October 2024 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
October 1 – October 28
Pumpkin Decorating Contest – Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Main Library is having a pumpkin decorating contest – without the mess! Pick up an entry form at the Main Library or print off an entry form at https://www.fortsmithlibrary.org/media/document/8368, decorate the paper “pumpkin” as your favorite book character, and return your masterpiece to the library by Monday, October 28th. The winner will be announced on Thursday, October 31st!
October 1 – while supplies last
Take & Make Button Heart Craft
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The Genealogy Department invites you to celebrate Family History Month with our Take and make button heart craft. “Families are like buttons, they hold everything together.” This FREE craft kit for all ages is available in the Genealogy Department at the Main Library while supplies last.
Tuesday, October 1 (while supplies last)
Season Ticket: Zaatat
Main 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 Zaatar. The kit, which will be available at the beginning of the month at the library, will feature a sample of the featured spice along with a recipe. Pick up your Season Ticket kit beginning October 1rd at the Main Library. Supplies are limited; don’t wait to get yours!
Tuesday, October 1, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Now at the Main Library! A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main 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, October 1, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Exploring Your Family History: Maps
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 be exploring ways to use maps in your research. No registration is required for these FREE evening programs.
Wednesday, October 2, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime & Crafts – 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, October 3, 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, October 4, 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, October 4, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Homeschool Enrichment: Artists and Nature Journaling
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
This month we’ll learn about artists who influenced and were influenced by nature journaling. Then we’ll do some cool art inspired by these artists! Open to all area homeschoolers—programs are geared toward 4th-12th grade students, but younger siblings are welcome with an adult. FREE and all supplies provided. * Please note, this event will be in the Community Room at the Main Library.
Friday, October 4, 2 PM
First Friday Film: Leave Her to Heaven (1945) – NR
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this matinee showing of Leave Her to Heaven. The film is about a beautiful but dangerously obsessive woman who will stop at nothing, including murder, to keep the love of the man she desires all to herself. This psychological drama noir stars Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde, and Jeanne Crain. This film runs 110 minutes, is not rated, and is intended for an adult audience.
Saturday, October 5, 11 AM – 12 PM
Saturday Storytime – Windsor Branch Library
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Saturday Storytime is held the first Saturday of the month at the Windsor Drive Branch Library. Join us for books, songs, movement, and more!
Monday, October 7, 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 Library to enjoy books, songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.
Tuesday, October 8, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Now at the Main Library! A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main 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, October 9, 9 AM – 5 PM
October Crafts and Cookies
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Stop by the Dallas Street Branch Library to complete sun fun autumn-themed crafts. Cookies will be served! Free and open to all ages.
Wednesday, October 9, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime & Crafts – 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, October 10, 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, October 10, 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 will talk tools and supplies, and practice hand-lettering techniques. FREE to all adults, and all supplies provided!
Friday, October 11, 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, October 12, 6 – 7 PM
Adult Crafts: Map Paper Moth Art
Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for a creative program where participants will learn how to transform old maps into beautiful decorative moths. No registration required but limited to the first 10 attendees. This program is intended for adults.
Monday, October 14, 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 Library to enjoy books,
songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.
Monday, October 14, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
LEGO Club
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Kids, tweens, and teens are invited to design, create, and build unique creations with LEGO Club! Everyone loves LEGOs; this event is free, and supplies are provided- just bring your imagination!
Tuesday, October 15, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Now at the Main Library! A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main 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, October 15, 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, October 16, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime & Crafts – 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, October 17, 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, October 17, 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, October 17, 2024, 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Bingo for Books: Halloween Edition – Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Bring your family and friends and join the fun in this special Halloween edition of Bingo for Books! Come dressed in your Halloween costume and play BINGO with books as the prizes. Winners will be able to select a book from a selection of children and teen titles. Everyone with a library card will get to choose an extra book!
Thursday, October 17, 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, October 18, 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, October 18, 1 – 2:30 PM
Crafts and Cult Classics: The Little Shop of Horrors (PG-13)
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 Little Shop of Horrors (PG-13). This program is intended for an adult audience.
Friday, October 18, *6:30-8:30 PM
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – R
Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for a night of quirky fun and “absolute pleasure” as we screen the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Don’t dream it—be it at our interactive showing, where audience participation is encouraged (but not required for all you shy Brad Majors out there). The first 20 attendees will receive a free (library appropriate) prop kit and get ready to time warp like a pro. Come dressed up or just bring your quirky self! Movie will start at 6:30PM sharp! The movie is rated R (1 hour and 38 minutes long) and is strictly for those 18 and up. (And please, no throwing things at the librarians!) Capacity capped at 60 attendees for this library afterhours program. No registration required. Free
Saturday, October 19, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Arkansas Genealogical Society Fall Conference Watch Party
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Enjoy the Arkansas Genealogical Society Fall Conference without having to drive to Little Rock. This year’s conference presenter is Cyndi Ingle from Cyndi’s List. Registration is required for this free program. To register, please call 479-783-0229 extension 1181, or register online at https://www.fortsmithlibrary.org/event/arkansas-genealogical-society-watch-party-cyndi-ingle-cyndis-list-22219
Monday, October 21, 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 Library to enjoy books,
songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.
Monday, October 21, 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 October, STEAMers will learn about chemical bonds while making their own spooky slime!
Tuesday, October 22, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Now at the Main Library! A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main 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, October 22, 5:30 PM
Genealogy Writer’s Workshop
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us this month at our Genealogy Writer’s Workshop as we get creative with our books. Design a mood board with your book’s aesthetics. See how to reflect your book on the outside with inspiration from different resources.
Wednesday, October 23, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime & Crafts – 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, October 24, 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, October 24, 2:30 – 4 PM
Fall Crafternoon
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Connect with your crafty side at the Miller Branch Library! Children of all ages and their families can pop in anytime between 2:30 and 4:00 PM to make and take a fall craft (or three) to take home. We provide the supplies, you provide the creativity!
Friday, October 25, 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, October 25 (3:30 – 7 PM), Saturday, October 26 (10 AM – 5 PM), & Sunday, October 27 (1 – 5 PM)
Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale: Children’s and Young Adult!
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Educators, home schoolers, and anyone who loves sharing books with children and teens won’t want to miss the Friends of the Library used book sale featuring ONLY books and media for children and young adults. Thousands of fiction and non-fiction books for children and young adults will be available at bargain prices. Videos and other non-print formats will be for sale too! Come stock up for your home or classroom library. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library which provides supplemental funding for library programs, materials, and much more.
Saturday, October 26, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Adult Recess: Water Color on the Weekend: Celebrate Fall!!
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Join us as we learn watercolor techniques while painting symbols and colors of fall! For ages 13-adult, FREE with all supplies provided. Limited to the first 16 participants.
Monday, October 28, 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 Library to enjoy books,
songs, movement, and more! Storytime is held every Monday at 10:00 AM.
Monday, October 28, 6:00-7:00 PM
Cemetariums for Teens and Adults
Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Teens and adults are invited to create a cemeterium- a spook-tacular craft that’s perfect for October! Supplies will be provided. No registration required but will be limited to the first 25 attendees.
Tuesday, October 29, 10 AM
Wiggle Worms Storytime – Main Library
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Now at the Main Library! A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join the Main 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, October 29, 2024, 2:00 PM
Hoopla Book Club
The Miller Branch has a book club! We are reading The Known World by Edward P. Jones during the month of October. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, October 24th 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
Wednesday, October 30, 10 & 11 AM
Spooky Storytime – Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Get ready for Halloween with a Spooky Storytime for kids at the Dallas Street Branch Library. There will be Halloween-themed stories, crafts, snacks, and other activities! Participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to the event.
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Trick or Treat Your Library
All FSPL Locations
Stop by any Fort Smith Library location for some Halloween fun! Come dressed in your costume and you’ll receive some sweet treats! For library locations and hours, please visit www.fortsmithlibrary.org.
Thursday, October 31, 9 AM – 5 PM
Halloween Crafts and Popcorn
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Stop by the Dallas Street Branch Library to complete sun fun Halloween-themed crafts. Popcorn will be served! Free and open to all ages.
Thursday, October 31, 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.
