April 2024 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
April 2024, all month
Fort Smith Public Library Pet Food & Supply Drive for Fort Smith Animal Haven
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
All locations of the Fort Smith Public Library will hold a pet food and supply drive for Fort Smith Animal Havenduring the month of April. The shelter relies heavily on donations to better the care and treatment of all animals within their shelter. Items on their wish list include; kitty litter, dog and cat treats, wet kitten and puppy food, large dog food, hard cat food, cat and dog toys, Tide pods, bleach, vinyl gloves, paper towels, blankets, towels, paper plates or bowls, plastic spoons and forks, dawn dishwashing liquid, harnesses of all sizes, and hard-cover carriers large and small. Bring your donations to any Fort Smith Public Library location during the month of April and help out a pet in need!
April 1 – 30
Adventure Begins at Your Library Book Mark Contest
All Library Locations
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Show off your creative talents! In preparation for the 2024 Adventure Begins at Your Library Summer Reading Program, you’re invited to create a bookmark featuring a fun adventure. All ages are encouraged to join the fun.
One winner will be chosen from four age categories (5 years & younger, 6-11 years, 12-17 years, and 18 years and older). The winning bookmarks will be printed and available at all library locations this summer.
Visit any FSPL location to pick up an entry form. You may also download a form here. All entries are due by Tuesday, April 30th at 5:00 PM and may be turned in at any FSPL location. Entries may also be scanned and emailed to: tdevries@fortsmithlibrary.org.
April 2024
Dewey’s Café Artist – Diana Elkins
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The photography of Diana Elkins will be on display at Dewey’s Café though the month of April.
April 1
Season Ticket: Featured Spice Blend- Manzanillo
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 Manzanillo. 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 April 1 at the Main Library. Supplies are limited; don’t wait to get yours!
April 1
Seed Catalog
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 April, we will be handing out various vegetable seeds.
Monday, April 1, 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, April 2, 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, April 2, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Exploring Your Family History
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 focus on researching vital statistics. Learn where to locate the birth, marriage, and death dates of your family members, and find out what other information these documents can provide. No registration is required for these FREE evening programs.
Wednesday, April 3, 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, April 4, 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, April 5, 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, April 5, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Homeschool Enrichment: Acrylic Paint
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us this month at the Main Library as we learn about acrylic paint and make a fun art project! Also, Shawnee Tichener from the Sebastian County Extension Office will be talking with us about how to enter the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair Creative Art Competition. Geared toward 4th-12th grade students, but younger siblings are welcome with an adult. FREE and all supplies provided.
Saturday, April 6, 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.
Sunday, April 7 – while supplies last
Take & Make Craft: Paper Roses
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Pick up this take and make kit and make this simple yet beautiful set of roses. Kits will be
available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.
Monday, April 8
Solar Eclipse – All Fort Smith Public Library locations closed
All Fort Smith Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, April 8, so that employees may experience this once-in- a-lifetime event with their families and friends and to minimize the impact of traffic congestion and other disruptions on them. We hope you have a safe and magnificent eclipse viewing experience too!
Tuesday, April 9, 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, April 9, 6 – 7 PM
Adult Crafts: Paper Succulents
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Come and learn how to make a cute paper succulent to have as a decoration or give as gift.
All materials will be supplied. No registration is required but will be limited to the first 12
attendees.
Wednesday, April 10, 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, April 11, 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, April 12, 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, April 12, 2 PM
Friday Film: Kes (NR 1969)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of Kes, a British drama directed by Ken Loach, depicting a young boy named Billy who finds solace in training a kestrel amidst the challenges of working-class life in Yorkshire, England. Not Rated, this film runs 112 minutes.
Friday, April 12, 1 – 5 PM
National Library Week: Reading Rocks
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Celebrate National Library Week at the Miller Branch by making a pet rock! Your new pet doesn’t need anything except for you to read to it! Try to read to it for a minimum of 20 minutes every day!
April 14 – 21 (all open hours)
Plant & Seed Swap
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)Is your garden becoming a little overgrown, or do you have too many seeds to plant? Bring plants/seeds to share or swap. Our swap table will be setup at the Main Library near the main desk from April 14 – 21. Feel free to drop off and pick up! In the spirit of sharing, if you take one, please leave one. Please also label your plants/seeds. Also, put plants in a container or seeds in an envelope. Plants must be pest free and healthy.
Monday, April 15, 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, April 15, 3:30 – 6 PM
STEAM Team: Make a Kite!
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 April, STEAMers will make their own kite out of a recycled mailer while learning about recycling and the science behind kites.
Monday, April 15, 6 – 7 PM
Adult Crafts: Hanging Crepe Paper Wisteria
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this free evening crafting program and learn how to make this cute and trendy, inspired hanging crepe paper wisteria décor. All materials will be supplied. No registration is required but will be limited to the first 10 attendees.
Tuesday, April 16, 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, April 17, 9 AM – 5 PM
Spring Crafts & Cookie Day
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Enjoy some fun spring-themed crafts at the library! Cookies and popcorn will also be served. This is a free make and take activity for all ages at the Dallas Street Branch. Stop by while supplies last! All materials are provided.
Wednesday, April 17, 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
Wednesday, April 17, 3 – 5 PM
Friendship Bracelets
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Are you excited about Taylor Swift’s upcoming album? Get prepared for the album release by making friendship bracelets at the Miller Branch Library! Make a friendship bracelet for a friend or to wear yourself! This event is intended for ages 10 and up.
Thursday, April 18, 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, April 18, 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, April 18, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Caroline Jennings
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Local author Caroline Jennings will appear at the Main Library to promote and sign copies of her book of poetry, Stop and Smell the Fractals (and Everything in Between). The book explores the connection between mathematics and poetry, focusing on patterns within the natural world and in everyday perceptions of life. Accessible to non-mathematicians and even self-defined “math-haters,” the works in this collection carry the reader through the human experiences of grief, peace, dissonance, joy, and everything in between, highlighting patterns within oneself and in one’s surroundings. The collection is narrative, confessional, and (hopefully) something everyone can relate to. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at this drop-in event.
Caroline Jennings’ poems have appeared in The Diamond Line, Tupelo Quarterly, Black Moon Magazine, and elsewhere. A native of Arkansas, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Arkansas, both of which influenced this collection.
Thursday, April 18, 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.
Thursday, April 18, 6 – 7 PM
Pom Pom Panda Craft (for teens and adults)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Teens and adults are invited to come create a pom pom panda! Using yarn and felt, you’ll get to create your own pocket-sized panda.
Friday, April 19, 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
Saturday, April 20, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Lettering on the Weekend: Mastering Tricky Connectors
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Interested in learning beautiful hand lettering? Join us at the Windsor Drive Branch as we work on improving our lettering skills by mastering some of the trickiest lettering combinations. This class is geared toward all skill levels, beginner and beyond. FREE and all supplies provided. Open to all adults and teens.
Saturday, April 20, 1 – 2:30 PM
Crafts and Cult Classics: Goonies (PG 1985)
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 Goonies (PG) from 1985 at today’s event.
Monday, April 22, 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, April 22, 4 PM
Smokey Bear Birthday Party
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Help us celebrate Earth Day and Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday! The Miller Branch Library and the Fianna Hills Garden Club are teaming up for this fun event! Forest Ranger Alex Wright will begin with an interactive Smokey Bear presentation, followed by birthday cake in honor of Smokey! You can also participate in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge! Stop by the branch anytime during the month of April and pick up a Smokey Bear Reading Challenge paper log. When the log is filled, turn it back in (through May 31st) for a prize.
Monday, April 22, 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, April 23, 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, April 23, 5:30 PM
Genealogy Writer’s Workshop
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
What makes a memoir stand out? You will be working on developing your stand-out sentence and writing your opening paragraph. Narration, exposition, dialogue, and description will be discussed. If you missed past Genealogy Writing Workshops and are interested no problem; we will work with you!
Tuesday, April 23, 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, April 24, 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, April 25, 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, April 25, 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 making designer birdhouses!
Friday, April 26, 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, April 26, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Paint a Reusable Tote!
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
In observance of Earth Month, join us at the Windsor Drive Branch as we paint a unique reusable tote bag. Free! Open to all adults, with all supplies provided. Limited to the first 12 participants.
Saturday, April 27, 10 AM – 2 PM
Drug Take Back Day at the FSPL Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Safely dispose of unused or expired medications at the Main Library on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. as the library joins over 250 sites across Arkansas participating in Arkansas Drug Take Back Day. ID is not required and no questions will be asked. Medications will be destroyed in an environmentally safe manner, protecting drinking water, pets, and other people from the negative effects of flushing or pouring medications down the drain or throwing them in the trash. This event is a partnership between the Fort Smith Public Library and the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force.
Saturday, April 27 10:30 AM
The Lovely Fruit Fairies Storytime
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
You are invited to a special storytime! Feel free to come dressed as your favorite fairy or fairytale character and enjoy a reading of The Lovely Fruit Fairies read by the authors. We’ll have a fairy tea-time along with a craft for this free and fun event!
The Lovely Fruit Fairies celebrates all the fairies who live any place where fruit and berries may grow. The illustrations include and celebrate fairies with disabilities, reminding us that every one of us is beautiful and worthy of friendship! For more information, please visit FayeHedera.com.
Monday, April 29, 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, April 30, 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, April 30, 2 PM
Hoopla Book Club: The Nightingale
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch has a book club! We are reading “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah during the month of April. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, April 30th 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, April 30, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Día Celebration! Children’s Day/Book Day
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
You are invited to a celebration! El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration of children, families, and reading! It will be a fun evening with bilingual storytimes, crafts, and snacks. Each child will also receive a book. See you there! ¡Estás invitado a una celebración! El día de los niños/El día de los libros, comúnmente conocido como Día, es una celebración para los niños, las familias y la lectura. Será un festejo divertido con cuentos bilingües, manualidades y refrigerios. Cada niño también recibirá un libro. ¡Nos vemos allí!
