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Science Sparks
2026-09-03 16:00:00 2026-09-03 17:00:00 America/Chicago Science Sparks Enjoy different hands-on experiments each week. Main Library - 131 | Martin Children's Center

Thursday, September 03
4:00pm - 5:00pm

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Main Library

131 | Martin Children's Center

Enjoy different hands-on experiments each week.

9/3    DIY Sensory Bags

9/10   Apple Volcanoes

9/17   Exploding Chalk Pumpkins

9/24   Rainbow Bubbles

Questions about this program? Please contact the CALS location directly using the contact information by scrolling to the bottom of this page or emailing askcals@cals.org.

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: | Science & Nature | Fun & Play |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Ellen Samples (Interim Manager)
Hours
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Main Library

Today's hours

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

Branch manager
Ellen Samples (Interim Manager)
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

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Paper Portraits
Mon, Aug 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
We will make self-portraits with cut out sheets of colorful paper!
Popsicle Stick Bookmarks
Mon, Aug 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens are invited to come in and create bookmarks by taking popsicle sticks and painting/gluing scrapbook paper to them. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Aug 25, 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.
Painted Seashells
Tue, Aug 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Give seashells a second life! We'll combine art with nature by adding bright, beautiful colors to seashells.
Cozy Crafts Club
Tue, Aug 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come chill out with some fun, cozy crafts and DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Aug 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
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.
DIY Pop-Tarts
Wed, Aug 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Today we will make yummy pop-tarts using pie dough, jelly filling and icing. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Garlic Bread Personal Pizzas
Wed, Aug 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Learn how to make easy personal pizzas using garlic bread
Science Sparks
Thu, Aug 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
You can be a mad scientist! Learn the science behind these fun experiments each week. 8/13 Growing Soap 8/20 Fireworks in a Cup 8/27 Elephant Toothpaste
Smash Bros Tournament
Thu, Aug 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens will get an opportunity to compete for prizes in the Nintendo Switch game Smash Brothers Ultimate. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Aug 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
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.
Decorated Light Switch Covers
Fri, Aug 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Give your room an updated look with a customized light switch cover to match your aesthetic! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Squeegee Painting
Fri, Aug 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Squeegee painting is a fun and easy way to create beautiful abstract art!
Sensory Saturday Drop-In
Sat, Aug 29, 10:00am - 1:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Activities that stimulate a child's senses, including sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste, movement and more. Sensory play is important for a child's development in helping them learn and grow.
Bloom & Create: Flowerpot Decorating Workshop
Sat, Aug 29, 11:00am - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Get creative by decorating your own flowerpot with paint, patterns, and designs. Patrons will take home a personalized planter ready for flowers, herbs, or succulents.
This event is full
Bloom & Create: Flowerpot Planting - In the makerspace!
Sat, Aug 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
235 | Makerspace
After decorating your flowerpot upstairs in the programming room, join us in the makerspace to plant a flower in it!
Floral Arranging
Sat, Aug 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens can learn different methods to mix and match flowers and create their own bouquets. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Sunset Paintings
Mon, Aug 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
In this program we will create vibrant sunset paintings on canvas!
Room Signs
Mon, Aug 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Paint wooden arrow signs to showcase your personal vibes. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Bad Art Club
Tue, Sep 01, 9:00am - 10:00am
230 | Teen Center Program Room
No art skills? No problem! Come join us for low-pressure art and DIY's to make your own fun masterpiece! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Sep 01, 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.
Magic Milk
Tue, Sep 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Turn a plain beverage into an explosion of color! We'll use milk, food coloring, and dish soap to turn milk into magic.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Sep 02, 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.
Monthly Tour of the Main Library
Wed, Sep 02, 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.
The Freedom Train in Arkansas - Legacies & Lunch September 2026
Wed, Sep 02, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Dr. Kelly Houston Jones will outline the Freedom Train's activities and explore the public discussions generated by its historic journey through Arkansas in 1948. Free lunch provided!
DIY Candle Making
Wed, Sep 02, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Create your own custom candle. Choose your favorite scents and learn simple techniques to craft a candle you can take home.
This event is full
Dubai Chocolate
Wed, Sep 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
In this program, we will learn the basics on how to make this viral desert! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
3D Paper Foxes
Wed, Sep 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Create cute little 3D foxes out of paper! (Cutting and gluing will be required for this program).
That Retro Look - Pixel Art
Thu, Sep 03, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
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.
Science Sparks
Thu, Sep 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Enjoy different hands-on experiments each week.
Fall Mini Wreaths
Thu, Sep 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Decorate mini wreaths to get into the fall holiday spirit! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Sep 04, 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.
Playing with our Food
Fri, Sep 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Who says you can't play with your food? Come make some culinary crafts and DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only. 9/4 Pasta Mosaics 9/11 Honey Slime
Library Card Signup Month: Customize Your Card
Sat, Sep 05, 10:00am - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's celebrate Library Card Signup Month with a fun, library card craft! Customize your library card with a personalized sticker to give it a fun, revamped look! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
The Culinary Expedition Series - Baechu Jeon
Sat, Sep 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Let's travel around and discover new foods from different cultures! Let's learn about South Korea's holiday Chuseok and try making Baechu Jeon
This event is full
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Sep 08, 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.
Fabric Scrap Stickers
Tue, Sep 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Upcycle some fabric scraps by turning them into fun, mixed media stickers! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Lava Lamp In-a-Cup
Tue, Sep 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
We'll use oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzers to make lava lamp like reactions in a cup!
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Sep 09, 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.
Tote Bag Designs
Wed, Sep 09, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Design your own custom tote bag using the Cricut and EasyPress.
Paper Plate Owls
Wed, Sep 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Learn how to turn simple paper plates and construction paper into Owl crafts!
Perler Bead Bookmarks
Wed, Sep 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
We are celebrating Library Card Signup month by making decorative perler bead bookmarks! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Job Search Help
Thu, Sep 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Come join this informative class where we will briefly learn about two helpful resources that the library offers to help you in your job search. *Resume help available
Draw A Fall Garden - In the makerspace!
Thu, Sep 10, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Learn about what you can plant in the Fall and Winter and then sketch out your plans for your own garden!
Napkin Folding
Thu, Sep 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens will be invited to learn the art of folding napkins into fun, cool new shapes! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Science Sparks
Thu, Sep 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Enjoy different hands-on experiments each week.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Sep 11, 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.
Ice Cream In-a-Bag
Fri, Sep 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
A classic science experiment that's always a treat. We'll use half and half, vanilla extract, and sugar to make instant ice cream!
Playing with our Food
Fri, Sep 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Who says you can't play with your food? Come make some culinary crafts and DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only. 9/4 Pasta Mosaics 9/11 Honey Slime
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: The Carnival of Animals
Sat, Sep 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for a fun and humorous performance of Camille Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals by ASO.
ENGAGE Civic Academy for Teens
Sat, Sep 12, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
232 | Teen Center Digital Program Room
Earn community service hours while learning how to make a real difference in your community. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Tote Bag Decorating - In the makerspace!
Sat, Sep 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Decorate a tote bag with fabric paint, hand stitching, and beading.
This event is full
Altoid Tin Wallets
Sat, Sep 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Create and decorate tiny tin wallets to hold and organize all your pocket-sized goods. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Sun Prints
Mon, Sep 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Did you know the sun can take a picture? Join us for an outdoor art adventure! We’ll start with a "nature scavenger hunt" around the library to find interesting leaves, flowers, and stones.
Cut-Out Poetry
Mon, Sep 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Cut out words and phrases from books and magazines and learn to rearrange them into new works of poetry! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Bad Art Club
Tue, Sep 15, 9:00am - 10:00am
230 | Teen Center Program Room
No art skills? No problem! Come join us for low-pressure art and DIY's to make your own fun masterpiece! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Policy Lab in Little Rock - An Interactive Learning Event
Tue, Sep 15, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Join the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition for Policy Lab, an interactive training where you will learn key aspects of critical public policies impacting the well-being of Arkansas’s children and families.Register
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Sep 15, 1:00pm - 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.
Intro to Building a Website - Part 1
Tue, Sep 15, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Learn an introduction on creating a websites with a database called Fiero Code. This will be a series of 3 parts. The first part we will begin with an intro to HTML. *Please bring library card to access database
Hispanic Artist Series: Tarsila do Amaral - In the makerspace!
Tue, Sep 15, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
For Hispanic Heritage month, learn about lesser known Hispanic artists! In this first program, learn about Brazilian artist Tarsila do Amaral and paint a landscape inspired by her work.
Papel Picado Banners
Tue, Sep 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
We are kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with colorful Papel Picado banners. These banners are a traditional Mexican craft used for weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations.
Teen Book Club
Tue, Sep 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
232 | Teen Center Digital Program Room
In this teen book club we will be focusing on banned books and/or books that have LGBTQ representation. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Sep 16, 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.
Dot Cakes
Wed, Sep 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's take a try at this viral cake and sprinkle trend! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-8 only.
Patchwork Pumpkins
Wed, Sep 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Piece together a variety of colored and textured paper to create a patchwork pumpkin.
Science Sparks
Thu, Sep 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Enjoy different hands-on experiments each week.
Mini Autumn Pillows
Thu, Sep 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Use squares of autumn colored fabric to create mini tie pillows for the upcoming season. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Sep 18, 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.
Hispanic Artist Series: Isabel Villaseñor - In the makerspace!
Fri, Sep 18, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
For Hispanic Heritage month, learn about Hispanic artists! In this program, we will learn about multimedia artist Isabel Villaseñor and draw a portrait inspired by her block prints.
Hispanic Heritage Art
Fri, Sep 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making your own art pieces inspired by different Hispanic art styles! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Teddy Bear Towels
Fri, Sep 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
It's Teddy Bear Month at CALS! We'll make cute and cuddly teddy bears using washcloths and rubber bands.
Caturday Crafting
Sat, Sep 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Happy Caturday! Relax after a long week with crafts based on our favorite cats in literature.
Zumba Class
Sat, Sep 19, 11:00am - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room,6th Floor | Rooftop Terrace
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an energetic instructor-led Zumba class.
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Sep 19, 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.
Cancelled
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Sep 19, 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.
Leaf Collages
Sat, Sep 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come make a fun seasonal craft using fall foliage! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
DIY Water Pets
Mon, Sep 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Stop by to create your own custom colorful water squishy! These sensory toys are perfect for calming down and relaxation.
Autumn Equinox Garland
Mon, Sep 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Turn dried fruits, pinecones, wooden beads, and twine into a nature mobile to celebrate the start of the autumn season. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Sep 22, 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.
Beaded Flower Jewelry - In the makerspace!
Tue, Sep 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Local artist Cass Christ will walk us through making our own adorable flower jewelry with seed beads!
DIY Fall Potpourri Decor
Tue, Sep 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
It's the first day of fall! Ring in the new season with a cozy autumnal decor using dried fruits and beads! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Autumn Sunflowers
Tue, Sep 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Using paper petals and oil pastels in autumn colors, we'll create autumn sunflowers to mark the start of the autumnal equinox.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Sep 23, 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.
Chili Demo
Wed, Sep 23, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Learn how to prepare a delicious, budget-friendly chili just in time for fall.
Temporary Tattoos
Wed, Sep 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's create our own personalized tattoos using digital art and tattoo paper. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Sock Pumpkins
Wed, Sep 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us as we create cute and cozy decorative pumpkins out of socks!
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