August 2023 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
August 2022, all month
Bottled Water Drive for the Next Step Day Room
All Fort Smith Public Library Locations
A bottled water drive for the Day Room at Next Step Homeless Services will be held during the month of August at all Fort Smith Public Library locations. Bottled water is essential for homeless clients, especially those unsheltered. As we face much warmer weather, staying hydrated remains a daily challenge for the homeless. Cases of individual-sized bottles (16 ounces) are desired; feel free to drop off your donations at your neighborhood library. The Next Step Homeless Services opened in Fort Smith in 2002, and remains a leader in homeless services in the community providing supportive housing, a Day Room and a resource center for homeless individuals. Next step cases managers with backgrounds in social service work help homeless clients seek solutions to homelessness through individual case management with direction toward self-sufficiency. For Library hours and location, visit www.fortsmithlibrary.org.
August 2023
Dewey’s Café Artist – Gary Udouj
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
The photography of Gary Udouj will be on display at Dewey’s Café though the month of August. The exhibit will be available for viewing all hours the café is open.
August 2023
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
August 9th commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. Visit the Genealogy department all month long to see how you can support these communities.
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Season Ticket: Featured Spice Blend – Herbes de Provence
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 Herbes de Provence. 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 August 1 at the Main Library. Limited supplies.
Tuesday, August 1, 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, August 1, 1 PM
Fish of Arkansas with Arkansas Game and Fish
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Join an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission staff member as we learn about the fish of Arkansas, their habitat, how they camouflage themselves, and about the different varieties. We will also make a fish craft that each youth can take home!
Wednesday, August 2, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime & Crafts – Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Bring the kids to enjoy stories and crafts every Wednesday this summer. Each week will have a fun different theme! Storytime will be offered at both 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Wednesday mornings at the Dallas Branch this summer until the beginning of the school year.
Thursday, August 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, August 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, August 4, 2 PM
First Friday Film: While the City Sleeps (1956 NR)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of While the City Sleeps (1956). This film noir directed by Fritz Lang features stars including Vincent Price, John Drew Barrymore, Ida Lupino and others. The movie is about a serial killer in New York City who is preying on beautiful women which prompts the new media company owner to offer a top job to the senior executive who uncovers the earliest scoops on the case. Not rated, this film runs 100 minutes and is intended for an adult audience.
Saturday, August 5, 10 AM – 5 PM
Celebrate libraries with books about libraries, reading and books!
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
There are lots of great books that feature libraries and other bookish themes. Do you have any favorites? Stop by the main library and peruse our display of literary related titles for adults, teens, and children, and let us know which ones are your favorites.
Saturday, August 5, 10 AM – 2 PM
Potluck Craft Day
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Exercise your creative talents and try your hands at several different easy crafts at the Dallas Street Branch Library. Several crafting options will be available using different art mediums. Just like a potluck meal, the crafts will have variety.
Saturday, August 5, 10 AM – 2 PM
Game Day Saturday
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Come hang out, relax, and play a board game or two at the Miller Branch every Saturday during the month of August. All ages are welcome to play while the library is open: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 5, 11 AM – 4 PM
Craft Closet Cleanout
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Calling all crafters! Did you miss a crafting program and wish you had a second chance? You’re in luck! Drop in and see what crafts you may have missed during our Craft Closet Cleanout. Supplies are provided.
Saturday, August 5, 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. 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 Storytime is held the first Saturday of the month at the Windsor Drive Branch Library.
Saturday, August 5, 1 – 3:30 PM
Back to the 80s Trivia & Costume Contest
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Do you miss the 80s? Do you wish you had been born earlier so you could miss the 80s? No problem! Put on your best 80s gear and join us for an afternoon of 80s fun! Grab some free food and play some fun 80s trivia. Costume contest will follow with the top three receiving prizes. The bigger the hair, the flashier the pants, the better!
Monday, August 7, 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, August 7, 4:30 – 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, August 8, 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, August 8, 10 AM
Fort Kids Pop Up: Story Cubes
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is partnering with Fort Kids for this fun program! Join us to learn how to make story cubes and then use them to create imaginative stories.
Tuesday, August 8, 6 – 7:30 PM
Socrates Café (for adults)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Come and participate in a monthly friendly philosophical discussion with other adults who are interested in learning through questioning and reflecting with others in open-minded dialogue, using the Socratic method. During our Socrates Cafe gatherings, attendees propose questions for the topic of the night, which are then put to a democratic vote to determine the subject of the evening’s discussion. Once the topic is chosen, the conversation takes off! If necessary, a skilled moderator is appointed to gently guide the conversation. Our meetings take place every second Tuesday of the month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Carnegie Room.
Wednesday, August 9, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime & Crafts – Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Bring the kids to enjoy stories and crafts every Wednesday this summer. Each week will have a fun different theme! Storytime will be offered at both 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Wednesday mornings at the Dallas Branch this summer until the beginning of the school year.
Thursday, August 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, August 10, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Embossed Aluminum Art
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Did you know you can make beautiful art from disposable aluminum pans? Join us at August’s Adult Recess and make your own masterpiece! FREE to all adults and all supplies provided! Limited to the first 20 participants.
Friday, August 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.
Friday, August 11, 1 – 3 PM
LEGOS for Adults
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Why should kids have all the fun? Adults — enjoy a creative and relaxing hour making LEGO creations. We provide the Legos and you bring the imagination.
Saturday, August 12, 10 AM – 2 PM
Game Day Saturday
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Come hang out, relax, and play a board game or two at the Miller Branch every Saturday during the month of August. All ages are welcome to play while the library is open: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 12, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Adult Crafts: Ebru (Turkish Water Marbling)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Learn the about Ebru (Turkish Water Marbling) and make your own cool piece of art. No registration required but limited to the first 15 attendees.
Monday, August 14, 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, August 15, 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, August 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!
Tuesday, August 15, 6 PM
Evening Pirate Storytime
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is celebrating Arrr-gust being International Pirate Month. Join us for a special evening pirate storytime and craft. Afterward, stay and meet a real parrot named Mecca!
Wednesday, August 16, 10 & 11 AM
Storytime & Crafts – Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Bring the kids to enjoy stories and crafts every Wednesday this summer. Each week will have a fun different theme! Storytime will be offered at both 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Wednesday mornings at the Dallas Branch this summer until the beginning of the school year.
Wednesday, August 16, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Supernatural (TV Series) Trivia
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Join us for a few rounds of trivia about hit tv show Supernatural! Play solo or up to 4 on a team. Prizes will be given.
Thursday, August 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, August 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, August 17, 10:30 AM -12 PM
Recipe Swap: National Sandwich Month
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! Bring your favorite sandwich recipe as we celebrate National sandwich Month!
Thursday, August 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, August 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.
Saturday, August 19, 10 AM – 2 PM
Game Day Saturday
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Come hang out, relax, and play a board game or two at the Miller Branch every Saturday during the month of August. All ages are welcome to play while the library is open: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, August 21, 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, August 21, 3:30 – 6 PM
Teen Lounge: Letter Writing
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Come write in and discover the lost art of letter writing! This month’s Teen Lounge includes fun resources for writing letters and the joys of snail mail. Supplies and snacks will be provided.
Tuesday, August 22, 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, August 23, 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, August 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, August 24, 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.
Friday, August 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.
Saturday, August 26 (10 AM – 5 PM) & Sunday, August 27 (1 – 5 PM)
Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale: Non-Fiction!
3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
The Friends of the Library used book sale is bigger and better than ever! Shop thousands of non-fiction selections for adults including hardbacks and paperbacks from your favorite authors and on your favorite topics. Most paperbacks are 50 cents and most hardback books are $1. The sale will continue Sunday with all remaining titles ½ price, then book clearance begins Monday, August 28 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, August 25, 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.
Saturday, August 26, 10 AM – 2 PM
Game Day Saturday
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Come hang out, relax, and play a board game or two at the Miller Branch every Saturday during the month of August. All ages are welcome to play while the library is open: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 26, 11 AM – 1 PM
Watercolor on the Weekend!
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Join us for Watercolor on the Weekend! This month’s class is all about color – mixing colors, choosing the perfect colors for your project, and using color theory to get it all just right! FREE to all adults and teens, and all supplies provide! Limited to the first 20 participants.
Monday, August 28, 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, August 28, 3:30 – 6 PM (drop-in)
STEAM Team: Sun Catchers
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 August, STEAMers will get creative and make a sun catcher while learning about light, energy, and the sun in this drop-in program.
Tuesday, August 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, August 29, 10 AM
Hoopla Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is starting a book club! We are reading “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt during the month of August. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, August 29th at 2:00 PM. The ebook and audiobook are both 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, August 30, 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, August 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.
Thursday, August 31, 2 PM
Adult 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.
