November 2023 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
November 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 from November 1 –
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.
November 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 November. Artwork is available for viewing all hours the café is open.
November 2023
Dinovember Scavenger Hunt
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is celebrating Dinovember with an ext-ROAR-dinary scavenger hunt during the month of November. If you find all the dinosaurs hidden around the library, let one of the library staff members know and you’ll receive a dino-mite prize!
November 2023
Autumn Coloring Stations
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Get into the fall spirit with autumn-themed coloring at the Dallas Street Branch Library. Coloring stations with materials for all ages will be available all hours that the library is open.
Wednesday, November 1, 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, November 2, 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, November 2, 4 PM
Baby Dinosaur Storytime
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is partnering with Dino Blast, LLC for a roaring storytime after school DINO-mite storytime! We will be sharing dinosaur stories and a craft. Afterward, stay to meet and pet Dino Blast LLC’s baby dinosaur! Fun for kids of all ages and families.
Friday, November 3, 10 AM
Dinosaur 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, November 3, 2 PM
First Friday Film: Night and the City (1950 NR)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of Night and the City (1950). This drama, directed by Jules Dassin, stars Richard Widmark and Gene Tierney. A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter. Not rated, this film runs 96 minutes and is intended for an adult audience.
Saturday, November 4, 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, November 7, 1 – 2 PM
Monday, November 6, 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, November 6, 3:30 – 6 PM (drop-in)
STEAM Team: Catapult!
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 November, STEAMers will put their engineering skills to the test and build their own (miniature) catapult.
Tuesday, November 7, 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, November 8, 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.
Wednesday, November 8, 1 – 3 PM
Play-Doh Party
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Play-Doh is a great sensory tool to encourage creative and fine motor skills. Children can build, squish, and explore color and texture at the Miller Branch’s Play-Doh Party from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on November 8th! Caregivers can keep the mess out of their house!
Thursday, November 9, 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, November 9, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Berry Basket Calendar
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Join us as we make a simple, fun calendar to document a line a day of memories for years to come. Make one for yourself or to give as a unique Christmas gift! FREE to all adults and all supplies provided! Limited to the first 16 participants.
Thursday, November 9, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with W. C. Banning: STUFF: Tales from Places
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Local author W.C. Banning will appear at the Fort Smith Public Library to promote and sign copies of his new book, STUFF: Tales from Places. Magic swords, demonic dogs, and malls at the center of the universe are just a few wonders contained in these fantastic pages. STUFF: Tales from Places is a love letter to the pulp novels and short-story collections of the twentieth century, and a peek through the double-glass doors into a new universe of adventures. W.C Banning is a SAG-eligible actor, writer and artist from Fort Smith, AR. He is heavily influenced by the comics and books of his childhood and the fantastic places they took him. Born from this was the Mea Mall universe, which Stuff introduces. Banning lives in Fort Smith with his wife, two children and cadre of dogs and cats where he is the Executive Director of the Fort Smith Writer’s guild. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Friday, November 10, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
16th Annual Black Tie BINGO Gala
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment for a fabulous night of fine dining, exciting BINGO games, and outstanding raffle items in support of the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust. Daren Bobb will be the emcee for the evening and entertainment will be provided by the Don Bailey Jazz Ensemble and the Fort Smith Symphony Quartet. Seating is limited; tickets are available for $150 each. Please contact the library at 783-0229 for tickets or more information or visit www.fortsmithlibrary.org.
Monday, November 13, 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, November 14, 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, November 14, 6 PM
Create Your Own Story: Writing your family story
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Interested in writing your family story? Learn where to begin and the necessary elements of writing your own family story. You’ll also learn tips to bring your story to life at this FREE program presented by the Fort Smith Public Library Genealogy Department.
Tuesday, November 14, 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, November 15, 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, November 16, 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, November 16, 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, November 16, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Recipe Swap: Holiday Recipes
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! This month we will bring our favorite holiday recipes to share. Free and open to all adults.
Thursday, November 16, 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, November 17, 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, November 18, 10 AM – 2PM
Dinosaur 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 dinosaur crafts, in celebration of Dinovember. We provide the supplies; you provide the creativity!
Saturday, November 18, 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, November 18, 11 AM – 1 PM
Beginning Hand Lettering (For adults & teens)
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
You asked for lettering on the weekend, and it’s here! Learn the basics of faux calligraphy in this class packed with tips and techniques for beautiful lettering. FREE and all supplies provided. Open to all adults and teens, but limited to the first 20 participants.
Saturday, November 18, 1 – 3 PM
Bad Art Studio (for Teens and Adults)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Leave your artistic talent at the door and come design a “disaster-piece.” Teens and adults are invited to come and create works of bad art! No artistic experience is necessary, and supplies will be provided while they last.
Monday, November 20, 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, November 21, 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, November 22, 10 & 11 AM
Thanksgiving Storytime– Dallas Branch Library
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Join us for Thanksgiving-themed stories and crafts led by our staff storyteller. This event is for pre-school and elementary school aged children and their caregivers.
November 27 – December 31
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. From November 28th 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.
Monday, November 27, 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, November 27, 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, November 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, November 28, 2 PM
Hoopla Book Club: The Measure
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is starting a book club! We are reading “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick during the month of November. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, November 28th 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.
Tuesday, November 28, 6 – 7 PM
All Aboard the Polar Express!
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Children are invited to wear their pajamas to a very special evening storytime at the Miller Branch Library. We’ll start the night with a reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and follow it up with a fun craft and delicious hot chocolate.
Tuesday, November 28, 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, November 29, 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, November 30, 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, November 30, 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, November 25, 10 AM
Thursday, November 30, 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 will be making wooden ornaments!
