October 2023 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
October 2023
Celebrate Family History Month
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
October is Family History Month. Every family has a story, find yours! Celebrate Family History Month in the Genealogy Department at the Main Library. You can also visit the Genealogy Department online at https://www.fortsmithlibrary.org/research-explore/research/genealogy.
October 2023
TeenTober: Book vs. Movie
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Teens! Celebrate TeenTober by voting which is better: the book or the movie. We know you have an opinion! Come by the Youth Services department anytime during October to put a sticker marking your choice. Happy TeenTober!
October 2023
Dewey’s Café Artist – Jim Anderson
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
An exhibit of photographic works by Jim Anderson featuring the beauty of America will be on display at Dewey’s Café during the months of October and October. Jim is a school teacher by trade and a photographer of the natural landscape as a hobby. He has traveled and photographed in all 50 states always looking for natural settings and natural lighting. Jim’s award-winning photographs can be seen at local banks and law offices as well as exhibits in several State Park in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Jim’s photographs are also on display at the Arkansas Welcome Center on Interstate 40. Artwork is available for viewing all hours the café is open.
Monday, October 2, 2023
Season Ticket: Featured Spice Blend – Tandoori Masala
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 Tandoori Masala. 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 October 2 at the Main Library. Limited supplies.
Monday, October 2, 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, October 2, 3:30 – 6 PM (drop-in)
STEAM Team: Lava Lamps
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 channel their spooky side by making homemade lava lamps. Come learn about chemical reactions and density in this fun activity!
Tuesday, October 3, 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, October 4, 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, October 5, 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 5, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Darneisha Airhart: Louder & Funnier: Alphonso Trent and His Orchestra
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Local author Darneisha Airhart will appear at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies of her book, Louder & Funnier: Alphonso Trent and His Orchestra. This book for young people is a musical, poetic, and whimsical picture book, telling a historical tale of jazz and small town success. Ms. Airhart’s works include the chap poetry book: ‘Wild and Whirling Words,’ her short story “Here Come the Cousins” published in ‘Writing Our Lives: A Southern Storytellers Anthology IV’, and Darneisha’s poem titled, “The Same Way,” issued in ‘Ebony Jr. Magazine’ when she was 12. She shared her poetry in front of an audience, for the first time in 1996 in New York City’s famous Nuyorican Poets Café. A graduate of Fort Smith Northside High School and University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Louder & Funnier: Alphonso Trent and His Orchestra is her first published children’s book. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Friday, October 6, 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 6, 2 PM
First Friday Film: The Whisperers (1967 NR)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of The Whisperers (1967). This drama is directed by Bryan Forbes and start Edith Evans. The film features an elderly Mrs. Ross who lives alone in her meager flat, scraping by on government assistance even as she claims to have great wealth. After finding stolen money, she is victimized, making it necessary for her to find her support in her declining years. Not rated, this film runs 101 minutes and is intended for an adult audience.
Saturday, October 7, 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, October 7, 1 – 2 PM
Adult Crafts: Book Page Pumpkins
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Join us for this fun program where we take paperbacks and turn them into pumpkins. No registration required but limited to the first 15 attendees.
Monday, October 9, 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, October 9, 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 10, 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, October 10, 5 PM
Beginning Floral Design (for adults)
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Join the Miller Branch for a special evening program on October 10th at 5:00 p.m. and learn how to make a simple fall floral arrangement. We will be focusing on how to make a beautiful display with items you can find around your house.
Tuesday, October 10, 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, October 11, 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, October 12, 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 12, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Doodle Weaving
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Doodle weaving is a fun, low-stress way to make beautiful, unique art using yarn and fiber scraps. Join us as we learn how to make one-of-a-kind pieces, perfect for home décor or gifting. FREE and open to all adults, with all supplies provided. Limited to the first 16 participants.
Friday, October 13, 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 13, 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, October 14, 10 AM – 12 PM
Author Visit & Book Signing with Sue Frizzell
Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Fort Smith author Sue Frizzell will appear at the Windsor Drive Branch Library to promote and sign copies her book, On the Necessity of Love and Beauty: Selected Poetry,
Like Resetting Diamonds: Selected Translations of Hermann Hesse’s Brilliant Poetry, and
Walking the Poet’s Path: Selected Poetry. Sue Ann Hamiter Frizzell, a poet and independent language scholar, lives in Fort Smith, AR, USA. Copies her books will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Saturday, October 14, 1 – 2 PM
Adult Crafts: Miniature Plastic Canvas Paintings
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Join us for this program where we use plastic canvas & yarn and turn them into miniature pieces of art. No registration required but limited to the first 12 attendees.
Monday, October 16, 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, October 17, 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, October 17, 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 18, 10 & 11AM
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.
Wednesday, October 18, 4 – 4:30 PM
TeenTober: Kumihimo Friendship Bracelets
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Teenagers – have fun creating after school! Swing by the Miller Branch Library and learn how to make Kumihimo friendship bracelets out of embroidery floss at this teen-led program. All materials will be provided.
Wednesday, October 18, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Walking Dead Trivia
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Join us (in person!) for a few rounds of trivia about the hit TV show Walking Dead! Play solo or up to 4 on a team. Prizes will be given to the winners!
Thursday, October 19, 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 19, 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 19, 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 20, 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 20, 1 PM
Perennials That Pack a Punch
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Fianna Hills Garden Club and the Miller Branch Library will host a presentation with Randy Forst, Extension Education and Consumer Horticulturist for the U.A. Division of Agriculture in Little Rock. The discussion will focus on planting weather-hardy perennials.
Saturday, October 21, 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, October 21, 1 – 2 PM
Make a Cemeterrarium! (for Teens and Adults)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Teens and adults are invited to create a cemeterrarium- a spook-tacular craft that’s perfect for October! Supplies will be available while they last.
Monday, October 23, 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, October 24, 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, October 25, 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 26, 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 26, 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, October 25, 10 AM
Thursday, October 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, too! Rediscover your creative spark by joining the Miller Branch Library for an easy craft that you’ll be able to take home.
Thursday, October 26, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Linda Laughlin: How The Wise Old Owl Got His Name
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Local author Linda Laughlin will appear at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies of her book How The Wise Old Owl Got His Name. Part one in the “Lessons with Wise Old Owl” series, this book for young people includes beautiful illustrations created by oil landscape painter Sandra Diafazio, and a glossary of phonetics and definitions for key words. The book will encourage readers to embrace self-acceptance and explore the world around them. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Linda has spent her adult life in Fort Smith. In addition to having published to romance suspense novels, Linda has written a bi-weekly column on regional authors for the Times Record Newspaper. Copies of How The Wise Old Owl Got His Name will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Friday, October 27, 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 27 – Sunday, October 29
- Friday, 3:30 – 7 PM
- Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday, 1 – 5 PM
Friends of the Library annual Used Book Sale: Children’s and Young Adult!
3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Educators, homeschoolers, 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 28, 10 AM – 2PM
Halloween Crafts
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 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to make and take Halloween crafts. We provide the supplies; you provide the creativity!
Saturday, October 28, 11 AM – 1 PM
Watercolor on the Weekend: Brush Stroke Basics (For adults & teens)
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
In this workshop we will talk all about brushes – choosing brushes, which brush to use when, basic brush strokes, and putting it all together with hands on exercises. FREE and open to all adults and teens, with all supplies provided. Limited to the first 16 participants.
Monday, October 30, 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, October 31, 2023
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.
Tuesday, October 31, 9 AM – 5 PM
Halloween Craft
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Stop by the Dallas Street Branch Library to complete a fun Halloween themed craft for kids!
Tuesday, October 31, 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, October 31, 2 PM
Hoopla Book Club: The Last House on Needless Street
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is starting a book club! We are reading “The Last House on Needless Street” by Catriona Ward during the month of October. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, October 31st 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.
