time, I do not know when or if we might ask for a millage increase in the future. We already had a backup plan in the event we were unsuccessful in our election Our first priority consists of the necessary infrastructure repairs to both buildings. In order to afford those costly repairs, our book and materials purchases will slow significantly. We will also reduce our expenditures for programs and classes. Funds saved from these two public service cuts will be shifted to maintenance and repairs.
Libraries are the heart of their communities. Our new, state of the art Mobile Library is set to be here by June We are moving forward with plans to bring our library to our community - to meet you where you are. We endeavor to increase opportunities for all to experience learning, engagement, and art, as well as build new skills or develop business plans, find jobs, or use our space and equipment for small business meetings. We have formed new partnerships around our great city and dedicated ourselves to not just partnering with other libraries in Arkansas, but also to lead many of those initiatives by sharing thoughts and ideas for growth and shared resources. As Egan and Ackerberg recently reported in the NYT, "As local safety nets shriveled, the library roof magically expanded from umbrella to tarp to circus tent to airplane hangar. The modern library keeps its citizens warm, safe, healthy, entertained, educated, hydrated and, above all, connected." Well, our roof may have expanded, but it also needs replacing and weatherproofing. So, that is our focus for now.
North Little Rock Public Libraries remains committed to being the library of choice for our community. As a lifelong library user myself, I connected with these last thoughts from the NYT article: "What we borrow from them pales in comparison to what we keep. How often we pause to appreciate their bounty is up to us. "
In February, Mr. James Thurman, Maintenance Supervisor, retired from the North Little Rock Public Library System! We had the pleasure of working with Mr. James since 2015!
The Laman Teen Center will host local female small business owners and librarians to share their girl boss journeys!
Programs are free and are meant for ages 12-18
* March 27 at 4 PM - Bang Up Betty
* March 28 at 4 PM - Paper Hearts Bookstore
* March 29 at 4 PM - Girl Boss Movie Medley
* March 30 at 4 PM - Women of Laman
Participants can celebrate the women that have influenced them by creating a medallion in their honor Adult program that is open to all Young children who attend will need an adult with them to assist
Join us all month in celebrating female authors this year by participating in a bracketed tournament to choose the top female author Vote on social media or come by Laman Library
Bookrecommendations:
The 53rd Annual Juried Exhibition of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists opens at Laman Library Gallery on March 3. There will be a reception from 6 – 8 PM. Awards will be presented at 5:30 PM. The exhibit continues with free admission in the library gallery through April 28. The exhibition was juried by Keiko Tanabe, a professional artist, an instructor, and author.
Mid-Southern Watercolorists is one of the oldest watercolor organizations in the south, with members from all over the world. Their mission is to elevate the stature of watercolor and educate the public to the significance of watercolor as an important medium.
Mid-Southern Watercolorists exhibitions have been hosted in Little Rock, Arkansas, at locations including the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts the Central Arkansas Library System’s Showcase Arkansas Gallery, the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Arkansas Art Center’s Terry Community Gallery, as well as other prestigious institutions in surrounding areas of the state.
To learn more about the Mid-Southern Watercolorists, visit www.midsouthernwatercolorists.com/.
The Laman Library Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Background Image:
Vintage Italian by Rita Friend
Michael Muscovy by Suzzette Patterson Laman Library Art Gallery Mesmerized by Donna TwyfordSandra Marson's Kaleidoscope opens at Argenta Library on Friday, March 17, during Third-Friday Art Walk. There will be a reception from 5 – 8 PM.
Marson describes her painting as colorful abstracts designed to create an emotional response and convey feelings of movement. The artist works often using asymmetrical composition which gives the illusion of depth by overlapping planes creating a sense of pure and unabridged energy and motion.
Kaleidoscope was influenced by a large collection of underwater photos Marson took while diving in the Caribbean. They are images of spectacular color from a world few people will experience.
The exhibit continues with free admission in the library gallery through April 7.
The Argenta Library Gallery is open during regular library hours - Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
March 2023
Wednesday, March 1
Chili Cookoff, Bake Sale, and Silent Auction
Lakewood United Methodist Church at 1922 Topf Road
5 PM - 7 PM
Saturday, March 11
22nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
6th & Main through Argenta Arts District
1 PM
Tuesday, March 14
Festival of the Senses: Storytime for Strings & Brass
Andrew Irvin-Piano, Ross Alhorn-Trumpet, Kazuo
Murakami-Piano
St. Luke's Episcopal Church 4601 JFK Blvd. 7 PM
Friday, March 17
Third Friday Art Walk
Multiple gallery openings in Downtown Argenta
5 PM - 8 PM
Saturday, March 18
Feast of St. Joseph/First Day of the Farm Stand
Farm stand opens for the 2023 season.
6800 Camp Robinson Rd, 9 AM - 12 PM
Use your library card to create your own playlists, stream songs and albums, and download seven songs a month to keep.
March Challenge
1920-1929
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.
March Recommendations: Books published or set in 1920 -1929
JanuaryWinner: Michelle
Sula by Toni Morrison
The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway Harlem Sunset by Nekesa Afia
Passing by Nella Larsen
Do you live, work, or go to school in or around Pulaski County? You qualify for a North Little Rock Public Library System Card!
If you have lost your library card, or have never had a library card, please provide the requested information to apply for a card to access the North Little Rock Public Library System's in-person collection and online resources, including ebooks, downloadable music, movies, and much more Visit the Laman or Argenta Library to get your card.
Or fill out the online form by scanning the QR code below. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing to receive your card in the mail. Once processed, you will receive an email at the address provided with your new library card number and PIN.
In addition to books and eBooks, the library offers a wide range of non-traditional items including:
Air fryers
Auto repair tools
Bread makers
Board/card games & puzzles
Cake pans & decoration kits
DVDs/Blu Rays
Fishing poles & tackle
Knitting looms
Online research resources
Playground kits
