From returning attractions to fresh finds, here’s what we’ll be checking out this month.

1. Laman Library Argenta Branch Opening

The Laman Library's newest branch is in one of North Little Rock's oldest properties. See the new Argenta branch in April.


The Laman Library’s beautiful new space in downtown North Little Rock is located in the former Main Street Post Office building, which the library purchased in 2012 and has been renovating since last March. Step into the historic building and you’ll notice that many original features were retained during the extensive remodeling. Visitors still pass through the columned front entrance and into the lobby through a wooden vestibule. You’ll also spy original crown molding and marble, and even a vault that dates back to the building’s history serving the IRS.

The ground floor will house the book collections for adults, as well as an exhibit hall. On the basement level where mail was once sorted, you’ll find a large space for community events and film screenings.

Families will be most excited about the former attic space, which is now where the children’s books reside. Overlooking the main floor, the bright loft features colorful stools, tables and other reading areas for families. Also upstairs: a reading nook complete with charging stations for mobile devices, as well as a bay of 19 or 20 computers for patrons’ use.

Celebrate opening day on April 5 with free children’s crafts all day. The Grand Opening Ceremony kicks off at 10 a.m., and will be followed by Arkansaw Toothpick Theatre Presents: The Front Porch Jubilee at 11 a.m. Plus, Tail Waggin’ Tutors will bring pups for storytime at 12:30 p.m. For info: LamanLibrary.org.

2. 11th Annual Arkansas Literary Festival

Don’t miss Kadir Nelson—the author and illustrator behind picture books like “Nelson Mandela” and “Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans”—talk about his powerful paintings (1 p.m., Children’s Library).


The Central Arkansas Library System will once again host award-winning authors for panels, workshops, presentations, performances and book signings as part of the Arkansas Literary Festival, held April 24-27. For adults, there will be more than 80 presenters, including several food-themed sessions (hello, chocolatiers!), an appearance by best-selling author Catherine Coulter, and a visit from Congressman John Lewis, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

The fun for families takes place on April 26 at both the CALS Main Library and the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center. While at the Children’s Library & Learning Center, families can also catch a performance of “The Engine That Thought It Could” from the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre (10 a.m.); go on a pirate-themed treasure hunt featuring six children’s authors (11 a.m.); enjoy a petting zoo, plant seeds in the greenhouse, and make pirate snacks and crafts during activity hour (2 p.m.).

At the CALS Main Library, head to the third floor to celebrate William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday with the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (10 a.m.) and visit a Lego exhibit, where kids can do some constructing of their own (all day). In the Teen Center on the fourth floor, teens can discover 3D printing (all day), learn about the upcoming comic book convention (1 p.m.) and tinker with small-scale robotics and control mechanisms (3 p.m.). Plus, budding writers can join local author Jerusalem Jackson Greer in a yummy workshop that explores how sense-memory can enhance writing; treats will be provided by Sweet Love Bakes (4 p.m.). All family events free. For info: ArkansasLiteraryFestival.org.

3. Magic Springs Water & Theme Park Season Opening

Magic Springs' 2014 season begins with its April 12 opening of the popular theme park. The water park will open May 10.


Your favorite high-flying rides will be back on April 12, when Magic Springs Water & Theme Park opens for the 2014 season. The Crystal Falls water park will open May 10, once again drenching visitors with pools, rivers, slides and Splash Island, which debuted in 2013.

In addition to all of the usual fun, the park will debut a brand-new bungee jump attraction called the Sky Shark this summer. Daredevils can strap into a harness with a friend or two. The brave riders will then be hoisted to the top of a 115-foot-tall arch before free-falling at 50 miles per hour and finally swinging above the lake.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming concert season, too. Magic Springs has announced the lineup, which includes Casting Crowns, Thompson Square, Daughtry, Chris Young and Switchfoot. For info: MagicSprings.com.

4. Arkansas Travelers First Home Game of the Season

The Arkansas Travelers open the 2014 home season at Dickey-Stephens Park on April 10 versus the Midland Rockhounds.



Get ready to hoot and holler for the home team. The Arkansas Travelers 2014 season opener will take place in Midland, TX on April 3, but they’ll be back in North Little Rock for the first home game of the season on April 10. The Travs will bat against the Midland Rockhounds at Dickey-Stephens Park April 10-12, before taking on the Frisco RoughRiders April 13-15. Hang out with your family on the grassy slopes in the outfield or in the children’s area. Visit on Tuesdays throughout the season for Animal Ambassador Days, in which the Little Rock Zoo brings critters to the ballpark. Families will also love the themed nights on Thursdays; April 24 is Scavenger Night, in which seating sections team up to search for items and win prizes. For info: www.Travs.com.