May 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 May.

May 1 – 10, 2025

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

Thursday, May 1, 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 2, 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 2, 2 PM

First Friday Film: Ace in the Hole (NR 1951) 

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

Join us for this matinee showing of Ace in the Hole. This drama is about a cynical journalist who exploits a tragedy in a New Mexico mine to resurrect his career, only for his ambition to lead to disastrous consequences. Starring Kirk Douglas and Jan Sterling, the film runs 111 minutes, is not rated, and is intended for an adult audience. Free.

Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025

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 2, 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 3, 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.

Saturday, May 3, 1 – 2:30 PM

Crochet Club

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

Crochet Club is a welcoming place for beginners to learn the basics and for experienced crafters to work on their projects. Members can share ideas, tips, and inspiration in a supportive environment. It’s a great way to connect, create, and improve your skills together—no registration and free to attend.

Monday, May 5, 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 6, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library Library

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

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 7, 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 8, 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 8, 10:30 AM

Watercolor: Florals and Mushrooms

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

Come join us this month as we paint beautiful watercolor flowers and fun mushrooms! FREE and all supplies provided.  Open to all adults; limited to the first 14 participants.

Thursday, May 8, 4 – 6 PM

Authors in the Afternoon with Jalissa Carter

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

Fort Smith author Jalissa Carter will appear at the Main Library to promote and sign copies of her new book, Wedlope: Wine-Infused Poems for Weddings & Elopements.  The book is a heartwarming collection of poems celebrating love, marriage, and relationships. With a mix of narrative, descriptive, romantic, and nostalgic odes, this book captures the essence of love in all its forms. Inspired by the author’s own experiences officiating elopements in Arkansas through Wedlope, this book offers a unique and intimate perspective on love and commitment. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Jalissa Carter is a new resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she’s excited to share her love of wine and words with the community. With credentials in wedding planning, Jalissa is now turning her attention to the world of wine. She holds a WSET certification and is honored to be releasing her book at the Fort Smith public library, where she hopes to share the intimate ceremonies that sparked her inspiration

Friday, May 9, 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 12, 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 12, 1:30 – 2:30 PM

BYOR (Bring Your Own Romance) Book Club

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

BYOR Book club will be a place where everyone can celebrate love in literature. From Amish bonnet rippers to dystopian Harlequin romances, we are here to see stories end happily ever after or have hearts torn and tears shed. Everyone reads their own selection of Romance, and we come to regale and share! We will also have light refreshments.

This program is suited for an adult audience.

Monday, May 12, 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 13, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library Library

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

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 13, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

DNA Discoveries

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

The Genealogy Department invites you to a series of FREE monthly classes to discuss, explore, and understand our DNA from a variety of webinars relating to genetic genealogy.  No registration or library card is required for these free evening programs.

Wednesday, May 14, 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 15, 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 15, 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 15, 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 16, 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 16, 10:30 AM

Homeschool Art Enrichment: Watercolor Trees, Leaves, and Greens

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

Mixing natural-looking greens with watercolor can be challenging! Homeschoolers, join us as we learn how, and then learn to paint a variety of trees and leaves.  Free and all supplies provided.  Geared toward 4th grade and up, but younger siblings welcome with adult. **Note: This event will take place in the Community Room at the Main Library.

Saturday, May 17, 10:30 AM – 12 PM

Celebrate Macra-MAY at the Windsor Branch!

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

Join us for a beginning macramé class where you’ll learn the fundamentals of macramé, including basic knots and techniques. By the end of the session, you’ll create a beautiful macramé project that you can take home. Free and all supplies provided. No experience necessary – perfect for beginners!

Saturday, May 17, 1 – 2:30 PM

Crafts and Cult Classics: – The Big Lebowski (R)

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

Join us for a 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 Big Lebowski (1998) and it is rated R. This program is intended for an adult audience and is free.

Monday, May 19, 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 19, 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 May, STEAMers will learn about the respiratory system by making lung models!

Tuesday, May 20, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library Library

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

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 20, 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, May 20, 6 – 7 PM

Adult Crafts: Pet Collages

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

Create unique pet collages inspired by the artwork of Denise Fielder! Using old book pages and other creative materials, craft a one-of-a-kind portrait of your furry friend. Join us at the library for a fun and artistic session—no experience needed! No registration is required.

Wednesday, May 21, 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 22, 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 23, 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 23, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

After Hours Film: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 (PG-13)

Main 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, enjoy snacks, and collect some fun swag. Root for your favorite team. We will be watching the fourth film of the saga, Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 (2011). This after-hours event is perfect for teens and adults who want to dive into the Twilight saga together.

Saturday, May 24, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Handmade Paper Shadowboxes

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

Come join us as we make adorable paper boxes and the flowers, birds, and butterflies to fill them! FREE with all supplies provided. Open to teens and adults; limited to first 16 participants.

Tuesday, May 27, 10 AM

Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library Library

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

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 27, 2:00 PM

Hoopla Book Club: Demon Copperhead

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

The Miller Branch has a book club! We are reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver in May. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, May 27, at 2:00 PM. The ebook or 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 27, 2025, 4:00-4:30 PM

Storytime with the FSPD

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

Join us at the Main Library for a special afternoon storytime featuring a member of the Fort Smith Police Department! Afterward, stick around and ask the officer any questions you might have regarding their job.

Tuesday, May 27, 6:00-7:00 PM

Bingo for Books (for Adults!)

Main 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

Wednesday, May 28, 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 29, 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 30, 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