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Raptor Encounter
2026-07-11 10:30:00 2026-07-11 11:15:00 America/Chicago Raptor Encounter Come face-to-face with Bleu! Our adult Velociraptor, inspired from the Jurassic World movies! Our Raptor Ranger will introduce you to our life-size, interactive Raptor and allow petting and pics! This encounter is suitable for ages 5 on up. Main Library - 131 | Martin Children's Center

Saturday, July 11
10:30am - 11:15am

Add to Calendar 2026-07-11 10:30:00 2026-07-11 11:15:00 America/Chicago Raptor Encounter Come face-to-face with Bleu! Our adult Velociraptor, inspired from the Jurassic World movies! Our Raptor Ranger will introduce you to our life-size, interactive Raptor and allow petting and pics! This encounter is suitable for ages 5 on up. Main Library - 131 | Martin Children's Center

Main Library

131 | Martin Children's Center

Come face-to-face with Bleu! Our adult Velociraptor, inspired from the Jurassic World movies! Our Raptor Ranger will introduce you to our life-size, interactive Raptor and allow petting and pics! This encounter is suitable for ages 5 on up.

Come face-to-face with Bleu! Our adult Velociraptor, inspired from the Jurassic World movies! Our Raptor Ranger will introduce you to our life-size, interactive Raptor and allow petting and pics! Bring your summer readers face-to-face with a life-sized, interactive velociraptor in our thrilling “Raptor Encounter”! Led by a Dino Ranger, this engaging program blends exciting dinosaur facts with interactive fun, inspiring curiosity and a love of learning. Includes meet-and-greets and unforgettable photo opportunities.

This encounter is suitable for ages 5 and up. 

All abilities are welcome. To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, call 501.918.3069 or email hzbinden@cals.org 7 business weekdays before a program.

AGE GROUP: | Pre-teens ages 9-12 | Kids ages 6-8 |

EVENT TYPE: | Summer @ CALS | Science & Nature | Fun & Play |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Hours
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Main Library

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

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DIY Binoculars
Thu, Jun 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Unearth the secrets of the Summer as you explore your surroundings with your new homemade binoculars!
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jun 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Lava Loaded Nachos
Fri, Jun 12, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Get ready for a snack that erupts with flavor! In this hands-on program, Patrons will build their own “volcano” nachos with layers of chips, cheese, and toppings. Watch your creation come together like a tasty eruption!
Dino DIYS: Fuzzy Dino Bags
Fri, Jun 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
It's Summer @ CALS! Let's kick off this year's theme by making some dinosaur-themed DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Community Resources Bingo
Fri, Jun 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us in the Community Resources Lounge for a bingo! Attendees can enjoy snacks while socializing and enjoying some lighthearted fun. Patrons will be able to play multiple rounds of Bingo for the chance to win exciting prizes. All are welcome!
Unearthing Flavors: International Taste Test
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come expand your horizons and your palate by sampling snack foods from around the world! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Juneteenth Bracelets
Mon, Jun 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
We will use colors from the Pan- African flag to make bracelets with powerful words! We will also be learning more about Juneteenth through some fun trivia questions.
Father's Day Keychains
Mon, Jun 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Make leather keychains for a father figure in your life. Whether it's a dad, an uncle, or a teacher, they deserve recognition this father's day. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Juneteenth Lanterns
Tue, Jun 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Juneteenth is approaching! Let's celebrate freedom with paper lanterns made with Juneteenth colors and designs.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jun 16, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Greek Vase Magnets - In the Makerspace!
Tue, Jun 16, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Learn about Greek vases and paint your own! We will be painting Greek vase magnets in this program.
This event is full
Coding with Fiero Code - Intro to Coding Language Series
Wed, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know where to begin?
Dinosaur Puppets
Wed, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let’s make unique dinosaur puppets using string and popsicle sticks! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
That Retro Look - Pixel Art
Thu, Jun 18, 9:30am - 11:30am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Retro pixel art graphics are back! In this class, we'll show you how to make pixel art and animations using Piskel, a free, web-based tool.
Juneteenth Celebration Poppers
Thu, Jun 18, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us as we make party poppers to celebrate Juneteenth!
Dino Keychains - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Jun 18, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
We will be making felted dinosaur keychains by hand sewing.
This event is full
Tommy Terrific's Wacky Magic Show
Sat, Jun 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Tommy will be presenting "A Magical Dinosaur Dig" featuring a huge Magic Trunk filled with Dinosaur Fossils and Tools for Dinosaur Exploration.
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jun 20, 11:30am - 1:30pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Bingo-saurus!
Sat, Jun 20, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
B-I-N-G-O just got prehistoric! Join us for Dino Bingo, a fun and family-friendly game featuring dinosaur-themed cards, exciting rounds, and chances to win prizes. It’s classic bingo with a roaring twist!
Rescheduled
Bingo-saurus!
Sat, Jun 20, All day
New date Saturday, June 20, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
B-I-N-G-O just got prehistoric! Join us for Dino Bingo, a fun and family-friendly game featuring dinosaur-themed cards, exciting rounds, and chances to win prizes. It’s classic bingo with a roaring twist!
Cancelled
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jun 20, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Summerween Bash
Sat, Jun 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Solve word searches, make coloring pages, try on fun costume pieces, and learn to make a Summer twist on Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Punch! Don't forget to ask for spooky book recommendations as well! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Google Docs: Part 1 - The Basics
Mon, Jun 22, 9:30am - 11:00am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Google Docs is a free and accessible writing tool used by millions and designed for collaboration. In this introductory class, you'll learn all the basics you need to feel comfortable in Docs.
Dinosaur Tails
Mon, Jun 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's get creative and make some colorful dinosaur tails!
Drop-in Production Help
Mon, Jun 22, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Get one-on-one help with cameras, video, lighting, editing, or general production questions. Bring your projects and/or your equipment, and ask anything. No registration required!
Summer Solstice S'mores
Mon, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens are invited to greet the new season by making sun banners with water colors, and ending the program by making and enjoying s'mores. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Dinosaur Feet
Tue, Jun 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Design your own dinosaur feet and tie them around your ankles for a prehistoric pep in your step!
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jun 23, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Hit Send - Starting an Email Newsletter
Wed, Jun 24, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Find out how you can plan, write, and send the first issue of your email newsletter, using Beehiiv—a modern email platform designed specifically for starting and growing a newsletter.
The Art of Watercolor
Wed, Jun 24, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Unleash your creativity with watercolor! In this guided class, participants will learn basic techniques and create their own beautiful painting in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment.
Homemade Dye
Wed, Jun 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
In this program, we will extract colors from plants, then we will dye scarves! See what different colors you can make from these ‘unearthed’ items. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Production Studio Orientation
Thu, Jun 25, 10:00am - 3:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Learn to operate cameras, lights, audio, and grip gear in the CALS Production Studio. This hands-on training covers basic setup, shooting, and file handling, as well as rules for working in the space, so you can create and practice independently.
Dragon Eggs
Thu, Jun 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Get creative and unearth your own magically created dragon eggs!
Petroglyphs - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Jun 25, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Petroglyphs (carved images on stone) were made by ancient civilizations. We will make our own by carving into clay.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jun 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Sweet Fossil Discoveries
Fri, Jun 26, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Dig into something delicious! In this fun demo, participants will learn how to create “fossil” cookies using dough and dino-themed imprints. It’s a tasty mix of creativity and prehistoric fun!
Dino DIYS: Dino Egg Bath Bombs
Fri, Jun 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
It's Summer @ CALS! Let's kick off this year's theme by making some dinosaur-themed DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Community Resources Bingo
Fri, Jun 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us in the Community Resources Lounge for a bingo! Attendees can enjoy snacks while socializing and enjoying some lighthearted fun. Patrons will be able to play multiple rounds of Bingo for the chance to win exciting prizes. All are welcome!
3D Printer Pen Dinos
Sat, Jun 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
In this program, we will create 3D printed dinosaurs and give them creative names!
Fossil Lino Printing - In the Makerspace!
Sat, Jun 27, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
We will be carving linoleum blocks to make our own fossil stamps. Once the stamp is carved, we will test it out and make prints!
Google Docs: Part 2 - Styles, Mailings, and More
Mon, Jun 29, 9:30am - 11:00am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Elevate your document's appeal! Learn to provide visual cues for better comprehension, collaborate effectively, and use other tools to make your document attractive and functional.
Chia Seed Earth
Mon, Jun 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's learn about Earth's biomes and create a unique, grassy Earth using chia seeds!
Video Podcasting - From Idea to Setup
Mon, Jun 29, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Thinking about starting a podcast? This beginner-friendly session covers the basics of podcast planning, including format, workflow, and the essential equipment used for recording. Learn what you need before you press the record button.
Seed Potting
Mon, Jun 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Unearth your green thumb this summer, and learn about what it takes to raise these summer plants! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Shooting Manual: Lowkey Photography
Tue, Jun 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Shift out of auto and take control! In this hands-on class, you'll learn to master manual camera settings and use shadow and contrast to create dramatic, professional-quality, low-key images. Bring your camera--lighting equipment provided.
Beaded Snakes
Tue, Jun 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Unleash these slithering earth-based reptiles. Did you know there are over 3,900 species of snakes? Which snake can you imitate?
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jun 30, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Sewn Aprons - In the Makerspace!
Tue, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Let's sew an apron! This will be a beginner friendly sewing project, but experience with a sewing machine is preferred.
This event is full
Monthly Tour of the Main Library
Wed, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:45am
Welcome to your new Main Library! On the first Wednesday of each month, join library staff on a tour of the newly renovated Main Library.
Monumental History: The Story of Arkansas's Replica Liberty Bell - Legacies & Lunch July 2026
Wed, Jul 01, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Kristin Dutcher Mann will explore the history of Arkansas’s replica Liberty Bell, detailing its roots in postwar economic policy and discussing how it came to its permanent home in the Bicentennial Memorial on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds.
Homemade Dino Nuggets
Wed, Jul 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Today we will test our kitchen skills and make homemade chicken nuggets! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Production Studio Orientation
Thu, Jul 02, 10:00am - 3:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Learn to operate cameras, lights, audio, and grip gear in the CALS Production Studio. This hands-on training covers basic setup, shooting, and file handling, as well as rules for working in the space, so you can create and practice independently.
Paper Plate Dinosaurs
Thu, Jul 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
We will use paper plates and construction paper to create cute little dino pals.
Dinosaur Mini Golf
Mon, Jul 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for a fun mini golf obstacle course inspired by the most ferocious dinosaurs!
Podcast Mics & Recording 101
Mon, Jul 06, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Learn to make your podcasts and content sound great! Explore the differences between common types of mics; how to connect and use an audio interface; and how to record clean, clear audio on a computer using simple software. No experience required.
Prehistoric Sculptures
Mon, Jul 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
What did the dinosaurs really look like? Teens are invited to join us in sculpting their interpretations out of air dry clay! Event in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Dinosaur Pasta Salad
Tue, Jul 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Which dinosaurs were herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores? We'll explore dinosaur diets while enjoying a yummy snack of our own.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 07, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Microsoft Excel: Part 1 - The Basics
Wed, Jul 08, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
In Part 1 of our four-part series, get started using Microsoft Excel by learning how to enter information, format text and numbers, sort and filter, and use basic formulas.
Terrarium Takeover
Wed, Jul 08, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Bring a little piece of nature indoors at our Terrarium Takeover! In this hands-on workshop, patrons will learn the basics of plant care and ecosystems while creating their own mini terrarium to take home.
Dinosaur Puzzles
Wed, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
We will turn blank puzzles in to relaxing, prehistoric pieces of art! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Coding with Fiero Code - Intro to Coding Language Series
Wed, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know where to begin?
Q-Tip Dinosaur Skeletons
Thu, Jul 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Recreate mini versions of Dinosaur skeletons using Q-Tips.
Paper Bug Specimens - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Jul 09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
We will make our own little paper bugs and encase them in a box so they look like a real specimen.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jul 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Roar and Score Trivia
Fri, Jul 10, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
This fun and interactive program invites patrons to compete in a dinosaur-themed trivia game covering everything from towering T. rex facts to fascinating fossil discoveries.
Unearth YOUR Story: Writing Workshop
Fri, Jul 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Stretch your writing muscles this summer with this fun, creative writing workshop! Bring your own WIP or start a new story with prompts and writing games! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Raptor Encounter
Sat, Jul 11, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Come face-to-face with Bleu! Our adult Velociraptor, inspired from the Jurassic World movies! Our Raptor Ranger will introduce you to our life-size, interactive Raptor and allow petting and pics! This encounter is suitable for ages 5 on up.
PowerPoint Party
Sat, Jul 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Unearth your interests! Create a slideshow about whatever you want—your favorite book, a piece of knowledge you learned, or even the lore of something you created! Submit your PowerPoint (5 slides max!) to ambrittain@cals.org by July 6th.
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