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The Extension Homemakers-sponsored Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair is a volunteer-planned and executed event.The all-volunteer Arts and Crafts Committee starts preparing for the Fair in January of each year. Always held the first full weekend in October, this year%u2019s dates are Oct. 2-4. Friday and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.This juried show of handcrafted items from 200 vendors coming from 12 states offers quality crafts of all kinds. There will be jewelry of many varieties, made from different materials including gold, silver, pearls, turquoise and many types of beads. The very popular permanent jewelry will also be available.You can find soaps, lotions and skin care items made from a variety of ingredients and fragrances. There will be candles to choose from. The newest variety will be the very fragrant dessert candles.Wood items including kitchen utensils, cutting boards, charcuterie boards, ink pens and furniture will be available. To tempt your taste buds there are flavored olive oils, honey, jams and jellies, and homemade baked goods. Personalized travel cups and mugs, fall and holiday T-shirts and sweatshirts. Embellished and repurposed clothing including denim are very popular.Knitted, crocheted, quilted and felted are some of the needlework crafts that are represented along with leather purses, wallets and tote bags. For outdoor decorating, there will be birdhouses, wind chimes and concrete yard ornaments. The large mums will be available as well. Many types of seasonal home decor will be on display.The Fair offers a great assortment of unique crafts for you, your home and gifts to get your Christmas shopping off to a great start.The Extension Homemakers kitchen will be open with home-cooked food. Ham and bean dinners, chicken salad sandwiches, doughnut holes, chocolate and oatmeal cake, as well as burgers, fries, hot dogs, nachos and drinks will be served in their dining room.Food trucks will offer kettle corn, pork rinds, corn dogs, funnel cakes, corn on the cob, fish and chicken strips, barbecue, roasted nuts, Philly cheese sandwiches, fried pies and Texas Twister fruit drinks.For the children, there will be rides and the 4-H sponsored petting zoo.DJ Scotty Mack will keep us entertained with a variety of music.As always, admission and parking are free. Complimentary golf cart rides will be available to shuttle shoppers to and from their cars. Two ATMs are on the grounds, wheelchairs are available, and there are plenty of benches and picnic tables for eating and resting.There is truly something for everyone! Plan to spend a day (or two!) enjoying this great shopping experience in a family atmosphere.For more information, visit hotspringsartsandcraftsfair.com or call 501-520-1333.Source: Advertiser submittedHot Springs National Park, Arkansas The Sentinel-Record, Sunday, February 15, 2026 3C567271-1From its 19th-century roots to its modern-day digital expansion, the Garland County Library remains a vital connection point, linking residents to information, entertainment and each other.The library%u2019s storied history traces back to 1833, when local resident Hiram Whittington sought to bring the power of the written word to Hot Springs. Writing to his brother in Boston, Whittington requested a small collection of books to establish a lending library at his home on the corner of what is now Park and Central avenues. In the nearly 200 years since, the library has evolved through various locations and organizations, but its service to Hot Springs has never wavered.Today, while the main hub operates at 1427 Malvern Avenue, the library has expanded its footprint to ensure no resident is left behind. To meet the needs of a growing population, GCL has implemented:%u2022 Remote Lockers: Providing 24/7 access to materials at three strategic locations across the county.%u2022 The Bookmobile: A traveling library that brings a curated browsing selection to the furthest reaches of the county.%u2022 Enhanced Digital Access: Bridging the gap between traditional literacy and modern technology.%u201cThe volume of connections we facilitate today would be unrecognizable to Whittington, yet the spirit of his mission remains,%u201d said Erin Baber, marketing manager. %u201cWe are committed to being a cornerstone of the community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.%u201dThrough innovation and a dedication to inclusivity, the Garland County Library continues to empower individuals by fostering a love of reading and providing essential resources in a welcoming space for all.Source: Advertiser submitted The Garland County Library is located at 1427 Malvern Road. (Submitted photo)Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair:57 years of great fairsFront row, from left, are adviser Alison Crane, publicity chairman Peggy Barnett, committee chairman Jane Oliver, treasurer Jo Spoerle and Merylann Black. Back row, from left, are Marcia Albaugh, Christina Clement, concession chairman Jerry Oliver, Barb Bradstreet and secretary Joyce Rice. (Submitted photo)Garland County Library:Celebrating nearly two centuries of community connection and innovation