Samuels Public Library Unveils Packed July Schedule for Children, Teens and Adults

Samuels Public Library is turning July into one of its busiest and most creative months of the year, offering dozens of programs for children, teens, and adults ranging from summer reading and story times to hiking talks, genealogy workshops, yoga, sewing, trivia, crafts, and live performances.

Michal Ashby, Youth Services Supervisor, and Kaitlyn Leckliter, Adult Reference Manager, recently joined the Royal Examiner to discuss the growing popularity of the library’s summer programming and the community response already being seen this year.

The library’s 2026 Summer Reading Club, themed “Unearth a Story,” runs through Aug. 1 and encourages readers of all ages to log reading hours for prize drawings and end-of-summer raffles.

“Summer reading isn’t just for kids,” Leckliter explained. “Every hour that you read, that’s something that you can log. Every hour logged is an entry to our prize basket drawings.”

She said the library’s goal is to make reading feel rewarding and accessible for the entire community.

“We really try to offer something for everybody,” Leckliter said. “Whether you’re coming in for a book club, a hiking talk, a craft program, or just to spend time with family, we want people to feel welcome here.”

Participants also receive coupons and incentives from local businesses, including Epilogue Bookstore and Royal Family Bowling Center.

According to library staff, participation has already been strong, with hundreds of children and adults signing up.

Story Times, Science and Hands-On Learning

Children’s programs remain at the heart of the summer lineup.

Weekly Toddler Story Time and Preschool Story Time continue throughout July with rotating themes including shapes, farms, flowers, community helpers, and rain clouds. Grand Story Time on Thursdays invites grandparents and young children together for stories, nursery rhymes, and crafts.

Music & Movement programs for babies and toddlers are held every Monday and combine songs, movement, and sensory activities.

Ashby said the programs are intentionally designed to make learning fun while helping children develop important early literacy skills.

“They’re building those pre-literacy connections, which are actually going to help them with reading later on,” Ashby said during the interview.

She said the programs also create important opportunities for social interaction and for building confidence for both children and parents.

“It gives kids a chance to interact with each other, but it also gives parents a chance to connect,” Ashby said. “Libraries really are community spaces.”

Several hands-on Curiosity Crew programs will also take place throughout the month, including activities focused on air pressure, spinning toys, and homemade ice cream.

“Dive into the delicious world of ice cream,” one event description reads for the July 21 Ice Cream Curiosity Crew program. Children will hear stories, learn how ice cream is made, and create their own frozen treats.

Other youth highlights include:

• Time Capsule Ceremony – July 7: Families will create and seal time capsules to remain closed until 2051 while discussing how the world has changed over the last 25 years.
• Trail Buddies at Rockland Park – July 10: Nature exploration with Warren County Parks & Recreation.
• Colonial Lights – July 11: Children create beeswax candles while learning how colonials lit their homes.
• Chess Club – July 11: Open to ages 10-18.
• Paws for Reading – July 18: Children read aloud to therapy dogs in a relaxed, judgment-free environment.
• Ancient Artifact Builders – July 18: Young participants create their own archaeological artifacts.
• Bugs and Beyond – July 25: Live insect and critter demonstrations with Shenandoah River State Park.
• Teen Sand Art – July 25: Creative art session for ages 12-18.
• Campfire Ball Reverse Storytelling – July 31: An interactive storytelling performance where audience members help shape the story live.

One of the month’s featured family performances will be The Girl Who Cried Dragon on July 17, a live puppet-and-music production following a shepherd girl as she searches for her missing sheep.

Adult Programs Expand Beyond Books

Leckliter said the library continues expanding adult programming well beyond traditional book clubs.

“Our goal is really to create opportunities for people to connect,” she said during the interview.

The adult calendar includes hiking presentations, sewing classes, genealogy workshops, yoga, gardening programs, Glowforge crafting sessions, and line dancing.

“There are so many different interests in the community,” Leckliter said. “We try to listen to what people are asking for and then build programs around those interests.”

The library’s Tiny Art Show, displayed throughout July, features miniature artwork created by community members. Some pieces may be purchased through donations to support library programs.

Among the month’s featured presentations:

Appalachian Trail and Hiking Series

On July 8, Susan “Goldilocks” Tschirhart will discuss leaving the corporate world behind to hike the Appalachian Trail and later founding Next Bend Adventures.

On July 22, local author and historian Mills Kelly will present A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail, sharing stories about the trail’s creation, maintenance, and culture.

Travel and Learning Programs

Former Laurel Ridge Community College history instructor Tim French will present an “Armchair Travel” session on Iceland on July 9, exploring the country’s history, geography, and culture.

The library will also continue recurring clubs and educational programs, including:

• Books & Beyond Book Club
• Scary Words horror book club
• Genealogy Club
• Embroidery Club
• Fiber Arts Club
• Technology help sessions
• Parenting classes in partnership with Warren County Social Services

Wellness and Creative Programs

Line dancing classes continue through July for both beginner and advanced participants.

Chair Yoga with Jessyca Eve from With Grace and Joy will be held July 16, while graduating yoga teacher training students will lead a free community yoga class July 30.

The library’s Studio 330 makerspace also remains active, with sewing workshops, Glowforge laser engraving projects, and monthly personal archiving workshops that teach residents how to organize and preserve family photos and documents.

Library Open House

The month begins with a Library Open House on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring coffee, donuts, puzzles, scavenger hunts, Studio 330 tours, and a Tiny Art Exhibit.

Library officials say the variety of programs reflects the organization’s broader mission to serve as both an educational resource and a community gathering space.

“We really want people to know the library is for everyone,” Ashby said. “Whether you’re here to learn something new, meet people, or just spend time in a welcoming place, there’s a place for you here.”

More information, schedules, and registration details are available at www.samuelslibrary.net or by calling 540-635-3153.

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