Teens

Teen Reading Area

 

The teen area at the Main Library is an inclusive, fun, and safe environment for teens between the ages 13 and 17 to socialize, study, and create a community. The Fort Smith Public Library aims to provide teen programming that promotes literacy and creativity in the community and encourages teens to become critical thinking, global citizens. The teen book collection includes fiction, non-fiction (including anime and manga), and a new releases book display.   

Award Winners

Have you checked out this year’s award winners?  To see the current and past award winners, click here.

Library Lists

Need help finding something to read?  Take a look at NoveList, ask our staff for recommendations, and check out our library lists for teens.

A Universe of Stories

Teen Blog Entries

Celebrate Black History Month

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 ...

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Upcoming Events for Teens

This event is in the "Everyone" group.
Location: Main
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Program Description:
An exhibit of photographic works by Jim Anderson featuring the beauty of America will be on display at the Main Library through March. Jim is a school teacher by trade and a photographer of the natural landscape as a hobby. He has traveled and photog...
This event is in the "Everyone" group.
Location: Main
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Program Description:
The Arkansas Art Educators Western Regional Art Show returns to the Fort Smith Public Library March 5 – March 25.  The show consists of student artwork from Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian, Johnson, Logan, Yell, ...
This event is in the "Everyone" group.

Spring Break Scavenger Hunt

All Day 3/18 - 3/25
All Library Locations
Location: All Library Locations
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Celebrations, Games & Activities
Program Description:
Celebrate Spring Break with a scavenger hunt! Pick up your map at any library location to begin your search. Maps are due by Saturday, March 25 and can be turned in to any library location. All participants that turn in a completed map will earn a pr...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Paper Marbling Bookmarks

2:00pm - 3:30pm
Main
Location: Main
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Program Description:
Learn about paper marbling and the process by making your own marbled bookmarks. Supplies limited. No registration required but limited to 20 people. ...
This event is in the "Everyone" group.
Location: Dallas
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Holiday
Program Description:
Get ready for the Easter holiday by making a fun Easter egg bunny craft!  This is a free make and take activity for all ages at the Dallas Street Branch Library. All materials are provided. ...
This event is in the "Everyone" group.
Location: Main
Room: Community Room (Exhibit Space)
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Program Description:
An exhibit of original works by Katelynn Smith will be on display at the Main Library during the month of April. An artist working out of the River Valley, Katelyn has had an innate love for all things art since she was young.  She obtained a ba...
This event is in the "Everyone" group.
Location: Main
Age Group: Everyone
Program Description:
All locations of the Fort Smith Public Library will hold a pet food and supply drive for Fort Smith Animal Haven during the month of April.  The shelter relies heavily on donations to better the care and treatment of all animals within their she...
This event is in the "Everyone" group.

Plant & Seed Swap (Main Library)

All Day 4/1 - 4/30
Main
Location: Main
Room: Grand Staircase
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Program Description:
Garden becoming a little overgrown, too many seeds to plant? Bring plants/seeds to share or swap. Table will be setup at the Main Library in the Circulation area for the whole month of April. Feel free to drop off and pick up! In the spirit of sharin...

Databases for Teens

American Government

 American Government from ABC-CLIO connects contemporary issues with the foundations of government and compares the political and economic systems of the United States with those of other countries.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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American History

The American History database from ABC-CLIO lets student researchers explore the key events, defining moments, and unique individual contributions that have shaped the nation.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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American History Online

By providing the most comprehensive range of information in one complete resource, American History offers a virtual library of American history for educators, students, and researchers of all ages. Includes articles, images, primary source documents, timelines, videos, and slideshows.

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American Mosaic: The African American Experience

Providing a comprehensive survey of African American history, The African American Experience from ABC-CLIO shows students the challenges and contributions of African Americans across political, social, artistic, and literary contexts.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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American Mosaic: The American Indian Experience

The American Indian Experience from ABC-CLIO gives students entry into an often neglected side of American history, illuminating both the historical and contemporary practices of more than 150 Native American tribes across North America.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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American Mosaic: The Latino American Experience

The Latino American Experience from ABC-CLIO offers students a deep exploration of this growing national identity that includes Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Guatemalans, Cubans, Dominicans, Columbians, Ecuadorians, and other Latino peoples in the U.S. 

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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Arkansas Driving Tests

Practice permit tests and handbooks for cars, motorcycles, and CDL.  Also available in Spanish.

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CultureGrams

Primary sources, statistics, and cultural reports covering the countries of the world, states, and Canadian provinces.  Explore the United States and discover state flags, maps, sports teams, recipes, symbols, songs, and more. 

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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Gale Virtual Reference Library

Database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research.  Your library card is required to access this database.

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Health and Wellness Issues

Health and Wellness Issues by ABC-CLIO enables students to better understand the health and wellness issues affecting them, their peers, and our greater society through a multitude of authoritative reference entries and expert perspective essays.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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Hoopla

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 TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.

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Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society

News sound bites and traditional databases often merely scratch the surface of the most important issues. From ABC-CLIO, Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society helps students develop an in-depth understanding of how society shapes and is shaped by controversy.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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LearningExpress

LearningExpress is an interactive online learning platform for job searching, workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation. It also covers college entrance and graduate school admissions exam preparation, GED exam preparation, and basic skills improvement for all ages. 

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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Mango Languages

Learn more than 70 languages through real conversations, and also features ESL lessons. Great for kids.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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Pop Culture Universe: Icons, Idols, Ideas

Pop Culture Universe: Icons, Idols, Ideas from ABC-CLIO is an irresistible yet authoritative online resource that looks at American history through a unique lens, examining the values, accomplishments, and cultural development of the U.S. from the Age of Innocence in the 1900s to the social media revolution of the 21st century.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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ProQuest Central

An easy-to-use multimedia resource that supports research in business, health and medical, social sciences, arts and humanities, education, science and technology, and dozens of other disciplines.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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ProQuest Research Companion

This database helps students understand the scholarly research process and supports educators as they teach the core information literacy principles of finding, evaluating, and using information.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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Salem Press Online Collection

Salem Presses offers a wealth of information on literature, history, science, health, and more. Researchers have access to a collection of reference materials, eBooks, and more. This resource also has biographical information and primary documents. Outside the library, use fortsmith as the remote password.

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Science Online

With a wealth of content and a dynamic design that facilitates STEM research and learning, Science Online offers a comprehensive overview of a broad range of scientific disciplines. 

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

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SIRS Issues Researcher

Background and analysis on 350+ leading issues, providing pros and cons on social, scientific, health, historic, economic, political, and global issues.

The Traveler Statewide Resource project is made possible by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.”

Visit Website