Eliza Borné remembers a childhood in the Capital City filled with lots of learning and community service. “I have long felt a sense of shared ownership and investment in our civic infrastructure – especially our public schools, parks and libraries. These places belong to all of us, and it is our responsibility to hold them to a high standard of excellence.” During the pandemic, she felt compelled to pursue work that reflects these values and joined the Central Arkansas Library System. As CALS Director of Development, Eliza looks forward to welcoming friends and members to the reimagined CALS Main Branch next month.
Central Arkansas Library System Main Library welcomed members to its current location in 1997. For nearly three decades, CALS has provided an inspiring space for people to read, learn and gather. As the landscape of Central Arkansas evolves, CALS remains a beacon of shared humanity and fellowship. “Books are only part of what CALS offered; I believe intensely in the unique power of the public library to serve as a center that is accessible to everyone. The community’s needs have changed since the main library opened.” Eliza notes the reimagined building will host not only a robust variety of books < print, audio and e-books > but also conference rooms, technology training, English-language learning meetings and more. “In the new iteration, the main library has been thoughtfully designed to serve the entire community. I can’t wait for the community to fill the building and bring it to life.”
Eliza explains that while local voters have repeatedly supported the Central Arkansas Library System – more than 90% of the annual budget is funded by public dollars – grants and contributions make some of CALS most important programming possible.“Summer@CALS, the library’s popular summer learning program, and the Six Bridges Book Festival would not be possible without donations. Grants have helped CALS pilot or expand many programs, such as its Digital Literacy Guides and its Memory Lab.” The CALS Foundation Next Chapter Capital Campaign is the largest initiative for this nonprofit support organization. “It seeks to raise $2 million to supplement the generous public funding for the main library renovation.” She believes personal experiences with a public library inspire generosity. “Everyone seems to have a meaningful story. I love hearing them and helping our donors direct their philanthropy to projects that will grow the library’s impact.”
As Eliza reflects on her own family’s experiences with the Central Arkansas Library System, her excitement to continue the storied legacy is undeniable. Her great-grandmother, Adolphine Fletcher Terry, is beloved for promoting accessibility to education and is the namesake for the Terry Branch Library. “I was privileged to have the ceremonial first book checkout.” And her Uncle John Gould Fletcher shares a legacy through the Fletcher Branch Library. “I’m excited to help shape an institution that I have valued and relied on since my earliest memories.” Eliza’s young children have always enjoyed this “happy place” and she anticipates that future generations will “get to have fun and discover this magical place.” She encourages all Arkansans to consider visiting. “I can think of few things that are more important to our state’s future than fostering early literacy, learning and play.”
CENTRAL ARKANSAS LIBRARY SYSTEM MAIN LIBRARY RE-OPENING
Saturday, September 20
