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ENGAGE Civic Academy for Teens
2026-09-12 13:00:00 2026-09-12 16:00:00 America/Chicago ENGAGE Civic Academy for Teens 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. Main Library - 232 | Teen Center Digital Program Room

Saturday, September 12
1:00pm - 4:00pm

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Main Library

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.

Earn community service hours while learning how to make a real difference in your community. ENGAGE Civic Academy, a partnership between CALS and Arkansas Civic Action Network (ArkCAN), gives high school students hands-on opportunities to meet community leaders, understand how decisions get made, and practice using their own voice. The academy begins September 12 and includes five sessions held every other Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Students will work with other young people, tackle real community issues, and build skills they can use in school, college, work, and civic life.

Use the link below to register:

https://www.arkaction.net/event-details/engage-civic-academy-cals-main-downtown-lr-2026-09-12-13-00 

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: | Teens ages 12-19 |

EVENT TYPE: | Society & Culture | Community Resource |

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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Welcome Home: Painted Doormat Workshop
Sat, Aug 15, 11:00am - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Create a one-of-a-kind decorative doormat using paint, stencils, and your imagination. Patrons will design and personalize a doormat to take home and display.
This event is full
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Aug 15, 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, Aug 15, 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.
Rock Star Tech Tips
Mon, Aug 17, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Be a technology rock star. This class teaches you tips, tricks, and shortcuts that tech professionals take for granted.
Paper Stars
Mon, Aug 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn to fold "lucky stars" out of paper. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Mosaic Art
Mon, Aug 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Today will make art using small pieces of tiles and clay.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Aug 18, 1:30pm - 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.
Cozy Crafts Club
Tue, Aug 18, 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.
Paper Plate Beach Campers
Tue, Aug 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's soak in the last bit of the summer by making beach themed campers from paper plates!
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Aug 19, 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.
S'more Fun Together
Wed, Aug 19, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Gather around for a cozy evening of gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and sweet memories as participants create classic and creative s'mores treats.
Sand Art
Wed, Aug 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Create unique pieces of art using sand!
Backpack Keychains
Wed, Aug 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's make 3D printer pen keychains for our backpacks, purses or even lockers! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Pot Holders
Thu, Aug 20, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
We will be making pot holders with a simple sewing project. This project is perfect for beginners!
This event is full
Knife Skills
Thu, Aug 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens will learn proper safety and technique for different knife cuts in the kitchen using safety knives and fruits/vegetables for tasting. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Science Sparks
Thu, Aug 20, 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
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Aug 21, 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.
3rd Friday Job Search Help
Fri, Aug 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Every third Friday of the month come learn what library resources can help you on your job search! Resume help will be available.
Retro Game Lounge
Fri, Aug 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come try your hand at these retro games! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Let's Make Lemonade
Fri, Aug 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's beat the August heat with freshly squeezed and refreshing lemonade!
Messtival
Sat, Aug 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Who says you can't make a mess? Today we will have fun in shaving cream, bubbles, slime and more!
Makerspace Art Hour
Sat, Aug 22, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Bring your own project or just use the supplies of the makerspace to make something new! We will also have coloring sheets and small projects ready to work on.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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