Samuels Library Sets September Lineup With SamiCon, Community Programs and Family Activities

September will bring a full slate of programs to Samuels Public Library, with events ranging from outer space and aliens to Medicare, hiking, fire safety, composting, and hands-on activities for children and teens.

Kaitlyn Leckliter, Adult Reference Manager, and Pat Lopreto, Assistant Youth Librarian, recently shared the highlights of the library’s upcoming events, including the return of SamiCon 2026, one of the library’s biggest annual celebrations.

This year’s SamiCon will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the theme “Samuels Area 330: Take Me to Your Library.”

The event will feature an outer space and alien theme, along with special guests, vendors, interactive activities, an escape room, and a costume contest.

Leckliter said one of the featured guests will be Dominic Benford of NASA, who is expected to discuss the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and other aspects of his work at the space agency.

Artist and creator Hobbs Hawkins Holluck will lead a morning program, while Jonathan Roth will take part in an afternoon art program.

Some SamiCon activities require advance registration, particularly those with limited space or supplies. Same-day opportunities will also be available for some programs.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume.

The Friends of Samuels Library, which is serving as the main sponsor of SamiCon this year, will operate a themed Sami Cafe, inspired by the Crashdown Cafe. Library staff is also working to add a food truck to the event.

Overflow parking will be available at nearby Ressie Jeffries Elementary School.

September is also Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Samuels is tying that effort into the space theme.

Beginning Sept. 1, patrons can help the library “get its rocket to Mars” by checking out materials, encouraging friends and family members to get or renew library cards, and sharing stories about Samuels Library.

Each completed activity will provide an entry into prize drawings, including a grand prize basket and a Batman-themed bundle.

For Warren County residents, getting a library card is free. A photo ID with a current address is required. If the address is not current, patrons can provide another document that shows their name and current address.

Samuels also has reciprocal borrowing agreements with surrounding counties for patrons who already have a library card in their home jurisdiction.

The month includes several programs aimed at adults.

On Sept. 2 at 3 p.m., the library will partner with the Department of Social Services for a Community Resource Fair. A number of local organizations are expected to participate, giving residents a chance to learn more about services, programs, and volunteer opportunities available in the community.

On Sept. 10 at 5 p.m., Laura Greenleaf will present “Lighting Matters,” an introduction to light pollution and nightscape conservation. The program will focus on responsible outdoor lighting and ways residents can help protect dark skies around their homes.

A Medicare Open Enrollment Boot Camp is scheduled for Sept. 24 in partnership with Seniors First. Don Kennedy will present information to help Medicare beneficiaries understand what to review before open enrollment, including coverage, costs, common mistakes, and available resources.

Outdoor enthusiasts will have an opportunity to hear from Appalachian Trail hikers on Sept. 26, when the library hosts a thru-hiker panel. Participants will share experiences from the trail and answer questions from the audience.

Children and teens also have plenty on the calendar.

Teens ages 12 to 18 can take part in Suminagashi, a Japanese paper-marbling activity that uses floating ink or paint to create designs transferred onto paper.

On Sept. 8, children will make pomanders as part of programming supported by a 250th-anniversary grant from Front Royal United Methodist Church. Pomanders are traditionally made by placing cloves in oranges or other fruit to create a decorative, fragrant item.

The library’s Reading Dog program is also continuing, giving children and teens the opportunity to read to participating dogs or simply spend time with them.

On Sept. 12, children ages 6 and older, accompanied by a guardian, can participate in a pizza-making program that combines a story with the chance to create their own small pizzas.

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation will return on Sept. 22 for a composting program. Separate sessions are planned for children ages 6 to 11, and teens ages 12 to 18.

Fire safety will also be part of the month.

A new StoryWalk featuring “Kizzy the Fire Pug” is planned for Sept. 26, with fire and emergency vehicles expected to participate if available. Firefighters are also scheduled to return to the library on Sept. 30 for story time.

Leckliter and Lopreto emphasized that the library’s programs are free, though registration is required for some activities because of limited space or supplies.

With SamiCon, community resources, educational programs, and family activities filling the calendar, September will give patrons plenty of reasons to stop by Samuels Public Library.

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