May 2023
May Artist Katelyn Smith – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
An exhibit of original works by Katelynn Smith will be on display at the Miller Branch Library during the month of May. An artist working out of the River Valley, Katelyn has had an innate love for all things art since she was young. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith in 2020. Artwork on display will include screen and letterpress prints, digital art, and drawings, and is available for viewing all hours that the library is open.
Since graduating, Katelyn has worked full-time at the Fort Smith Public Library, where she creates and teaches free art programs for the public. She also does freelance work, and illustrated the children’s book Bad Boy Bartlett by local author Marcus Woodward. You can see more of the artist’s work @katesmithdesigner on Instagram!
May 2023
Dewey’s Café Artist – Scott Smith
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The photography of Scott Smith will be on display at Dewey’s Café though the month of May. The exhibit will feature concert shots, and will be available for viewing all hours the café is open.
May 2023
Get Caught Reading Photo Challenge
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Submit your wildest pictures of yourself reading in unusual or amazing places this month. Did you visit a historic landmark with a favorite book? Attend a concert or performance? Travel someplace new? Share a photo to be entered for a chance to win a Bookish gift card at the end of the month! Email your photos to tdevries@fortsmithlibrary.org and we will display them in the Miller Branch during the month of May.
May 2023
POP Into the Library!
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Need free date night ideas? POP into the Miller Branch Library during the month of May and check out a cookbook (for dinner ideas) and a movie from our “Dinner and a Movie” display and take home a free bag of popcorn!
Monday, May 1, 2023
Seed Catalog: Flower & Vegetable 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 a variety of flower and vegetable seeds that you can plant outdoors. For Library hours and location, visit www.fortsmithlibrary.org.
Monday, May 1, 2023
Season Ticket: Featured Spice Blend-Lebanese 7 Spice Blend
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 Lebanese 7 Spice Blend. 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. Pick up your Season Ticket kit beginning May 1 at the Main Library while supplies last.
May 1 – 13, 2023
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
Monday, May 1, 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, May 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.
Wednesday, May 3, 10 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 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.
Tuesday, May 4, 1 – 5 PM
May the 4th Be With You – Star Wars Origami
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Celebrate Star Wars Day and add a touch of whimsy to your home and have some fun as you create Star Wars origami. Children, teens, and adults can enjoy learning the Japanese art of folding paper.
Friday, May 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, May 5, 2PM
First Friday Film: Separate Tables (1958 – NR)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of Separate Tables (1958). This romantic drama involves several characters who lives become intertwined during their stay at a scenic British seaside resort. The film is directed by Delbert Mann and stars Deborah Kerr, David Niven, Rita Hayworth and Burt Lancaster. Not Rated, this film runs 100 minutes.
Saturday, May 6, 11 – 11:45 AM
Storytime – Windsor Branch Library
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Come to your neighborhood Library on Windsor Drive for Saturday Storytime! This FREE Saturday program offers fun for kids of all ages and their families. Have you been to the Windsor Drive Branch Library? It’s right across the street from Kimmons Middle School. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7, 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. A “non-fiction” sale will be held in August and a “children’s” sale in October. The sale will continue Sunday with all remaining titles ½ price, then book clearance begins Monday, May 8 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 5, 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.
Monday, May 8, 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, May 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.
Wednesday, May 10, 10 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 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.
Thursday, May 11, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Paper Bag Wreath
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
In this month’s Adult Recess, we will learn how to make adorable paper bag flowers and create a fun wreath to take home. FREE and all supplies provided.
Thursday, May 11, 2 – 3 PM
Sit & Stitch
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Do you like to cross stitch, embroider, knit, or crochet? Bring your current project to the Miller Branch on the second Thursday of each month and meet with other crafters like you. Show off what you are working on and maybe even pick up a few tips while mingling. We hope you’ll join us at this program for school-age kids, teens, and adults.
Thursday, May 11, 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 Oblivion’s Child. Nine-year-old Zander sees the outlines of monsters in the darkness. Against his mounting fears, he cannot elude them, nor escape the madness of the day when his mother tried to drown him in the bath. For Zander, his grandmother, and his catatonic Aunt Helen in their beachfront house on the Florida shoreline, the tide has shifted—the tide of a turbulent cosmic sea, its dark currents murmuring chaos. Tommy B. Smith is a writer of dark fiction, award-winning author of The Mourner’s Cradle, Poisonous, the short story collection Pieces of Chaos, and the forthcoming Black Carmenia series. Copies of the Oblivion’s Child, as well as others written by Tommy B. Smith, will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Friday, May 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.
Monday, May 15, 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, May 15, 3:30 – 6 PM
STEAM Team: Shaving Cream Marbling
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 get prepared for the summer reading program by designing their own bookmarks with shaving cream marbling and learn about color theory. Supplies will be provided.
Tuesday, May 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.
Tuesday, May 16, 5:30 PM
Family Fort Night
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Families are invited to the Miller Branch Library for a fun camping-themed storytime. Afterward, families are encouraged to make a reading fort and read together for thirty minutes. Fort building supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own flashlights, blankets, pillows, and anything else you might need to make your fort cozy.
Wednesday, May 17, 10 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 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, May 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, May 18, 10:30 AM -12 PM
Recipe Swap: Salad Recipes
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Are you looking for new recipes? Join us at the Windsor Drive Branch as we chat about food, kitchen tips, and more! This month we will share salad recipes. Is your favorite salad savory or sweet?
Thursday, May 18, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Open Mic Night
Dewey’s Café, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Open Mic is BACK! 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, May 18, 6 – 7 PM
Narcan Training
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Fort Smith Public Library is partnering with Harbor House to offer this free Narcan training to the community. Narcan is essential for anyone who may come into contact with individuals at risk of an opioid overdose, including first responders, healthcare professionals, community members, and family and friends of people who use opioids. Learn the signs of an opioid overdose and training on administering nasal Narcan. This program is free, open to the public, and does not require registration. Participants will receive a free kit that includes nasal Narcan along with instructions.
Friday, May 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.
Friday, May 19, 2 – 3:30 PM
DIY Painted Book Covers
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Take a repurposed book and make it special. Take a blanked-out book cover and turn it into a piece of art to grace your shelves. No registration is required for this free crafting program for adults but is limited to the first 15 participants.
Monday, May 22, 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, May 22, 3:30 – 6 PM
Teen Lounge: Woven Bookmarks
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Get ready to spin a yarn and weave a good tale with this month’s teen lounge! Teens in grades 6th through 12th are invited to come hand weave a bookmark. Be prepared for this year’s summer reading program by designing and weaving a custom bookmark. Supplies and snacks will be provided.
Tuesday, May 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.
Wednesday, May 24, 10 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 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, May 25, 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, May 25, 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.
Friday, May 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.
Tuesday, May 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.
Wednesday, May 31, 10 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.
