Advocate

Woman and Young Girl Reading in Book

Turn your passion for the library into action: act, write, and share your story.

You can help support the Fort Smith Public Library, and all libraries, by using your voice to share with the media and decisionmakers how libraries positively impact your life.  

Ways to Advocate

Become a member of the Friends of the Library

Who are the Friends?  The Friends of the Library are people like you who believe in and support the Fort Smith Public Library as a valuable community resource.  The Friends is a not-for-profit organization (501(c)3) that raises funds through its membership and book sales to provide programming, materials, and equipment that fall outside the regular budget allocations of the library.  Want to join?  Fill out the online membership form.

Become a Library Trustee

The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall direction and management of the Fort Smith Public Library.  The Trustees are citizens of Fort Smith appointed to five-year terms by the Mayor with the approval of the Fort Smith Board of Directors.  Applications are available on the City of Fort Smith website.
 

Contact local legislators

Take the time to contact your city leaders, state legislators, Governor Hutchinson’s office, and your U.S. senators and representatives by calling, mailing, or emailing them.  Thank them for supporting public libraries and urge them to make a stronger investment in libraries. 
 

Learn about legislation affecting libraries today

Libraries and a free flow of information are critical components to democracy.  The digital age brings new complexities to how we access, receive, and store information, and libraries are at the front lines of these challenges. Learn more about key issues affecting libraries around the country here.
 

Speak out in support of your library

Many people are not aware of the issues that libraries face when it comes to funding.   Share why you value your library with your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers        

If you are interested in more information about being an advocate for libraries, please check out www.ilovelibraries.org.