Blog Entries

The history of the Fort Smith Public Library has been a hobby/passion/interest of mine since I became library director in 2004. Today’s FSPL began with the opening of the Carnegie City Library on January 1, 1908, the first of what would be four Carnegie libraries in Arkansas. The first librarian was named Starr Weaver. I know from reading the minutes of the library board meetings how hard she worked to open Fort Smith’s first public library.

One of the things I like to do is collect postcards of our library. I like them best when they have messages on them and have been sent throu...

We invite you to bring your little ghosts, superheroes, Barbies, and Blueys to the library for trick-or-treating on Thursday, October 31, 9 AM – 8 PM at the Main Library, and 9 AM – 5 PM at the library branches!  In the meantime, get in the spirit by attending one of our FREE Halloween or autumn-themed programs.  Space may be limited at some programs.  For more details, visit our events page.

Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest

October 1 – October 28 – Main Library

Entry forms available online or at the Main Library

October Cr...

You are invited to help us celebrate Mae and Jon Wellnitz and send them off into retirement with all our best wishes. Join us at the Main Library on Wednesday, September 25, from 2 - 4 p.m. This is a drop-in event, but remarks will be made at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Mae and Jon have been with the Fort Smith Public Library collectively for more than 50 years! Before they leave us, we decided to ask them a few questions. Read on to hear Mae and Jon’s library memories, favorite books, their thoughts on the library, and more.

Q. & A. with Mae ...

You are invited to help us celebrate Ms. Robin and send her off into retirement with all our best wishes. Join us at the Main Library on Sunday, August 18, from 2 - 4 p.m. This is a drop-in event, but remarks will be made at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Ms. Robin has been with the library for more than 17 years. Before she leaves us, we decided to ask her a few questions. Read on to find out what Ms. Robin's favorite books are, her thoughts on the library, and more.

Q. & A. with Ms. Robin

You were a media specialist in a public school bef...

New!  FREE pass to the U.S. Marshals Museum for Fort Smith Public Library card holders.

Through a partnership with the U.S. Marshals Museum, the library now offers a free pass to the U.S. Marshals Museum! The pass is available for check out by library cardholders at the Main Library, and is good for admission for up to 4 people. This pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis and it cannot be reserved. Read on for the “fine print.”

The pass is good for admission for up to 4 people The pass can be checked out by customers age 18 or older The pass is ch...

Do you remember all the fun you used to have at the library when you were a kid?  We have good news for you -- we offer summer fun for all ages at the Fort Smith Public Library!  Adults can learn how to make mocktails, join us for a scrapbooking party, play BINGO, take part in a variety of crafting programs, join a book club, and a whole lot more.  All programs are free but space may be limited at some.  For more details, visit our events calendar.

Explore Your Family History: Land Records

Tuesday, June 4, 5:30 - 7:30 PM - Main Library

Adult C...

Hey Teens!

Ready to read for fun and prizes? Whether you like to read books, e-books, or listen to audiobooks (or all three!) AND like to win stuff, the Adventure Begins at Your Library Teen Summer Reading Program is for you! 

Register on Readsquared

One book (books, e-books, and audiobooks) 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. The more you read, the more chances you’ll have to win. Register and track your reading progress at https://fortsmi...

Are you ready for the Adventure Begins at Your Library summer reading program?

Are you ready to read for fun and prizes? Grab a friend and sign up for the library’s online reading program! It’s easy AND fun! Listeners can earn points by listening to books, and independent readers can earn points for time spent reading. Register, track your progress, play games, and earn badges online at https://fortsmithlibrary.readsquared.com/. Download the READsquared app (available for iOS and Android devices). If you prefer paper, click here for listeners or here for independent readers. Read Full Blog

Adventure Begins at Your Library

Adventure Begins at Your Library is this year’s summer reading theme, and all ages are invited to participate! The Fort Smith Public Library’s annual summer reading program for kids, teens, and adults will begin June 1. The program is one of the many ways the library works to create a community of readers and library users. Through fun themes, activities, and prizes, the summer reading program offers incentives for spending time reading or listening to books. The summer reading program begins June 1 and runs through July 31. Participants can drop by any l...

On Sunday, May 12, we honor the amazing women who have played significant roles in our lives.  From biological mothers to stepmothers, grandmothers to other mother figures, so many women deserve appreciation for their unwavering love and support. Even though Mother’s Day is a one-day celebration, we think that the whole month of May is a great time to bring your mother to the library! Here are some of the fun FREE things you can do with your mother this month.  No registration or library card is needed for any programs or events.

Bring your mother to the library to ...

You most likely already know that there will be a solar eclipse in our area on April 8.  Arkansas has only been in the path of totality for an eclipse two other times in history - in 1834 and in 1918. The next total solar eclipse in the state will be in 2045.  Don’t miss this one! Here are some details that can help make your viewing experience more successful.

FAQs

YES! The Library will be handing out free eclipse glasses beginning March 1 while supplies last (read on for more details).

YES! You need ISO certified eclipse glasses or shades to sa...

February is National Library Lovers' Month.  What’s that you say?  You LOVE the library every month!  In case anyone needs reminding, here are 10+ reasons to love libraries, and especially your library!   

Libraries are FREE (with your library card). Even if you don’t have a library card, most library resources at the library can be utilized without a card for FREE. Libraries are open to everyone. You can take home books, magazines, DVDs, and other materials from the library without having to purchase them. (See how much you’re saving by looking at the...

Happy New Year from all of us at the FSPL!  To me, beginning a new year is much like starting a new book.  As we turn to the first page, we are full of anticipation and excitement for how the story will unfold.  New year, new stories to be told! Whether you are the resolution-making type or not, I hope the Fort Smith Public Library will find a place on your 2024 to-do list.  Visit one of our libraries, attend a program, check out a book.  Spend some time on our website, discover something new, download a movie, search old Fort Smith newspapers, learn a new language!...

 

Whether you are a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not, we think you might agree that you would like to read more this year.  Has your reading habit gotten away from you? Do you have trouble finding the time to read, or are you too distracted by today’s world to concentrate?  Reading is an effective way to quiet and focus your mind, while being entertaining as well.  It also offers health benefits, such as keeping your mind sharp, lowering your heart rate, and even improving the quality of your sleep.  Here are a few reading-related suggestions that may ...

Holiday Open House – Sunday, December 10, 1 – 5 PM, Main Library!

We invite you and your family to celebrate the holiday season with us at our 21st Annual Holiday Open House!  Join us at the Main Library for a festive afternoon of music, crafts, games, stories, holiday displays, light refreshments, and other entertainment for children and adults. There will be special activities to delight all ages throughout the entire afternoon. This Holiday Open House is free to all . . . don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the Holiday Food Drive!

Want more holid...