February 2023 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
In-person library programming is contingent on safe community COVID-19 Levels. The library uses data from the CDC to determine public health measures in our facilities.
February 2023
Miller Branch Artist of the Month: Heather Bryant
The Miller Branch’s artist for the month of March, Heather Bryant, will be displaying book fold art. What began as a unique gift idea in July 2021, has blossomed into a creative hobby for Heather. Make time to see this distinctive art display this month!
February 2023
Across America with Photographer Jim Anderson
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
An exhibit of photographic works by Jim Anderson featuring the beauty of America will be on display at the Main Library through the end of February. Jim is a school teacher by trade and a photographer of the natural landscape as a hobby. He has traveled and photographed in all 50 states always looking for natural settings and natural lighting. Jim’s award-winning photographs can be seen at local banks and law offices as well as exhibits in several State Park in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Jim’s photographs are also on display at the Arkansas Welcome Center on Interstate 40. Artwork is available for viewing whenever meetings are not being held in the community room.
February 2023
Dewey’s Café Artist – Photography by 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 February. Enjoy images of the natural landscape, including Will’s favorite subject, the night sky and astrophotography. Every picture tells a story; come experience Will’s stories through his lens.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Season Ticket: Featured Spice Blend-Advieh
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 Advieh. 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 February 1 at the Main Library while supplies last.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Bird Seed Packet Giveaway
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Stop by the Windsor Branch Library and pick up a free bird seed packet during February, National Bird Feeding month, in preparation for The Great Backyard Bird Count. https://www.birdcount.org/ Packets will be available starting on February 1st until supplies run out.
February 1 – 14, 2023
Make a Valentine Craft
Dallas Street Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Use your skills and imagination to make your own Valentine card for that special someone in your life. This is a free do-it-yourself activity for all ages at the Dallas Street Branch Library. All materials will be provided. For Library Hours, visit www.fortsmithlibrary.org
Wednesday, February 1, 10 AM
Groundhog Day 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. This week’s Storytime will celebrate Groundhog Day!
Thursday, February 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, February 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, February 3, 2PM
Black History Film Matinee: The Learning Tree (1969 – PG)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Fort Smith Public Library celebrates Black History month with our Black History Month Movie Matinee. Films featuring black actors or directors will be shown at 2 PM each Friday in February. This week’s feature is The Learning Tree, a bittersweet and idyllic story about a year in the life of a 14-year-old Newt Winger, born into a poor black family in Kansas, who learns about love, fear, racial injustice, and immorality. This film from 1969 is rated PG and runs 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Take & Make – Book Page Heart Garland
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Pick up this take & make kit and make your own book page heart garland. Available at Main Library; supplies are limited.
Monday, February 6, 10 AM
Storytime – Windsor Branch Library
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Enjoy the magic of reading with Children’s Librarian, Louise Turner, as she brings books to life with storytime. 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, February 6, 3:30 – 5 PM
African American Read-In
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
The Windsor Drive Branch Library will host an African American Read-In to celebrate Black History Month. This event for all ages will feature books and excerpts from books, written by African American authors. Enjoy a piece of cake and punch while you listen!
Tuesday, February 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, February 7, 4 – 5:30 PM
Teen Lounge: Valentine’s Day Cards
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Hey Teens! Need a card for a friend, family member or other special someone? If you’re in 6th-12th grade, grab a friend, and come to the library to create your one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day card. Supplies and snacks will be provided.
Tuesday, February 7, 7 PM
Virtual Trivia Night!
Facebook LIVE
Join us (virtually) for a few rounds of trivia fun! Test your knowledge variety of topics from books, popular culture, music, and more on Facebook LIVE!
www.facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary
Wednesday, February 4, 10 AM
Valentine’s Day 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. This week’s Storytime will feature a Valentine’s Day celebration!
Thursday, February 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, February 9, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Happy Mail!
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Help beat the winter doldrums and spread some love this month with Adult Recess: Happy Mail! We will get creative with fun things to send the mail, tuck in a backpack or lunch sack, leave on a pillow, or drop off on a friend’s front porch.
Friday, February 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, February 10, 2PM
Black History Film Matinee: Love Jones (1997 – R)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Fort Smith Public Library celebrates Black History month with our Black History Month Movie Matinee. Films featuring black actors or directors will be shown at 2 PM each Friday in February. This week’s feature is Love Jones, a romantic drama starring Larenz Tate, Nia Long, and Isaiah Washington. This film from 1997 is rated R, and runs 1 hour 49 minutes.
Monday, February 13, 10 AM
Storytime – Windsor Branch Library
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Enjoy the magic of reading with Children’s Librarian, Louise Turner, as she brings books to life with storytime. 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, February 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, February 14, 3:30 PM
An Afternoon with Author Anita Paddock
Join us for a special afternoon with author Anita Paddock. Author of the popular books Blind Rage, Closing Time, and Cold Blooded, Anita’s brand-new true crime release is The Killing Spree: A True Story of a String of Brutal Murders, Rapes, and the Cop who Tried to Stop It. The author will discuss the book and the writing process beginning at 3:30 PM. Copies of The Killing Spree, and other books by the author, will be available for sale and signing at the event. Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, February 15, 10 AM
“Opposites” 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. This week’s Storytime will be all about “opposites”!
February 15 – 21, 2023
Mardi Gras Mask Craft
Dallas Street Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Use your skills and imagination to make your own Mardi Gras Mask. This is a free do-it-yourself activity for all ages at the Dallas Street Branch Library. All materials will be provided. For Library Hours, visit www.fortsmithlibrary.org
Thursday, February 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, February 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, February 16, 10:30 AM -12 PM
Recipe Swap: Heart Healthy Recipes
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
February is American Heart Month! Join us at the Windsor Drive Branch for Recipe Swap as we share heart healthy recipes!
Friday, February 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, February 18, 2PM
Black History Film Matinee: Harriet (2019 – PG-13)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Fort Smith Public Library celebrates Black History month with our Black History Month Movie Matinee. Films featuring black actors or directors will be shown at 2 PM each Friday in February. This week’s feature is Harriet, the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. This film from 2091 is rated PG-13 and runs 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Saturday, February 18, 2023, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Black History Month Celebration
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Help celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, February 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Miller Branch. The program will include educational crafts for children and a presentation by Patricia Porter, a missionary to Africa for over 40 years. Discussions will include African history, including famous African inventors, and there will be traditional African clothing and fabric on display.
Tuesday, February 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.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 6:30 PM
Snow time Storytime & Snowball FIGHT!
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
No snow? No problem! Join the Miller Branch for a couple of snow stories and a snowball fight with plush snowballs in the library!
Wednesday, February 22, 10 AM
Pets 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 This week’s Storytime will feature pets!
Wednesday, February 22, 4 – 6 AM
Authors in the Afternoon with Jade Lawson
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Writer Jade Lawson will appear at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies her children’s book, Going to the Circus For My Birthday. Written by Jade at only 4 years old, this is a story of a little girl named Jade who had the adventure of a lifetime when she got to go to the Circus on her 4th birthday. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Thursday, February 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, February 23, 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! We’ll talk tools and supplies, and practice techniques of hand lettering. FREE and all supplies provided.
Thursday, February 15, 2 AM
Thursday, February 23, 2 PM
Crafty Corner – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Adults can be crafty, too! Rediscover your creative spark by joining the Miller Branch Library for an easy craft that you’ll be able to take home.
Thursday, February 23, 3:30 – 6 PM
STEAM Team
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 February, STEAMers will create a kaleidocycle- a paper sculpture where science, math, and art meet.
Thursday, February 23, 6:30 PM
Healthy Hearts, Healthy Women
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
February is American Heart Month! Learn how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, know your risk factors, recognize warning signs, and more at this free program all about women’s heart health presented by Mercy interventional cardiologist Dr. Priyanka Sanon. Refreshments will be served and there will be a drawing for door prizes.
Friday, February 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, February 24, 2PM
Black History Film Matinee: Nothing But A Man (1964 – NR)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Fort Smith Public Library celebrates Black History month with our Black History Month Movie Matinee. Films featuring black actors or directors will be shown at 2 PM each Friday in February. In this week’s feature, Nothing But a Man, a black man and his school-teacher wife face discriminatory challenges in 1960’s America. This film from 1964 is not rated, and runs 1 hour 35 minutes.
Saturday, February 25, 2 PM
Black Heritage Celebration featuring Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join the Fort Smith Public Library for the annual Black Heritage Celebration; an inspiring, informative, and entertaining celebration of African American history and heritage. This year’s all-ages event will feature magician Tommy Terrific’s educational magic show about the African-American scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver. The show will feature magic tricks related to his promotion of peanuts, sweet potatoes and much, much more. Throughout the show, Tommy Terrific will explore the products, inventions, and accomplishments of the “Wizard of Tuskegee,” George Washington Carver. This show does not contain any actual peanut products, and it is great educational entertainment for children of all ages. A display of library materials related to African American history and heritage will also be featured at this special Black History event.
Monday, February 27, 10 AM
Storytime – Windsor Branch Library
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Enjoy the magic of reading with Children’s Librarian, Louise Turner, as she brings books to life with storytime. 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, February 27, 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Knit Keychains: Adult Crafting program
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Learn to make your own knitted keychain. No registration is required for this free crafting program for adults, but is limited to the first 10 participants.
Tuesday, February 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, February 28, 6 – 7 PM
BINGO for Books (for Adults!)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
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!
