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!

Your library staff is already hard at work on programs and resources to connect you with the information, education, and entertainment that you need and want in 2024.  Our focus this year is on helping you “Find Yourself at the Library.”  We know that means different things to different people depending on where you are in life and what your needs are.  Our goal is to meet you where you are with library materials and resources to improve and enrich your life.

Throughout the past year, we’ve been working to identify and reduce obstacles that make it difficult for people to use the library.  From adding a handrail to the steps at the Main Library parking lot to offering a month of fine forgiveness for the return of overdue books, we want to make it easier for you to access library services.  Look for more of these efforts in 2024. 

Although I have the honor and responsibility of leading the top-notch staff who make the library the outstanding community resource that it is, if you live or own property in Fort Smith, the Fort Smith Public Library is YOUR library.  We welcome your ideas, suggestions, and even your compliments!  You can reach out to us here: 

In closing, I’d like to share one my favorite quotes about libraries.  It is often attributed to T.S. Eliot, an American poet and essayist who lived from 1888-1965.  “The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.”  There is nothing else in our community like the public library, free to use and welcome to everyone.  We are ready and waiting for you.  Come see us in 2024!

Jennifer Goodson, Library Director