Blog Entries

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 he...

  The Miller Branch Library staff enjoys a diverse selection of library materials.  Here are some of our favorites that we enjoyed in 2023!  Are you interested in any?  Just click on the cover to see the availability of the item in the library's online catalog!

 

 

 

Mrs. Tiffany reads a little bit of everything, mostly listening to the books on audiobook using the library's digital resources Hoopla and Library2Go.  A couple of her favorite books from 2023 are:

Liz - the ...

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...

November is DINOvember and the dinosaurs are invading the Miller Branch Library!  Join us for some fun dinosaur-themed events at the library during the month!

The dinosaurs are busy playing and making messes around the library.  Can you find them all on our Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt?  Let one of the library staff members know when you locate them all and get a fun dinosaur reROARd (reward)!  The Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt is available all month during library hours.

Dino Blast LLC will be visiting the Miller Branch on Thursday, November 2nd at 4:00 p.m. wi...

The Miller Branch is having a pumpkin decorating contest!  Pick up an entry form at the Miller Branch or print off an entry form, decorate the paper "pumpkin" as your favorite book character, and return your masterpiece to the library by Friday, October 27th.  The winner will be announced on Monday, October 30th!

...

We invite you to bring your little ghosts, mermaids, pirates, and Barbies to the library for trick-or-treating on Tuesday, 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.

STEAM Team: DIY Lava Lamps for kids

Monday, October 2, 3:30 - 6 PM (drop-in) Main Library

Adult Craft: Book Page Pumpkins

Saturday, October 7, 1 - 2...

The Miller Branch Library is starting a book club with Hoopla!  Read or listen to the book selection and then let us know what you think about it during our book discussion, on the last Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m.  Visit Hoopla to check out the book digitally (for FREE with your library card!) or borrow a print copy from the Fort Smith Public Library.

Don't know what Hoopla is?  Hoopla is a digital media service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your...

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...

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...

 

 

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.

 

...

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,...