December 2023 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
December 1 – December 31, 2023
FSPL Holiday Food Drive
All Fort Smith Public Library Locations
Help out local families in need by donating to this year’s Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Food Drive.
One in five people in our area are struggling, one in three rural Arkansas children live in food insecure homes. Drop off your non-perishable food items at any Fort Smith library location through
December 31. Donations will be accepted all hours that the library is open; all food collected will be given to the Community Clearing House to help the hungry in the Fort Smith area.
December 2023
The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas!
All Library locations
Honor someone special while sharing your love of reading by donating to the Fort Smith Public Library’s The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas fundraiser. Through December 31st, individuals may visit any Fort Smith Public Library location to choose a book to add to the library’s collection in honor or memory of someone special. Children’s books are a $10 donation; adult books are a $25 donation. Proceeds from the Perfect Gift fundraiser will go to the library’s materials fund to be used for the purchase of new library materials. For more information, call the library at 479-783-0229 or visit the library’s web site at www.fortsmithlibrary.org.
December 2023
Dewey’s Café Artist – Jim Barber
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
An exhibit of photographic works by Jim Barber will be on display at Dewey’s Café during the month of December. Artwork is available for viewing all hours the café is open.
December 2023
Christmas Card Craft
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Stop by the Dallas Street Branch Library and make a Christmas card for your family or friends! Use your creative talents and our supplies to decorate and personalize your card. This activity is open to all ages all hours that the library is open.
December 1 – 23
Gift Wrapping Station
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Need a spot to wrap a gift for a loved one? Stop by the Main Library and visit our gift wrapping station. We’ll have paper, bows, and everything else you’ll need to wrap a present. Supplies available all hours that the library is open.
Friday, December 1, 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, December 1, 2 PM
First Friday Film: It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947 NR)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947). This drama directed, by Roy Del Ruth and staring Charles Ruggles, Don DeDefore, and Ann Hardingfeatures two homeless men who move into a mansion while its owners are wintering in the South. Not rated, this film runs 116 minutes and is intended for an adult audience.
Saturday, December 2, 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, December 2, 1 – 2 PM
Adult Crafts: Scandinavian Doodle Flowers
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this creative hour of fun when we make cute Scandinavian doodle flowers. No registration is required, but limited to the first 15 attendees.
Monday, December 4, 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.
December 4 – 10, 2023
Friends of the Library Rare, Vintage, & Collectible Book Sale
Monday (12/4) 12 PM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday (12/5 – 12/8) 12 PM – 5 PM
Saturday (12/09) 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday (12/10) 1 – 5 PM
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Just in time for the holidays, book lovers will find a broad assortment of books in this special sale including rare, vintage, and collectible titles. A range of topics are represented including art, religion, history, and much more with publication dates ranging from the 1800s to present. A list of the books included in the sale will be available at the sale and on the library’s website at www.fortsmithlibrary.org by December 1. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Friends of the Library.
Monday, December 4, 3 – 5 PM
National Cookie Day Craft & Snacks
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
It’s National Cookie Day! Drop by the Youth Services Department anytime between 3 – 5 pm to join in the celebration. Supplies will be available for you to create your unique paper cookie. Afterward, enjoy cookies and juice, and check out a book or two about cookies! No registration is required for this fun and free event, so grab your friends and family and join the fun!
Tuesday, December 5, 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, December 5, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Lynette Harris Denton: God and Me
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Local author Lynette Harris Denton will appear at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies of her book, God and Me, a book of devotionals that inspires the reader in cultivating a connection to God through scripture and personal life experiences, through prayer and practical application. The author lives in the foothills of the Ozarks with her husband of over 46 years, Larry. They are blessed with an adult son, Dakotah, and daughter-in-law, Cassie. Lynette enjoys long drives on the winding roads in the mountains with her husband, often making stops at antique shops along the way. Copies of God and Me will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event, along with copies of her two books for children, Christmas Greeting, My Little Friend, and Noah’s Ark Coloring Book.
Wednesday, December 6, 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, December 7, 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, December 7, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Christmas Palooza!!
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Let your creativity go wild as we pull out all the paper and supplies for a Christmas crafting extravaganza! Try out supplies and new techniques while making cards, tags, or even handmade gifts. We will have guided demonstrations available and all supplies provided for this FREE event for adults. Limited to the first 16 participants.
Thursday, December 7, 6 PM
A Capote Christmas
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch Library invites you to an enchanting evening with their holiday program, A Capote Christmas. The program will include readings of two entertaining Truman Capote autobiographical short stories that focus on the author’s childhood. Anita Paddock, retired Miller Branch Manager and author of Blind Rage will begin the program by reading A Christmas Memory. Cody Walls, Director of Theatre with the Community School of the Arts, will then share One Christmas. Light refreshments will be served.
Friday, December 8, 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
Sunday, December 10, 1 – 5 PM
21st Annual Holiday Open House
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Celebrate the holiday season when the entire Fort Smith Public Library staff opens the doors of the Main Library for a festive afternoon of music, crafts, games, stories, holiday displays, light refreshments, and other entertainment for children and adults. There will be special activities to delight all ages throughout the entire afternoon. This Holiday Open House is free to all . . . Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the Holiday Food Drive!
Monday, December 11, 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, December 12, 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, December 12, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Jim Kreuz & John Lehnen Homes With History
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Local authors Jim Kreuz and John Lehnen will make a special appearance at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies of their new book, Homes with History. The book contains early stories of over 200 iconic homes in Ft Smith along with photos – present and past. Forty of the homes come with interior pictures, and a separate chapter is included featuring all seven of the Fay Jones designed homes. Copies of Homes with History will be available for sale and signing at the event ($25 for soft cover, $60 for hard cover).
Jim Kreuz is a chemical engineer who retired to Fort Smith with his wife Kelle, in 2017. They both stay occupied restoring old homes in the community. John Lehnen is a fifth generation Fort Smithian who enjoys studying the many interesting buildings in Fort Smith.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 6:00 PM
A Very Grinchy Storytime
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Join Cindy Lou and the Grinch while they read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss at the this special evening program at the Miller Branch Library. Holiday songs and a grinchy craft will also be shared. No registration is necessary for this fun and FREE program!
Tuesday, December 12, 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, December 13, 10 & 11 AM
Merry Christmas! Storytime – Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Join us for Christmas-themed stories and crafts led by our staff storyteller. This event is for pre-school and elementary school aged children.
Wednesday, December 13, 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Hot Chocolate at the Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Celebrate National Cocoa Day at the Dallas Street branch library. Stop by from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and receive a free cup of hot chocolate!
Thursday, December 14, 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, December 14, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Rosyln B. Wilder: Empyreal Nights
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Local author Rosyln B. Wilder will appear at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies of her new book, Empyreal Nights. Growing up in her secluded community in the Garden of Eden, Iris heard myths about monsters outside. As a princess it was her job to put them to the test when her homeland starts mysteriously dying. Upon venturing out, Iris and her group of companions face unimaginable terrors worse than any of the myths, but a group of angels known as the Watchers come to their aid. The handsome leader, Orion, disagrees with Iris about what they should do, and it seems like the two would always be at odds. But neither are prepared for their alliance to fan the embers of what can exile the Watchers—love. Roslyn Beth Wilder was raised in southwest Arkansas and she’s been spinning faraway stories ever since. She received her B.A. in English from Henderson State University. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys playing The Legend of Zelda, binge watching true crime documentaries, reading, traveling, and working in the Library’s Genealogy Department. Roslyn currently lives in northwest Arkansas with her son and two cats, and dreams of her next adventure. Copies of Empyreal Nights will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Friday, December 15, 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, December 16, 11 AM – 1 PM
Game On!
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Let’s play some games! Add some FUN to your Saturday with Game On! Team games, board games, video games, which will YOU choose?
Saturday, December 16, 11 AM – 1 PM
Watercolor on the Weekend: Holiday Tags
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Take your holiday gifts to the next level with beautiful and unique hand-painted watercolor tags! We will provide all the supplies for this FREE event for adults and teens. Limit 20.
Monday, December 18, 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, December 18, 10:30 AM
Monday Morning Movie: Abominable (PG)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Come enjoy a movie on Monday morning! Abominable takes audiences on an epic 2,000-mile adventure from the streets of Shanghai to the breathtaking Himalayan snowscapes. When teenage Yi encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin and Peng, name him “Everest” and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish, a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara to help Everest get home. Feel free to bring your snacks and a covered drink or pick up something in Dewey’s Café. (PG, 97 minutes)
Tuesday, December 19, 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, December 19, 2 PM
Hoopla Book Club: A Castel in the Clouds
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch Library is starting a book club! We are reading “A Castle in the Clouds” by Kerstin Gier during the month of December. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, December 19th at 2:00 PM. The audiobook is 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, December 19, 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, December 20, 9 AM – 5 PM
Cookies and Christmas Crafts
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Get into the holiday spirit with some cookies and Christmas-themed crafts at the Dallas Street Branch Library. Cookies and crafts will be available all day, while supplies last.
Wednesday, December 20, 10 & 11 AM
Happy Holidays! Storytime – Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Join us for holiday-themed stories and crafts about visiting friends and family for the holiday season led by our staff storyteller. This event is for pre-school and elementary school-aged children.
Wednesday, December 20, 12 – 3 PM
Bad Art
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Come join us for a drop-in, freestyle craft event at the Miller Branch Library and make some BAD art! Everyone in attendance will have access to a variety of craft and art materials, so you can make something truly one of a kind. At the end of the program, we will put the masterpieces on display for a Bad Art Exhibit that will run through the end of December.
Thursday, December 21, 10 AM
A Very Merry Christmas 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, December 21, 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.
Friday, December 22, 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
Wednesday, December 27, 10 & 11 AM
New Year’s Storytime – Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Join us for New Year’s themed stories and crafts led by our staff storyteller. This event is for pre-school and elementary school aged children and their caregivers.
Thursday, December 28, 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, December 28, 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, December 25, 10 AM
Thursday, December 28, 2 PM
Adult Crafty Corner – Miller Branch Library
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Adults can be crafty, also! Rediscover your creative spark by joining the Miller Branch Library for an easy craft that you’ll be able to take home. This month we be showing you how to make a braided octopus out of yarn.
Friday, December 29, 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
