December 2024 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library

December 1 – December 31

FSPL Holiday Food Drive

All Fort Smith Public Library Locations

Help out local families in need by donating to this year’s Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Food Drive.

One in five people in our area are struggling, one in three rural Arkansas children live in food insecure homes.  Drop off your non-perishable food items at any Fort Smith library location from December 1 –

December 31.  Donations will be accepted all hours that the library is open; all food collected will be given to the Community Clearing House to help the hungry in the Fort Smith area.

December 2024

The Perfect Gift:  Library Books for Christmas!

All Library locations

Honor someone special while sharing your love of reading by donating to the Fort Smith Public Library’s The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas fundraiser.  Through December 31^st, individuals may visit any Fort Smith Public Library location to choose a book to add to the library’s collection in honor or memory of someone special.  Children’s books are a $10 donation; adult books are a $25 donation.  Proceeds from the Perfect Gift fundraiser will go to the library’s materials fund to be used for the purchase of new library materials.  For more information, call the library at 479-783-0229 or visit the library’s web site at www.fortsmithlibrary.org.

December 2024

Dewey’s Café Artist – Jim Barber

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

An exhibit of photographic works by Jim Barber will be on display at Dewey’s Café during the month of December. Artwork is available for viewing all hours the café is open.

December 2 – 23, 2024

Christmas Card Craft

Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)

Stop by the Dallas Street Branch Library and make a Christmas card for your family or friends! Use your creative talents and our supplies to decorate and personalize your card.  This activity is open to all ages all hours that the library is open.

December 2 – 8, 2024

Friends of the Library Rare, Vintage, & Collectible Book Sale

Monday (12/2) 12 PM – 7:30 PM

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday (12/3 – 12/6) 12 PM – 5 PM

Saturday (12/07) 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Sunday (12/08) 1 – 5 PM

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Just in time for the holidays, book lovers will find a broad assortment of books in this special sale including rare, vintage, and collectible titles.  A range of topics are represented including art, religion, history, and much more with publication dates ranging from the 1800s to present.  A list of the books included in the sale will be available at the sale and on the library’s website at www.fortsmithlibrary.org by November 22.  Proceeds from the sale benefit the Friends of the Library.

Monday, December 2, 10 AM

Storytime – Windsor Branch Library

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Windsor Drive Branch Library to enjoy books, songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.

Tuesday, December 3, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Now at the Main Library!  A love of reading starts early.  Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main Library for this special storytime geared toward children 0 to 24 months old.  There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories, and lots of interactive fun!  The storytime will last around twenty minutes, with time for casual interaction following the program.

Wednesday, December 4, 10 & 11 AM

Storytime & Crafts – Dallas Branch Library

Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)

Storytime at the Dallas Street Branch is for children and their adults.  Lasting about 30 minutes, children and their families will enjoy stories, books, music, snacks, and crafts.   Storytime will often have themes reflecting the seasons, holidays, and will occasionally host visitors who will speak with the kids about various topics.

Thursday, December 5, 10 AM

Goats on the Go! Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Come “kid” around at the Main Library during a special storytime – with goats from Goats on the Go!  We will be reading stories and singing songs all about farm animals that morning before venturing outside (weather permitting) to interact with and pet real goats.  You bring the children, Goats on the Go will brings the KIDS!

Thursday, December 5, 3:30 PM

Goats on the Go! Party – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Come “kid” around at the Main Library during a special goat party with Goats on the Go!  Make a fun goat-themed craft before venturing outside to interact and pet real goats (weather permitting).  You bring the children, Goats on the Go will brings the KIDS!

Thursday, December 5, 4 – 6 PM

Authors in the Afternoon with Tommy B. Smith

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Fort Smith author Tommy B. Smith will appear at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies his latest book Obliteration Circle. When a black-bound journal falls into Chloe’s possession, the secret passages and hidden signposts of the world become revealed to her. With these discoveries, entities from beyond have marked her for destruction. While investigating a series of ghastly deaths on the south Louisiana bayou, she is targeted by a terror she cannot fight. The burning circles in the dark intend to obliterate her and everyone around her. Fleeing for her life, Chloe’s days have become a desperate battle for survival. Against such forces, is any escape or means of defense even possible? Tommy B. Smith is a writer of horror and dark fiction whose works meander through the darker spaces of the psychological and the cosmic. A two-time Imadjinn Award-winning author and 2023 nominee for the Michael Knost Wings Award, he has been featured in numerous publications to span the years, and is the author of the Black Carmenia series.  Copies of the Obliteration Circle, as well as others written by Tommy B. Smith, will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.

Friday, December 6, 10 AM

Storytime – Miller Branch Library

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Miller Branch Library to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts.  No registration is necessary for this fun and FREE program.  Storytime is held every Friday at 10:00 AM.

Friday, December 6, 2 PM

First Friday Film: All Mine to Give (NR) 1957

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Join us for this matinee showing of ‘All Mine to Give’. It is a drama about a young boy in pioneer-era Wisconsin who, after losing his parents, struggles to find new homes for his six younger siblings in a heart-wrenching tale of family and resilience. Starring Glynis Johns, Cameron Mitchell and Rex Thompson.  This film runs 1 hr 43 m minutes, is not rated, and is intended for an adult audience.

Saturday, December 2, 11 AM – 12 PM

Saturday Storytime – Windsor Branch Library

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)

Saturday Storytime is held the first Saturday of the month at the Windsor Drive Branch Library. Join us for books, songs, movement, and more!

Sunday, December 8, 1 – 5 PM

22^nd Annual Holiday Open House

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Celebrate the holiday season when the entire Fort Smith Public Library staff opens the doors of the Main Library for a festive afternoon of music, crafts, games, stories, holiday displays, light refreshments, and other entertainment for children and adults.  There will be special activities to delight all ages throughout the entire afternoon.  This Holiday Open House is free to all . . . Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the Holiday Food Drive!

Monday, December 9, 10 AM

Storytime – Windsor Branch Library

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Windsor Drive Branch Library to enjoy books, songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.

Tuesday, December 10, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Now at the Main Library!  A love of reading starts early.  Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main Library for this special storytime geared toward children 0 to 24 months old.  There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories, and lots of interactive fun!  The storytime will last around twenty minutes, with time for casual interaction following the program.

Wednesday, December 11, 10 & 11 AM

Happy Holidays! Storytime With Santa – Dallas Branch Library

Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)

Storytime at the Dallas Street Branch is for children and their adults.  Lasting about 30 minutes, children and their families will enjoy stories, books, music, snacks, and crafts.   Join us this week for holiday-themed stories and crafts led by our staff storyteller.  Santa Claus may also make an appearance! This event is for pre-school and elementary school aged children.

Thursday, December 12, 10 AM

Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Main Library for storytime every Thursday at 10:00 AM.  Lasting about 35 minutes, storytimes feature stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, manipulatives, and crafts. Not only is storytime fun, it’s an excellent way for adults and caregivers to interact with their children while helping them build early literacy skills and laying the foundation for preparing children to learn to read.

Friday, December 13, 10 AM

Storytime – Miller Branch Library

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Miller Branch Library to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts.  No registration is necessary for this fun and FREE program.  Storytime is held every Friday at 10:00 AM.

Friday, December 13, 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Hot Chocolate at the Library

Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)

Celebrate National Cocoa Day at the Dallas Street branch library.  Stop by from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and receive a free cup of hot chocolate!

Friday, December 13, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

After Hours Movie Night: Twilight (PG-13)

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Join us for a night of unforgettable fun in Forks, Washington! Come dressed as your favorite character and enjoy themed snacks. Root for your favorite team. We will be watching the first film of the saga, Twilight(2008).  This after-hours event is perfect for teens and adults who want to dive into the Twilight saga together.

Monday, December 16, 10 AM

Storytime – Windsor Branch Library

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Windsor Drive Branch Library to enjoy books, songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.

Tuesday, December 17, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Now at the Main Library!  A love of reading starts early.  Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main Library for this special storytime geared toward children 0 to 24 months old.  There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories, and lots of interactive fun!  The storytime will last around twenty minutes, with time for casual interaction following the program.

Tuesday, December 17, 10 AM – 12 PM

Craft & Chat

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)

Do you have a project that you need a little motivation to finish? Bring your work in progress to the Miller Branch Library and join in the crafty chat. Don’t have a project? No problem! Enjoy our coloring supplies and conversation! This is a drop-in program so come anytime and stay for as long as you’d like.

Tuesday, December 17, 6 – 7 PM

BINGO for Books (for adults!)

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR  72903

Bring your lucky bingo daubers or lucky troll for this fun hour of bingo! We will have book prizes for winners of this free program!

Wednesday, December 18, 9 AM – 5 PM

Cookies & Christmas Crafts

Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)

Get into the holiday spirit with some cookies and Christmas-themed crafts at the Dallas Street Branch.  The cookies and crafts will be available all day while supplies last.

Wednesday, December 18, 10 & 11 AM

Christmas Storytime & Crafts – Dallas Branch Library

Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)

Storytime at the Dallas Street Branch is for children and their adults.  Lasting about 30 minutes, children and their families will enjoy stories, books, music, snacks, and crafts.   Join us this week for Christmas-themed stories and crafts led by our staff storyteller.

Thursday, December 19, 10 AM

Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Main Library for storytime every Thursday at 10:00 AM.  Lasting about 35 minutes, storytimes feature stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, manipulatives, and crafts. Not only is storytime fun, it’s an excellent way for adults and caregivers to interact with their children while helping them build early literacy skills and laying the foundation for preparing children to learn to read.

Thursday, December 19, 10 AM

The Book Lover’s Club

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR  72903

Read a good book lately?  Come tell us about it at The Book Lover’s Club! The only requirement for this club is that you must love to read.  Read whatever you like, fiction or non-fiction, and come give us a short report (on up to three titles).  The Book Lover’s Club meets the third Thursday of every month at the Main library.

Thursday, December 19, 6 – 7 PM

Adult Crafts: Winter Terrariums

Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Join us for a creative program where participants will learn how to make cute winter-themed terrariums. No registration required but limited to the first ten attendees. This program is intended for an adult audience. Free.

Friday, December 20, 10 AM

Storytime – Miller Branch Library

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Miller Branch Library to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts.  No registration is necessary for this fun and FREE program.  Storytime is held every Friday at 10:00 AM.

Friday, December 20, 1 – 2:30 PM

Crafts and Cult Classics: Gremlins (PG) 1984

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR  72903

Join us for casual afternoon where you can work on an ongoing craft project (or get started on something new with the materials we have to share) while watching a cult classic. We will be watching Gremlins (PG). This program is intended for an adult audience.

Monday, December 23, 10 AM

Storytime – Windsor Branch Library

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Windsor Drive Branch Library to enjoy books,

songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.

Monday, December 23, 2 PM

National Christmas Movie Marathon Day

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)

Celebrate National Christmas Movie Marathon Day at the Miller Branch! We will have Christmas movies and popcorn all day long, starting with Elf at 10 AM and ending with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. For movie titles and times, or location details visit https://www.fortsmithlibrary.org/event/national-christmas-movie-marathon-day-23225  Hope to see you there!

Thursday, December 26, 10 AM

Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Main Library for storytime every Thursday at 10:00 AM.  Lasting about 35 minutes, storytimes feature stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, manipulatives, and crafts. Not only is storytime fun, it’s an excellent way for adults and caregivers to interact with their children while helping them build early literacy skills and laying the foundation for preparing children to learn to read.

Thursday, December 26, 10 AM

Movie Matinee: The Wild Robot (PG)

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Bring your snacks and covered drinks – or visit Dewey’s Café! – before watching The Wild Robot on the big screen. It’s free and fun for everyone!  Based on the children’s book by Peter Brown, the movie features an intelligent robot named Roz that becomes stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose. (PG, 102 minutes)

Friday, December 27, 10 AM

Storytime – Miller Branch Library

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Miller Branch Library to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts.  No registration is necessary for this fun and FREE program.  Storytime is held every Friday at 10:00 AM.

Monday, December 30, 10 AM

Storytime – Windsor Branch Library

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)

Children and their caregivers are invited to the Windsor Drive Branch Library to enjoy books,

songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.

Tuesday, December 31, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Now at the Main Library!  A love of reading starts early.  Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main Library for this special storytime geared toward children 0 to 24 months old.  There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories, and lots of interactive fun!  The storytime will last around twenty minutes, with time for casual interaction following the program.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 11:45 AM

NOON Year’s Eve Party

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)

Can’t stay awake until midnight to ring in the New Year?  At the Main Library, we are celebrating early!  Join us as we dance, make fun party hats, take silly pictures, and countdown to NOON!

Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 2:00 PM

Hoopla Book Club: The Woman in the Library

The Miller Branch has a book club!  We are reading The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill during the month of December. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, December 31st at 2:00 PM. The ebook and audiobook are always available on Hoopla – which is free with your library card. For more information on how to get started reading on Hoopla, visit https://www.fortsmithlibrary.org/hoopla