Bigfoot, Books, and Beyond: April Adventures at Samuels Public Library

April is shaping up to be anything but quiet at Samuels Public Library. From cryptid hunts to creative crafts, music classes to cosplay, the library’s staff is rolling out a full calendar of events in celebration of National Library Week, all while preparing for their biggest fundraiser of the year.

In a recent interview at the Royal Examiner studio, Rachel Roman, Assistant Youth Librarian, and Pat Lopredo, Adult Reference Manager, shared a sneak peek into the many programs already underway—and those still to come.

The month kicked off with a mysterious twist. On April 8, the library welcomed back Bigfoot researcher Mike Familant for “The Bigfoot Experience,” a program diving into local lore and reported sightings. To accompany the event, the adult reference desk is currently hosting a Cryptid Scavenger Hunt, encouraging visitors to search for hidden silhouettes of Bigfoot and other mythical creatures throughout the library.

“We’ve got Bigfoot and his friends hidden in plain sight,” said Roman. “It’s a fun way to get people engaged—and maybe spark an interest in local legends, too.”

April is also National Library Week, and to celebrate, the library is offering daily prize raffles. Visitors can earn tickets by checking out materials or attending programs. One of the grand prizes includes free tickets to Taste for Books, the library’s signature fundraiser, happening April 26 at 6 p.m.

This year’s Taste for Books theme is “Red Carpet: Hollywood & Movie Magic”, and guests are encouraged to dress up as film stars or favorite book characters. Tickets are $50 and available now.

“It’s a chance for adults to play dress-up, enjoy some great food, and support the library,” said Lopredo. “Plus, we’ll have costumes, photo ops, and a lot of fun surprises.”

In the weeks leading up to the event, the library is also hosting Peep Diorama workshops for teens ages 12–18. Participants will use marshmallow Peeps to create scenes from books or movies. The dioramas may be displayed during Taste for Books, adding an extra layer of creativity to the red carpet atmosphere.

Programs for younger children continue to thrive, too. The popular Music and Movement class on Mondays grew so large it had to be split into two sessions—one for babies up to 23 months, and another for toddlers ages 2 to 5. Both sessions fill up fast, said Lopredo.

Also on the calendar is Toddler Tantrums: What Do I Do Now?, a special parenting workshop hosted by Healthy Families of Winchester. Scheduled for April 17 at 5:30 p.m., the event is geared toward families with children under five and includes free pizza, calming mats, and books on emotional regulation. Registration is required.

In addition to all the special events, the library’s regular offerings are still going strong. The String Theory fiber arts group meets every Saturday at 2 p.m., where crafters bring knitting, crochet, and other projects to work on while chatting with fellow creators. There are also book clubs, a monthly sewing class, and a newly launched creative writing group that meets Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Looking ahead, the team is already hard at work preparing for summer reading programs, which will include Alice in Wonderland-themed carnivals, teen improv classes, author visits, balloon shows, and even live-action roleplay (LARPing) workshops.

“The summer calendar is full—and still growing,” said Roman. “We’ll be partnering with local parks and recreation groups to offer even more outdoor activities.”

And for those looking for a reason to get outside now, the library’s Story Walk trail was just updated with a new book for spring. Visitors can enjoy a story one page at a time while walking the path—a hit with dog walkers and families alike.

From mysterious creatures to magical evenings, Samuels Public Library is proving once again that libraries are about far more than just books.

“Everything we’re doing ties back to literacy in some way,” said Lopredo. “Whether it’s music, crafts, parenting, or pop culture—we want to inspire people to read, connect, and explore.”

For a full calendar of events, visit www.samuelslibrary.net.