The new Main Library branch of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock (Steve Lewis)
The Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library branch in downtown Little Rock reopened Monday after a two-year, $31.5 million renovation project.
The renovation left the physical footprint of the 160,338-SF library mostly unchanged, but it created more usable space for a host of new amenities.
The lower level of the building, previously only open to the public during CALS’ used book sales, now serves as a public computer lab. Additionally, the building’s rooftop has been transformed into patio space and will provide the public with an open air view of downtown Little Rock.
A reopening celebration with games, crafts, food trucks, and music is scheduled for Saturday.
The library system recently hosted a tour of the renovated branch. Photos from the tour are below.
Central Arkansas Library System executive director Nate Coulter speaks at the CALS Main Library branch on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock.
The Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock.
Reese Rowland, left, of Polk Stanley Wilcox architects, and Dean Kumpuris of the Little Rock Board of Directors at the Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock (Steve Lewis)
The Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock( Steve Lewis)
A view from the front stairwell of the new Main Library branch of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock (Steve Lewis)
People tour the Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock(Steve Lewis)
The new Main Library branch of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock(Steve Lewis)
Inside the new Main Library branch of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock(Steve Lewis)
Boulevard Bread Co. inside the new Main Library branch of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock. From left are: Adena White, Karama Neal and Katrina Dupins (Steve Lewis)
Inside the new Main Library branch of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock (Steve Lewis)
The Teen Center at the Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock (Steve Lewis)
The Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock (Steve Lewis)
The Main Library of the Central Arkansas Library System on Friday Sept. 26, 2025, in downtown Little Rock (Steve Lewis)
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