Western and Crime Authors to Visit Fort Smith Public Library

By: Emma Conley

Picture it: the wild west. Tumbleweeds drifting by in the dusty wind. An old saloon. A man with his horse, trotting into the center of town, drawing a gun. 

Many such stories have been told over time, but there are many voices in literature who have a unique spin on it waiting to be read.

Now imagine you could ask all the questions you wanted to, all for free!

The Fort Smith Public Library will be hosting a meet-and-greet event with 16 acclaimed crime and western authors on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 pm, after usual library operating hours.

The program will be held to mark the release of two books, Hard Country and Rough Country. These anthologies center around Western crime - ranging from the wild old frontier to modern day tales.

The library event will follow the official book launch and signing at the U.S. Marshals Museum which will take place that same day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Authors who will be attending the event include Baron Birtcher, Marc Cameron, Chris Enss, John Gilstrap, Jefferson Glass, Rik Goodell, Heather Graham, Harry Hunsicker, DP Lyle, Phil Mills, Taylor Moore, M. William Phelps, Betsy Randolph, JB Stevens, Anthony Wood, Reavis Wortham, and more.

According to Enns, some authors including Jeffrey Deaver, Craig Johnson, and Mike Farmer will no longer be able to attend either event due to family illness.

All proceeds from purchases of the books "will benefit the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund, supporting the families of U.S. Marshals who have fallen in the line of duty," according to publicist Chris Enns.

Enns stated, "More than an anthology, this project stands as a powerful tribute to courage, honor, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the West. Readers everywhere are invited to help celebrate these landmark collections and the heroes they honor."