Sue Cowan Williams Library

Sue Cowan Williams Library

Within the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) you will find several historic gems, such as the Sue Cowan Williams Library and Butler Center for Arkansas Studies.

The Sue Cowan Williams Library was first established in 1977 as the 10th library in the CALS. Inside you will find a wide selection of books and audio/visual items, as well as public use computers, wifi, and meeting space. The library is named after Sue Williams Cowan, the woman who represented African American teachers in the Little Rock district as the plaintiff in the case challenging the rate of salaries allotted to teachers based solely on skin color.

The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies was also established in 1977, located within Bobby L Roberts Library of Arkansas History and Art (Liberty Square). This center works to promote a 'greater understanding and appreciation of Arkansas history, literature, art, and culture. There are over 10 million documents and photographs within the center available to the public! Robert Colburn Butler Sr, the namesake, was an area prominent business developer, community activist, lawyer, baker, and horticulturist.