Samuels Public Library to Expand ‘Library of Things’ With $2,000 Grant

Samuels Public Library patrons will soon have more than books and movies to borrow, as a $2,000 grant will help the library expand a collection of tools, equipment, and other items that residents may need only occasionally.

The library received the grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation to support the official launch and expansion of its “Library of Things.”

The idea is simple: Instead of buying an item you may use only a few times, a library cardholder can borrow it.

Samuels has already given patrons a preview of the concept through a soft launch that includes paranormal ghost-hunting kits and oversized games such as cornhole boards and giant checkers.

The new funding will allow the library to broaden that collection with items that can support hands-on learning, household projects, and new hobbies.

“We are deeply grateful to the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation for their generous support. The grant will help us expand our Library of Things collection, a project we have been working on for several months,” Library Director Erin Rooney said. “It will allow us to address community needs by growing a collection that promotes sharing, accessibility, and learning.”

Exactly what the library purchases next will depend in part on what residents say they would like to borrow.

Library staff members are developing community polls to gather suggestions and determine which items should receive priority.

“We are working on polls to put out to the community that will help us gauge what items community members would like to see in the Library of Things collection,” Adult Reference Manager Kaitlyn Leckliter said. “Feedback from the polls will determine what items we should prioritize purchasing first.”

The approach gives the traditional public library lending model a new purpose. Instead of limiting borrowing to books and other media, a Library of Things allows residents to share access to useful equipment and specialty items.

For someone interested in trying a new hobby, completing a project, or using a particular tool without buying it, the collection offers another option.

The items purchased with the Dominion Energy grant will be processed and added to the collection during the coming months. They will include tags recognizing the foundation’s support.

Patrons can see what is currently available in the Library of Things by searching the Samuels Public Library online catalog or visiting the library.

The growing collection is one of many services offered by an institution with roots stretching back more than two centuries.

The library was originally founded in 1799 and was renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952. It became the second library in Virginia to receive a charter and serves residents of Front Royal and Warren County.

During the past fiscal year, Samuels added 1,924 new cardholders and offered 1,312 in-person and virtual programs attended by 25,667 people. The library reports more than 132,000 visitors annually and recorded 401,859 checkouts last year.

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation supports community programs in areas served by Dominion Energy and its employees.

More information about Samuels Public Library and its collections is available at www.samuelslibrary.net.