Laman Library
🏢 North Little Rock Public Library System · North Little Rock, Arkansas
Laman Library
Named for former North Little Rock mayor William F. "Casey" Laman, the Laman Library is the flagship branch of the North Little Rock Public Library System — established in 1945 and rebuilt at 2801 Orange Street in 1962. After a major 2003 renovation that nearly doubled it to 50,000 square feet, it now houses a Laman Lecture Hall, a makerspace, passport services, and full access to Arkansas's digital library resources.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–7pm |
| Thursday | 9am–7pm |
| Friday | 9am–1pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 2801 Orange Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone: (501) 758-1720
Website: nlrlibrary.org
Plus Code: 8669QPJH+5X (North Little Rock, AR)
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📖 About Laman Library
The North Little Rock Public Library System (NLRPLS) was founded in 1945 when a citizen-led library commission secured a 1-mill tax to create North Little Rock's first public library. It opened in 1946 at 211 Maple Street with 2,000 volumes and welcomed over 15,000 visitors in its inaugural year. By 1948 the system had grown to three locations and housed Arkansas's first youth library. In 1962 it consolidated into the new William F. Laman Library at 2801 Orange Street, dedicated to the former mayor. A 2003 renovation nearly doubled the building to 50,000 square feet, adding the Laman Lecture Hall for public events. A second location, the Argenta Branch, opened in 2014 in a renovated historic post office in the Argenta Arts District at 420 Main Street. In 2023, the system upgraded a former RV into Rover, a mobile library, extending services beyond physical walls.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1945 — North Little Rock's first public library, launched by community-led petition and a 1-mill tax vote
- Named for Mayor William F. "Casey" Laman; rebuilt at 2801 Orange Street in 1962, expanded to 50,000 sq ft in 2003
- Laman Lecture Hall hosts public events including concerts, performances, and community gatherings
- Passport acceptance facility — apply for a U.S. passport at the library
- Book-a-Librarian appointments for makerspace, research tools, and tech support
- Rover, a 2023 mobile library, brings library services and the Mobile Makerspace throughout the community
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Laman Library cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through Arkansas's statewide and local digital library resources:
📚 Services
- Passport acceptance services — apply for a U.S. passport at the library
- Notary public services
- Makerspace and Mobile Makerspace outreach
- Book-a-Librarian appointments (makerspace, research tools, tech support, library basics)
- Computer labs and public access computers
- Homebound delivery services
- Library of Things program — borrow non-traditional items
- Meeting space in the Laman Lecture Hall
- Rover mobile library for community outreach
- Genealogy resources and research databases
- Free Wi-Fi and wireless printing
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Teen programs and services
- Adult programs, author events, and book discussions
- Summer reading programs for all ages
- Technology instruction and digital literacy classes
- Community events in the Laman Lecture Hall
- Hispanic Heritage Month and cultural programs
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Arkansas
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in North Little Rock · Browse all Arkansas libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Laman Library offer passport services?
Yes. Laman Library is a U.S. passport acceptance facility. You can submit a new passport application or renewal in person at the library. Bring your completed DS-11 or DS-82 form, proof of citizenship, a valid photo ID, a passport photo, and the applicable government fees. Call (501) 758-1720 or visit nlrlibrary.org to confirm current appointment availability and hours for passport services.
What is the Laman Lecture Hall used for?
The Laman Lecture Hall is the library's main community gathering space, used for public performances, lectures, community events, and cultural programming. It hosted events such as a Hispanic Heritage Month lucha libre wrestling evening and is available to community organizations for events. Contact the library for rental and scheduling information.
Who was William F. Laman, and why is the library named after him?
William F. "Casey" Laman was a former mayor of North Little Rock. When the library consolidated into its new building at 2801 Orange Street in 1962, it was dedicated in his honor. The North Little Rock Public Library System had grown from a citizen-led effort in 1945 — a 1-mill tax vote — into one of the city's anchor institutions, and naming it for Mayor Laman reflected his service to the community.
What is Rover, the mobile library?
Rover is the North Little Rock Public Library System's mobile library, launched in 2023. It's a converted RV that brings library services — including a Mobile Makerspace — to neighborhoods and events throughout North Little Rock, extending access to residents who may have difficulty visiting the Laman or Argenta branches in person.
🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
🔨 This library has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.
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