story and photos by Brittany Ransom
bransom@thecitywire.com
Hundreds of visitors made their way to the Fort Smith Public Library on Sunday (Dec. 14) afternoon for the organization's 12th annual Holiday Open House. Hosted at the Main Branch, the event featured classic family fun including Christmas carols, holiday treats, and winter crafts.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by friendly workers and the sights and sounds of Christmas. Several groups from throughout the community performed for the crowds, including the St. Boniface Rhythm Band, the Developmental Wings Hand Bell Choir, and the Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus. A large "tree," comprised of hard-bound Encyclopedias, was on display in the foyer, with rows of stockings, lights, and greenery adorning the central staircase.
Throughout the library, staff and volunteers served up a number of traditional Christmas treats including cookies, candy, cider and cocoa. Guests also enjoyed dining Dewey's Cafe, where kids could color their own ornaments to take home and hang on the tree.
Crafts could also be found in several other library departments, with workers helping students create origami Christmas trees and flowers, and Santa's workshop sticker sheets. Games included a bean bag toss and a cake walk, offering kids the chance to win Little Debbie Christmas cakes as prizes.
Many guests took part in a holiday treasure hunt, traveling from one library department to another collecting stickers for their map. The clue sheet helped familiarize visitors with the various facets of the library, providing a description and location of the offices and participating groups. Upon completion, the form was submitted at the circulation desk to be entered into a prize drawing.
No Holiday Open House would be complete without a visit from Ole' St. Nick, and the Fort Smith Public Library did not disappoint. The second floor Genealogy Department was transformed into Santa's Workshop, featuring cookies and treats, coloring sheets, and the opportunity to have photos taken with Santa. Parents could opt to have the photos emailed to them at no cost or have one mailed directly to them for only $2.
The annual event is one that many in the community look forward to each Christmas season.
"I had a gentleman come up to me today and tell me that he always waits for our December calendar so he can see when we are hosting the Holiday Open House," said Jennifer Goodson, Fort Smith Public Library Executive Director. "He makes sure to get it on his calendar so he can come back each year."
Admission to the event was free with guests encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item. All donations will benefit the Community Services Clearinghouse in Fort Smith.