The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, a department of the Central Arkansas Library System, was created in 1997 through an endowment by the late Richard C. Butler, Sr., of Little Rock, for the purpose of promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of Arkansas history, literature, art, and culture.

We maintain a research library and archival collection located on the third floor of the Main Library in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District. We operate a book publishing program, an oral history project, workshops and other training programs, and a number of initiatives to assist teachers with curricular materials. Throughout the year we host many public lectures and events that cover various topics of Arkansas history. We sponsor the online Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, the premier one-stop reference work on the state’s history.

A Virtual Tour of Arkansas Studies Institute

 

The Arkansas Studies Institute is a joint project of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). The Institute will be housed in three buildings located in Little Rock's River Market District and adjacent to the Main Library. The Institute will be the state's most comprehensive facility dedicated to the study of Arkansas. Here students, scholars and tourists can gather to learn more about the people, places and events that shaped our past and guide the future of Arkansas.

 

General Information Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-5 Phone 501-918-3056 Fax: 501-375-7451 Email: arkinfo@cals.org

Mailing Address The Butler Center Central Arkansas Library System 100 Rock St. Little Rock, AR 72201

NEW! AV/AR Digital Database Now Online

Use AV/AR to listen and/or watch oral history interviews, speeches, radio and television programs.

Preserve Arkansas History – Donate Today!

Thank you for supporting the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. Your donation is helping further the study of this great state. You can send a donation to the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. We accept checks or credit cards. Checks should be made to the Butler Center. To use a credit card, contact Holly Mathisen at 501-918-3025 or hmathisen@cals.org. Your donation is tax deductible under 170 (c) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.