Grab your running garb, bookworms. The Central Arkansas Library System and the North Little Rock Public Library System are joining forces to host the inaugural Rock, Paper, Run 5K in celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month.
Scheduled for Sept. 9, this family fun run marks the first time the two library systems have worked together on a project of this caliber. The run will link the two libraries and kickoff at 9:15 a.m. (line-up at 8:30 a.m.) in North Little Rock, leaving from the William F. Laman Library and ending at the CALS Main Library in downtown Little Rock.
Runners, readers and spectators are encouraged to dress up as their favorite book characters. And, as if running alongside the likes of Sherlock Holmes, Hermione Granger and Victor Frankenstein wasn’t enough, a “library card sign-up cool down party” will take place on Main Library’s grounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The after party is free and open to the public and will feature assorted family-friendly activities, including a bounce house, craft area, food trucks, a kids’ area in the Main Library garden and booths where individuals can sign up for a library card from either library system.
“Now more than ever, libraries need to unite and help each other remind folks of all the resources and learning experiences their local library offers,” CALS Executive Director Nate Coulter says. “We take seriously our efforts to help our community and neighbors. In this instance, the ‘neighbors’ we wanted to work with are our colleagues and friends at the North Little Rock Public Library System who helped us put on this fun run.”
The American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide join together every September (since 1987) to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step toward academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Registration for the Rock, Paper, Run 5K is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 4-12 and free for children ages 3 and younger. For more information and to claim your spot, head to the CALS website or the NLRPLS website.