Blog Entries

It’s time for the Friends of the Library membership drive!  If you are already a member, we thank you for your participation and hope you will use this time to renew your membership and encourage your friends and family to join also. If you are not a member, we would like to share with you just a few of the programs and projects Friends of the Library members have funded and perhaps you will want to join our group of library supporters.

 

Among the many and varied things funded by Friends of the Library are:

Supplies, Prizes, and incentives for kids, ...

Celebrate Black History Month by revisiting some of our favorite stories! Watch the storytimes below to learn about about the lives, history, and culture behind this amazing and important celebration. Have fun discovering our diverse collection, and, after watching, come by any library location to find more wonderful books to honor Black History Month this February. 

Click on any book cover below to watch the storytime on FSPL's YouTube page. 

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February is Black History Month. By celebrating, we honor the generations of African Americans who have faced adversity as they fought for full citizenship in the United States. To commemorate both the struggles and successes of these generations, why not learn more about some of the influential people of the civil rights movement? Begin with John Lewis, a notable civil rights activist who later served as a congressman for Georgia. Watch John Lewis: Good Trouble on Hoopla or check out the graphic novel series March to see learn about his journey and work for civil rights.  Read Full Blog

Baby storytime is BACK at the Miller Branch!  Bring your wiggle worms ages 0-24 months to a fun and interactive storytime every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. 

 

Why baby storytime? Reading stories to children helps to grow and nurture imagination.  As you read to them, children can envision the stories in their minds however they choose to!  This builds creativity and their capacity to imagine. Storytimes help to enhance listening, focus, and social skills.  Even if your child doesn’t sit still for the duration of the program, you are h...

Winter is getting closer, but how can you tell when winter is here? You may see birds flying south, but where do frogs, caterpillars, and slugs go when the temperature drops? Do you know which animals love the cold weather and which would rather nap all winter long? Before bundling yourself up to go play in the snow, pick up one of these books to find out the answers and learn more about the coolest season! 

To check the availability of an item in the library's catalog, click on the book cover. 

For an extra special winter treat, click here to watch Ms. Robin r...

Escape the cold with these warm reads! 

As winter gets nearer and the temperature drops lower, some of us are looking for ways to stay warm. After wrapping up in a cozy blanket and grabbing a mug of hot cocoa, why not choose a book to help you escape the cold? Set in warm places, filled with lots of sunshine, secrets, and heart-warming moments, the books below are a wonderful way to run from the chilliness outside. 

To check the availability of an item in the library's catalog, click on the book cover.

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Join us for Friday storytimes at 10:00 a.m. at the Miller Branch!  Mrs. Melanie has been teaching children since 1985 and has been leading the Friday storytime at the Miller Branch since 2014.  Children that have attended her storytimes over the years have adored her sweet manner, fun stories, and creative crafts – she always has a fun and interactive storytime to share! 

 

We thought it would be fun for Mrs. Melanie to answer a few questions for us:

What is your favorite children’s book? 

Mrs. Melanie: “My...

What do you think of when you hear the word library? 

You may think of shelves filled with books, computers, or a quiet place to study. What else could the library offer? It may come as a surprise, but libraries are for so much more than just studying and reading! 

Besides books and DVDs, did you know that the Fort Smith Public Library provides access to some amazing digital resources? One of those can even help you pass your upcoming driving test. With the Arkansas Driving Tests database, you have free access to the state driving handbook, practice written tests, tip...

We are excited to announce that we are once again serving sandwiches for lunch Monday - Friday at Dewey's Café!  We currently have ingredients for the following sandwiches on hand: Bacon, Lettuce, & Tomato ($7.00), Chicken Salad ($7.00), Classic Club ($7.50), Classic Grilled Cheese ($6.50), Ham ($7.00), P.B. & J. ($6.50), Turkey ($7.00) and Veggie Wrap ($7.50).  All sandwiches are served on white, wheat, or croissant, and include chips and a pickle.  We have also added some new snacks, and still have your favorite drinks.  You can see our full food menu here, and...

 

 

Are you getting ready to head back to school?  We have a lot of excellent books for you to read that will get you prepared!  If you'd like to check the availability of a book in our catalog, simply click on the book cover below.

 

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Hey Teens! 

Ready to read for fun and prizes?  Whether you like to read books, e-books, or audio books (or all three!) AND like to win stuff, the Teen Summer Reading Program is for you! There are oceans of possibilities for you at the Fort Smith Public Library beginning June 1st, so make plans to participate.

SRP is Online

Like last year, the teen summer reading program is online! One book equals 100 points.  For every 100 points you earn, you'll be entered into a weekly drawing for a gift card AND earn an entry into the end-of-summer grand prize drawing....

Are you ready to read for fun and prizes?  

Are you ready for the Oceans of Possibilities summer reading program?  Dive in and sign up for the library's online reading program!  It's easy and fun!  Starfish Listeners can earn points by listening to books, and Dolphin Readers can earn points for time spent reading.  Register, track your reading progress, play games, and earn badges online at https://fortsmithlibrary.readsquared.com/.  Download the READsquared app (available for iOS and Android devices).

For more information,...

Happy Star Wars Day! 

May the 4th – or Star War’s Day - is a special day for Star Wars fans.  The title is a play on the words, “And may the force be with you!” that originated from the first movie, Star Wars: A New Hope.

FUN FACT: Do you know when the first instance of May the 4th being used as a Star Wars pun was?  Margaret Thatcher was elected as the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister on May 4, 1979 and her political party took out an advertisement with the London Evening News saying, “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie.”  Since then, the pun and celebration...

During March, women across history are recognized for their contributions to art, music, science, activism, and so much more. Women from around the world are also celebrated during International Women's Day on March 8th. This month, we recognize women like actress-turned-spy Josephine Baker, sensational artist Frida Kahlo, and even inspiring women of today like Emma Watson and Chloe Kim. 

Interested in learning about some incredible women and their historical contributions? Why not try watching a documentary on Kanopy like RBG, a look into the l...

National Poetry Month began in April 1966 and was introduced by the Academy of American Poets.  It serves as a reminder of the vast role that poetry plays in our culture and that poetry is important.  The month has grown into the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of people participating!

You can celebrate National Poetry month with children by exploring rhymes, songs, and verse.  Check out some of these recommended books in verse and start engaging your children in poetry.  If you'd like to check the availability of a book in our ...