May 2024 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
May 2024
Dewey’s Café Artist – Will Henson
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The photography of Will Henson will be on display at Dewey’s Café though the month of May.
May 1 – 31
Take and Make Genealogy Craft
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Genealogy Department invites you stop by the department during the month of May to pick up a “Shower of Ancestors Craft” to take home and create.
May 1
Season Ticket: Featured Spice Blend- Gullah Seasoning
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Expand your taste buds with our Season Ticket kit. This month’s featured spice blend is Gullah Seasoning. The kit, which will be available at the beginning of the month at the library, will feature a sample of the featured spice and along with a recipe. Pick up your Season Ticket kit beginning May 1 at the Main Library. Supplies are limited; don’t wait to get yours!
May 1
Seed Catalog: Vegetable and Flower Seeds
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning to dabble in gardening, stop by the Miller Branch and grab a seed packet (or two)! In May, we will be handing out various vegetable and flower seeds.
May 1 – 11, 2024
Make a Mother’s Day Card
Dallas Street Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Let your mother know how much she means to you with a handmade Mother’s Day Card. Stop by the Dallas Street Branch Library and use your creativity to make your own personalized card for Mom! This do-it-yourself activity is open to all ages during regular library hours. All materials are provided. For Library Hours, visit www.fortsmithlibrary.org
Wednesday, May 1, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime – 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, May 2, 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, May 3, 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, May 3, 2 PM
First Friday Film: The Reluctant Debutante (NR 1958)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of The Reluctant Debutante, a romantic comedy about a daughter visiting her father in England and being thrown into the debutante season. Starring Rex Harrison, Kay Kendall, and John Saxon, this film is not rated and runs 95 minutes.
Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2023
Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale: Mostly Fiction!
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Saturday: 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.; Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM (Half price on Sunday)
Mostly fiction! The spring edition of the annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale features mostly fiction selections for adults. Hardbacks and paperbacks from your favorite authors will be available, along with a selection of videos and audiobooks. The sale will continue Sunday with all remaining titles ½ price, then book clearance begins Monday, May 6 with remaining items priced by the bag!
Proceeds from the sale are used to buy library materials and fund library special events and projects. Members of the Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library may come to the exclusive Friends-only Preview Sale on Friday, May 3, from 4-7 p.m. There will be a 25-book limit at the preview sale. Friends of the Library memberships start at $10 and will be for sale at the Preview Sale.
Fiction not your thing? A “non-fiction” sale will be held in August and a “children’s” sale in October.
Saturday, May 4, 10 AM – 2 PM
May the 4th Be With You – Crafts!
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Come celebrate May the 4th Be With You at the Miller Branch! Use the force as you play Star Wars-themed games and to create imaginative Star Wars crafts. Be sure and check out a Star Wars book before you leave!
Saturday, May 4, 11 – 11:45 AM
Saturday Storytime – Windsor Branch Library
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Join us at your neighborhood library for books, songs, movement, and more! This FREE Saturday program offers fun for kids of all ages and their families. Saturday Storytime is held the first Saturday of the month at the Windsor Drive Branch Library.
Monday, May 6, 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 to enjoy books, songs, movement, and more. Storytime is held at the Windsor Branch Library every Monday at 10 AM.
Tuesday, May 7, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Miller Branch 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, May 7, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Exploring Your Family History: Census Records
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Genealogy Department invites you to monthly classes exploring areas of genealogical research methods to discover your family history. In this month’s class, we will dive into Census Records and their importance to your research. No registration is required for these FREE evening programs.
Wednesday, May 8, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime – 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, May 9, 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, May 9, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Steven Massongill
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Local author Steven Massongill will appear at the Main Library to promote and sign copies of his book, Where the Lions Graze. Many stories exist about people who have visited Heaven and returned, claiming that things work differently there than on Earth. They say events happen faster, more vividly, and with greater impact – forever changing those who experience Heaven, though some retain doubts about its existence. Where the Lions Graze is the author’s own personal story of two religious experiences that took place during his childhood. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at the event.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in western Arkansas, Steven is now based in Fort Smith. From being a movie theater projectionist to achieving his first book, he cherishes creative pursuits. Currently caring for his mom, the author aspires to write another book and fulfill his dream of opening an intriguing coffee house.
Friday, May 10, 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, May 10, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess – Index Card Art
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Index card art is a great way to stretch your creative muscles! Join us at the Windsor Drive Branch as we use a variety of supplies and techniques to practice our skills and learn new ones in this non-intimidating format. FREE and open to all adults with supplies provided. Limited to the first 14 participants.
Monday, May 13, 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 to enjoy books, songs, movement, and more. Storytime is held at the Windsor Branch Library every Monday at 10 AM.
Monday, May 13, 3:30 – 6 PM
STEAM Team: Binary Code Bracelet
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
STEAM Team is a program for children ages 8-12 who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The STEAM Team will have a chance to build fun stuff, be active, make art, and even make a mess! In May, STEAMers will make a bracelet based on the binary code and learn about computer coding.
Tuesday, May 14, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Miller Branch 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, May 14, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Todd Arkyn Crush
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Arkansas author Todd Arkyn Crush will appear at the Main Library to promote and sign copies of his book, From Beneath the Ice, and to talk to others about mental health. Todd Arkyn Crush began his life abandoned at a church as an infant. From there he endured two decades of verbal and neglectful abuse from his adoptive mother. He achieved anyway, only to be knocked down again by the onset of schizophrenia. From Beneath the Ice chronicles Todd’s journey.
Schizophrenia destroyed what he had built with his young family. Disquieted by the horrific actions of another schizophrenic, he departed on a five-year backpacking trip into the wilderness. He almost died several times. Through sheer mental fortitude, the encouragement of his wife, and his passion for running and music, Todd fought back. He now speaks as a voice of hope, inspiration, and education to all who encounter mental illness in any form. Copies of From Beneath the Ice will be available for sale and selling during the event.
Wednesday, May 15, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime – 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, May 16, 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, May 16, 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, May 16, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Open Mic Night
Dewey’s Café, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Poets, musicians, and other talented folks – come join us for this casual, fun event. Just show up, no need to register. Showcase your talent, or just come out to listen and enjoy.
Friday, May 17, 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, May 17, 1 – 2:30 PM
Crafts and Cult Classics: The Princess Bride (PG 1987)
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 The Princess Bride (PG) from 1987 at today’s event.
Saturday, May 18, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Watercolor on the Weekend: Small Format Landscapes
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
This month we will work on our watercolor skills as we paint simple but beautiful small-format landscape scenes. FREE! For ages 13 – adult, with all supplies provided. Limited to the first 14 participants.
Monday, May 20, 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 to enjoy books, songs, movement, and more. Storytime is held at the Windsor Branch Library every Monday at 10 AM.
Monday, May 20, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
LEGO Club
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Kids, Tweens, and Teens are invited to the Main Library to design, create, and build unique creations with the LEGO Club! Everyone loves LEGOs; this event is free and supplies are provided – just bring your imagination!
Tuesday, May 21, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Miller Branch 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, May 22, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime – 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, May 23, 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, May 23, 6 – 7 PM
Meowmaids Craft (for teens and adults)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Using mixed media and your imagination, teens and adults are invited to drop-in and make a meowmaid! All supplies provided while they last.
Friday, May 24, 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, May 24, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Anyone Can Learn to Letter
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Join us each month or pop in when you can as we talk tools, supplies, and practice hand lettering techniques. Free to all adults and all supplies provided. Limited to the first 14 participants.
Tuesday, May 28, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Miller Branch 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, May 28, 2 PM
Hoopla Book Club: Great Expectations
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch has a book club! We are reading Great Expectations by Charles Dickens during the month of May. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, May 28th 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.
Tuesday, May 28, 5:30 PM
Genealogy Writer’s Workshop
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Learn the 5 Parts of a Memoir: Truth, Theme, First Person POV, Voice, Memory, and Musing. Also, the 5 Common Traits of a Successful Memoir! If you missed past Genealogy Writing Workshops and are interested no problem; we will work with you!
Tuesday, May 28, 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, May 29, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime – 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, May 30, 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, May 30, 2 PM
Adult Crafty Corner – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Adults can be crafty, also! Rediscover your creative spark by joining the Miller Branch Library for an easy craft that you’ll be able to take home. This month we will be painting candles!
Friday, May 31, 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
Crafts and Cult Classics:
The Princess Bride (PG –1987) –
Main, 1 – 2:30 PM
