Fort Smith Public Library Activities


Upcoming Events

May 2013


Library Endowment: We're Having a Party! (May 2nd)
Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale: Spring Edition -- Mostly Fiction! (May 4th)
La Hormiga Cuenta Cuentos: A Storytime in Spanish (May 4th)
Classical Guitar with Terry Everson @ Dewey's Café (May 5th)
Primetime Storytime (May 6th)
Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration @ Windsor (May 7th)
Teen & Tween Book Lover's Club @ Dewey's Café (May 9th)
Graffiti Sidewalk Ark @ Miller (May 14th)
Wizard of Oz Make & Take Crafts (May 15th)
5th Annual Book Lovers Luncheon with Columnist Sharon Randall (May 16th)
An Evening Among Friends with Sharon Randall (May 16th)
Food for Thought: Coach John McDonnell: Book Talk and Film (May 17th)
Steady and F100 on the Appalachian Trail @ Miller (May 18th)
Library2Go: New and Improved (May 24th)
Knit, Stitch, and Crochet Today! (May 28th)

June 2013


Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party (June 1st)
Tommy Terrific's Wacky Magic Show: Magic Dinosaur Dig! (June 1st)

Ongoing Events

FSPL Story Times
Friends of the Library (Twice!) Annual Book Sales (Fiction in May/NonFiction in August)


ArtWork @ the Library

Artwork @ Main Photography by Cat Donnelly (May)
Artwork @ Dewey's Café Contextual: Photography by Tessa Freeman (May)
Artwork @ Miller Miller Branch Artist of the Month: Thuan Tran (May)


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May 2013


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Library Endowment: We're Having a Party!
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Thursday, May 2nd @ Second Street Live; Doors Open @ 6:30p.m.

Join the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment for a fun filled night of food, live music, and drinks at Second Street Live (101 North Second Street in downtown Fort Smith). Entertainment will be provided by The Don Bailey Jazz Ensemble, Alexandra Salamone, Gary Hutchison and the Oreo Blue Trio, each musical group or entertainer will perform a 45 minute concert.

Tickets are available at all library locations $20.00 per person or $35.00 for a couple. Please contact the Main Library at (479)783-0229 for tickets or more information.


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La Hormiga Cuenta Cuentos: A Storytime in Spanish
May 2013 program: Saturday, May 4th @ 2:30p.m.

Nińos de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos GRATIS, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en espańol con la cuenta cuentos Yazmin De La Cruz. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para ofrecer a tu familia.

Kids of all ages and their families are invited to the Main Library for this FREE storytime featuring stories, songs, and other fun activities in Spanish with storyteller Yazmin De La Cruz Grubb. Come and learn about the library and what it has to offer your family.

For more information, please call the Youth Services Department at (479)783-0229, ext. 1131.


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Classical Guitar with Terry Everson @ Dewey's Café
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Sunday, May 5th @ 1:00-3:00p.m.

A special performance by local guitarist Terry Everson will be held at the Café in the Main Library on Sunday afternoon. Everson, a professional musician and acoustic guitar instructor will bring you the sounds of his classical guitar music in a relaxed and fun setting. Come join us for the afternoon!

For more information, please call the Main Library at (479)783-0229, ext. 1126.


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Primetime Storytime
May 2013 program: Monday, May 6th @ 6:00p.m.

Join Ms. Robin and Ms. Shawna for a very foolish storytime! Celebrate April Fool's Day with stories, songs, crafts and snacks! Bring your friends and join us at this FREE family friendly evening story program for kids of all ages.

For more information, please call the Youth Services Department at (479)783-0229, ext. 1131.


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Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration @ Windsor
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Tuesday, May 7th @ 12:30p.m.

Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage with Dr. Takeo Suzuki, Executive Director for International Relations at University of Arkansas Fort Smith. Dr. Suzuki is a Japanese native whose presentation will include history, culture, foods, sports, manga and more about Japan. There will also be a display highlighting the contributions of various Asian Pacifics.

For more information, please call the Windsor Branch Library at 479-785-0405.


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Teen & Tween Book Lover's Club @ Dewey's Café
May 2013 program: Thursday, May 9th @ 4:00p.m.

Tweens (9-12) and teens (13-17) are invited to a new Book Club designed just for you. Bring a book you've already read to share with the group, hang out, and have fun discussing what you've been reading. Bring a friend, too! Snacks will be provided at this fun afterschool event at Dewey's Café.

For more information, please call the Main Library at (479)783-0229, ext. 1126.


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Graffiti Sidewalk Art @ Miller
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Tuesday, May 14th @ 3:00-6:00p.m.

Help decorate the sidewalks of the Miller Branch Library! Anyone who wants to get creative is encouraged to decorate a sidewalk square with chalk. In the event of rain, the program will be postponed to Wednesday, May 15th.

For more information, please call the Miller Branch at (479)646-3945.


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Wizard of Oz Make & Take Crafts
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Wednesday, May 15th @ 4:00--7:00p.m.


Happy Birthday L. Frank Baum! Help us celebrate the birthday of the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz today with a bunch of cool crafts to make and take home. Drop by the storytime room anytime between 4:00-7:00p.m. for this FREE open-house style event for all ages where we will make a heart for the tin man, slippers for Dorothy, and other fun things!

For more information, please call the Youth Services Department at (479)783-0229, ext. 1131.


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5th Annual Book Lovers Luncheon with Columnist Sharon Randall
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Thursday, May 16th @ 11:30a.m.-1:00p.m.

Syndicated columnist Sharon Randall returns to Fort Smith for a luncheon benefiting the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust and Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library. At this event, Sharon will read and talk about some of her favorite columns and take questions from the audience during a special salad luncheon. Autographs and the signing of books will be available at this lunchtime event. Our 5th Annual Book Lovers' Luncheon will be held in the Fort Smith Convention Center Lobby. The cost is $30.00 per ticket or $225.00 for a table of 8; tickets must be purchased in advance and can be purchased at any Fort Smith Public Library location.

Randall's weekly column is read by an estimated 6 million readers in over 400 newspapers. Her column appears each Monday in the Times Record. Her honest, conversational writing style gives readers a feeling of personal connection to her life stories and perspectives. Proceeds benefit the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust and Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library, non-profit groups providing financial and volunteer support for the Fort Smith Public Library.

For more information about this fundraiser luncheon or the evening's book talk OR for tickets to each event, please call the Main Library at (479)783-0229.


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An Evening Among Friends with Sharon Randall
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Thursday, May 16th @ 7:00-8:30p.m.

Syndicated columnist Sharon Randall returns to Fort Smith for an evening book talk benefiting Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust and Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library. At An Evening Among Friends, Sharon will share her perspectives on life, writing, family, friends, grandparenting, and Las Vegas of All Places in this talk at the Main Library. She will also answer questions from the audience. Light refreshments will be served after the event while attendees have the chance to meet Sharon and have her sign copies of her book. The cost is $25.00 per ticket; tickets must be purchased in advance and can be purchased at any Fort Smith Public Library location. Space is limited for this evening program

Randall's weekly column is read by an estimated 6 million readers in over 400 newspapers. Her column appears each Monday in the Times Record. Her honest, conversational writing style gives readers a feeling of personal connection to her life stories and perspectives. Proceeds benefit the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust and Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library, non-profit groups providing financial and volunteer support for the Fort Smith Public Library.

For more information about or tickets to either Sharon Randall event, please call the Main Library at (479)783-0229.


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Food For Thought: Coach John McConnell and Larry Foley -- Book Talk and Film
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Friday, May 17th @ Noon

Join retired University of Arkansas Coach John McDonnell to celebrate the release of the book John McDonnell: The Most Successful Coach in NCAA History by Andrew Maloney and John McDonnell. Emmy award-winning filmmaker Larry Foley will also show his documentary on McDonnell, The Greatest Coach Ever!, and moderate a discussion followed by a book signing.

McDonnell's new biography tells the story of the great coach's life and legacy, from his childhood growing up on a farm in 1940s County Mayo Ireland, to his own running career, to the beginnings of his life as a coach, and to all the great athletes he mentored along the way. John McDonnell was the head coach of the Arkansas Razorback Track-and-Field teams from 1978 until his retirement in 2008, during which time he won an unprecedented forty national championships. He currently spends his time in Fayetteville and on his ranch in Oklahoma.

This event is free and open to the public. Bring your lunch or pick it up at the Library's coffee shop, Dewey's Café! The Library will provide drinks and dessert.

For more information, please call the Main Library at (479)783-0229.


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Steady and F100 on the Appalachian Trail @ Miller
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Saturday, May 18th @ 2:00p.m.

Keith and Linda Geraghty will take the audience on a virtual through-hike of the Appalachian Trail by sharing a slideshow of their experiences. The couple hiked the 2,181 mile Appalachian Trail in 2012. For a preview of their adventure, check out their blog at http://www.keithandlindasexcellentadventure.com/.

For more information, please call the Miller Branch at (479)646-3945.


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Library2Go: New and Improved
SPECIAL May 2013 program: Friday, May 24th @ Noon-2:00p.m.

Did you know that you can download library eBooks, audio books, and videos FREE from Library2Go using your Fort Smith Public Library card? Find out more at this presentation demonstrating the recent changes and improvements made to the Library2Go downloadable media service. Library staff will answer questions and offer hands on help after the presentation. Be sure to bring your E-Reader or portable audio device … if you use a laptop to access Library2Go please bring that along as well.

For more information, please contact the Main Library at (479)783-0229.


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Knit, Stitch, and Crochet Today!
May 2013 program: Tuesday, May 28th @ 4:00p.m.

If you knit, stitch, or crochet--or want to learn, bring your needles, hooks and projects and join this all-ages group for an afternoon of crafting. Yarn, extra supplies, and plenty of help will be available for anyone who wants to learn.

For more information, please call the Youth Services Department at (479)783-0229, ext. 1131.


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June 2013



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Summer Reading Kickoff Party
SPECIAL June 2013 program: Saturday, June 1st @ ALL Library Locations; All Open Hours

Join the Fort Smith Public Library for the Summer Reading Kickoff Party! Read for the FUN of it … there will be prize drawings and refreshments! There's a Summer Reading program for everyone: Kids, Teens, and Adults. All programs are free and open to the public; a library card is not required. Stop by your neighborhood library to sign up for summer fun and entertainment for all ages! Summer Reading runs from June 1st - July 31st.

As a special treat, we will kick off the Summer FUN with three special performances featuring the hugely popular Tommy Terrific's Wacky Magic Show at our branch locations. To help celebrate the beginning of Summer Reading's Dig Into Reading, today's show will have a special theme: Magical Dinosaur Dig.

Branch

Address

Time

Dallas8100 Dallas Street Noon
Miller8701 South 28th Street 2:00p.m.
Windsor4701 Windsor Drive4:00p.m.

How do I get a library card? Anyone who lives inside the city limits of Fort Smith and is age 5 or older is eligible for a FREE library card. Bring ID showing your name (or the parent's name for children) and current street address (driver's license, state ID, or a bill). A parent or legal guardian must apply in person for children ages 5-15. Fort Smith real estate property owners and their families are also eligible for FREE Fort Smith Public Library cards. Ask for details at any library location. People who live outside the city limits of Fort Smith can get all the benefits of a Fort Smith Public Library card for only $35 a year. That's less than 10 cents a day.

For more information, please contact the Main Library at (479)783-0229.


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Storytime @ the Library


Day

Location

Toddler and Story Time Programs

Time

MondaysWindsorStory Time10:00a.m.
TuesdaysMainToddler Time (Ages 3 and under)10:00a.m.
WednesdaysDallasStory Time 10:30a.m.
ThursdaysMainRegular Story Time (Ages 3 and up)10:00a.m.
FridaysMillerStory Time 10:00a.m.


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Friends of the Library Events


Fort Smith Public Library's (Twice) Annual Friends of the Library Booksale
Annual program: 2013 Dates -- Fiction: Saturday, May 4th @ 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.;
Mostly Non-Fiction: Saturday, August 31st @ 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

We've finally done it! Our Annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale has outgrown the space of the Library. So, we are now selling Mostly Fiction in May with a Mostly Non-Fiction Sale in August. In May, Fiction for children and adults will be on sale, along with a selection of music CDs, videos, and books on tape. In August? Non-fiction! The August edition of the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale features thousands of non-fiction selections for adults. Hardbacks and paperbacks from your favorite authors and on your favorite subjects will be available, along with a selection of children's books, videos, and audiobooks. Most paperbacks are 25 cents and most hardback books are $1.00. Better hardbacks are $3.00 - $5.00.

Proceeds from the sale are used to buy library materials and fund library special events and projects. Members of the Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library may come to the exclusive Friends-only Preview Sale on the Friday afternoon preceding the sale from 4:00-7:00p.m. There will be a 25 book limit at the preview sale. Friends of the Library memberships start at $10.00 and will be for sale at the Preview Sale.

And remember...we have an excellent selection of used books for sale year round in our Friends of the Library used book store, Between the Pages, and at ALL of our FSPL branches.

For more information, please call (479)783-0229.


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ArtWork @ the Library


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Artwork @ Main:
May/June 2013 Exhibit: Photography by Cat Donnelly

Photographer Cat Donnelly will display her original work at the Fort Smith Public Library during the months of May and June. Arranged in small vignettes, Cat Donnelly's images represent studies of Ireland, local points of interest, street buskars, metal sculptures, architectural accents, wood, flowers and the aging process of various things. Cat Donnelly is a non-traditional senior at the University of Arkansas with a strong interest in Photography and Art. She has studied abroad in the Writer's Program in Galway, Ireland and currently lives in a Civil War era farmhouse in Durham, Arkansas with her husband, a teenager, a pug, two cats, and twenty-nine chickens.

Be sure to check out the works of Cat Donnelly at the Main Library through May and June. For more information, call the Main Library at (479)783-0229.


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Artwork @ Dewey's Café
May/June 2013 Exhibit: Contextual: Photography by Tessa Freeman

Retired media writer and photographer Tessa Freeman will exhibit her latest photographs in Contextual, a photo exhibit depicting how environment can impact a photo. "Since I don't have studio, I have to make the surroundings work in some way to tell a story in the photo," says Freeman. "I like to make the subjects part of the story, too. That could mean everything from, hair, jewelry and even their tattoos, to places that I find to shoot my models, even props." The photos were all shot in the Fort Smith area with local female subjects. Along with natural light, she also utilizes wireless lighting using Nikon speed lights. "You gotta make the best of what you got when the world is you studio. The sun makes a great light but you have to work around it. You can't shoot anytime you want when you don't have a studio. You have to work with what God gives you. And, thankfully, God gives you lots of resources."

Tessa's photos will be on display in Dewey's Café during the months of May and June. For more information, please call Dewey's Café at the Main Library at (479)783-0229, ext. 1126.


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Artwork @ Miller
May 2013 Exhibit: Miller Branch Artist of the Month: Thuan Tran

Born in Vietnam, Thuan Tran came to America in 1975 and studied art in Iowa. She loves to stay busy and is constantly experimenting with different types of media for her art. Her mixed media display at the Miller Branch reflects daily life in Vietnam. Her original works will be on display through May.

For more information, please call the Miller Branch Library at (479)646-3945.


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This Page Last Updated: 1 May 2013

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