September 2023 Events at the Fort Smith Public Library
September 2022, all month
September is B.O.B. (Bring Overdues Back) Month!
All Fort Smith Public Library Locations
Have you been avoiding the library because of an overdue book (or two)? We would like to see you (and our materials!) come back. If you have finally found it under the bed or beneath the car seat, return it during the month of September and we will forgive all fines and other fees associated with that item. To receive credit, items must be returned in person and in good condition at any Fort Smith Public Library location. Help us celebrate B.O.B month during September; Bring Overdue library items Back to the Library, and make coming back to the library a habit for you and your family! Have questions? For more information, call 479-783-0229 during regular library hours.
September 2022, all month
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!
All Fort Smith Public Library Locations
Help celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with the Fort Smith Public Library! Each time you use your library card during the month of September, you’ll be entered to win prizes! The more times you use your library card throughout the month, the better chance you have to win. Don’t have a library card? Fort Smith residents 5 years and older are eligible for a FREE card! For more information on how to apply, see our website: https://www.fortsmithlibrary.org/plan-your-visit/using-the-library/library-cards
September – 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 September 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.
September 2023
Bookmark Decorating Craft
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
In celebration of National Library Card Sign-Up month, the Dallas Street Branch Library will host a bookmark decorating craft. Select a bookmark pattern and decorate it however you wish. This make and take craft that may be completed anytime during regular library hours.
September 2023
Candy Guessing Jar for Kids & Teens
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Children and teens — guess the number of pieces of candy in the candy jar at the service desk for a chance to win a prize. The customer with the guess closest to the number of pieces of candy will receive the candy jar. Customers may submit one guess per day during the month of September.
September 2023
Hispanic Heritage: Make & Take Sombrero
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Visit the Genealogy Department at the Main Library during September to create a Make & Take Sombrero for Hispanic Heritage Month!
(Starting on) Friday, September 1, 2023
Seed Catalog: Greens, turnips, and radish seeds
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning to dabble in gardening, stop by the Miller Branch and grab a seed packet (or two)! In September, we will be handing out various greens, turnips, and radish seeds that you can plant outdoors for your fall garden.
(Starting on) Friday, September 1, 2023
Adopt a Reading Buddy!
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
To celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Miller Branch will have reading buddies that children can adopt. The only criteria required is that the child agrees to read to their reading buddy for 20 minutes every day! To adopt a reading buddy, simply stop by the Miller Branch any time during the month of September.
Friday, September 1, 2023
Season Ticket: Featured Spice Blend – Harissa
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 Harissa. 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 September 1 at the Main Library. Limited supplies.
Friday, September 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, September 1, 2 PM
First Friday Film: Dodsworth (1936 NR)
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Join us for this month’s matinee showing of Dodworth (1936). This drama directed by William Wyler features Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton and Paul Lukas. The film is about retired auto manufacturer and his wife who take a long-planned European vacation only to find that they want very different things from life. Not rated, this film runs 101 minutes and is intended for an adult audience.
Saturday, September 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.
Tuesday, September 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.
Wednesday, September 6, 9 AM – 5 PM
DIY Origami Bookmark
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Drop by the Windsor Drive Branch Library and celebrate National Read A Book Day by making an origami bookmark. Sign up for a library card and check out a book while you’re at it!
Wednesday, September 6, 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, September 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.
Friday, September 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.
Saturday, September 9, 1 – 2 PM
Adult Crafts: Owl Rocks
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Join us for this fun program where we turn simple rocks into fun and adorable painted owls. No registration required but limited to the first 15 attendees.
Monday, September 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, September 12, 5:30 – 6:30 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, September 12, 2023, 4:00 PM
Artist Trading Cards (ATC) Basic
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
Learn everything you need to know about creating artist trading cards. You can keep them or trade them with people around the world. You don’t have to be an “artist” to make artist trading cards; they are fun to make at any age and skill level. Materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring any pictures or craft supplies that you may want to use. This month our theme will be books, in honor of September being Library Card Sign-Up Month.
Thursday, September 12, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
BINGO for Books: Library Edition
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Description: It’s National Library Card Sign-Up month, so bring your family and friends and join the fun in this special library edition of Bingo for Books! Play BINGO and earn books as your prize. Winners will be able to select a book from a selection of children and teen titles. Everyone with a library card will get to choose an extra book!
Tuesday, September 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, September 13, 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, September 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, September 14, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Adult Recess: Ring Thing Mini-Journal
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Combine creativity and fun as we make cool book ring art journals! You can make your ring things as elaborate or simple as you like–we’ll have all the tools, supplies, guided technique demos, and creative inspiration you need! FREE to all adults and all supplies provided. Limit 16. Thursday, September 14, at 10:30 AM. FREE to all adults and all supplies provided! Limited to the first 16 participants.
Friday, September 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, September 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?
Monday, September 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, September 18, 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, September 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.
Wednesday, September 20, 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, September 21, 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, September 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.
Thursday, September 21, 10:30 AM -12 PM
Recipe Swap: Mexican Cuisine
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 celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with our favorite Mexican cuisine!
Thursday, September 21, 4 – 6 PM
Teen Lounge: Letter Writing
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Sculpt out some time to visit this month’s Teen Lounge! Teens in grades 6th through 12th are invited to come make a trinket tray, a small figure, or anything else that you and your imagination can create. Supplies and snacks are provided.
Thursday, September 21, 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, September 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.
Friday, September 22, 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, September 23, 11 AM – 1 PM
Paperpalooza! (For adults & teens)
Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith (479-785-0405)
Paperpalooza!! Let your creativity go wild as we pull out all the paper and supplies for a Saturday paper crafting extravaganza! Try out supplies and new techniques. We’ll have guided demos available and all supplies provided for this FREE event for adults and teens.
Saturday, September 23, 1 – 2 PM
Adult Crafts: Perler Bead Dinos
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Relive your childhood with this fun and simple craft as we turn perler beads into fun dinosaurs. No registration required but limited to the first 15 attendees.
Sunday, September 24, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Friends of the Library Chocolate Festival
Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith (479-484-5650)
Chocolate – Chocolate – Chocolate! The Friends of the Fort Smith Library will turn the Dallas Branch Library into a Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of sorts as an abundance of chocolate drips throughout the building. Local clubs, businesses and individuals will offer their favorite chocolate samplings to the chocoholics of Fort Smith. Tickets to the festival are $10 for six tastes of chocolate; price includes a to-go-box. Tickets may be purchased at the event or in advance at all FSPL locations and on the library website at www.fortsmithlibrary.org.All proceeds from the Chocolate Festival will be used by the Friends of the Library for special materials and programs at the Library. Helping out never tasted so good!
Monday, September 25, 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, September 25, 3:30 – 6 PM (drop-in)
STEAM Team: 3-D Paper Portraits
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 make 3D paper portraits while learning about the importance and history of portraits.
Tuesday, September 26, 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, September 26, 10 AM
Hoopla Book Club: Writers & Lovers
Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith (479-646-3945)
The Miller Branch is starting a book club! We are reading “Writers & Lovers” by Lily King during the month of September. Join us for a discussion about the book on Tuesday, September 26th 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, September 26, 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, September 27, 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, September 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, September 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, September 25, 10 AM
Thursday, September 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, September 28, 4 – 6 PM
Authors in the Afternoon with Judy Harrington & Bill Wilwers
Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (479-783-0229)
Local authors Judy Harrington and Bill Wilwers will appear at the Fort Smith Public library to promote and sign copies of their books Frozen Secrets (Harrington) and Murder in Weldon Woods (Wilwers). Judy Harrington is an author from the Fort Smith area who enjoys writing in various genres. At present, she has published two Sci-Fi novels—A.B.I.L. and A.B.I.L. Returns and her latest murder mystery Frozen Secrets. She is currently working on the third book in her Sci-Fi series and a psychological thriller named Animal Instincts.
Bill Wilwers, an Arkansas resident for 60 years, created a fictional small town (Hurlin, AR) and writes about its (often quirky) populace and events at various times in the latter half of the twentieth century. He’s written four books, his latest being Murder in Weldon Woods. Hurlin’s mayor has been murdered, and the Sheriff’s Office reaches out to a wheelchair-bound ex-detective who, in turn, hires a female investigative journalist with anger issues to assist him. Can the duo solve the crime before the killer sets his sights on them? Can the growing attraction between the two be resolved? Many twists and turns put roadblocks in their path. Copies of the books will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event.
Friday, September 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.
