Samuels Public Library Announces November Programs, Holiday Activities and Annual Friends Book Sale

November is shaping up to be a busy month at Samuels Public Library in Front Royal, with an annual book sale, children’s activities, creative workshops, book clubs, a community documentary screening, and preparations for a special holiday celebration.

Michal Ashby, Youth Services Supervisor at Samuels Public Library, recently joined Chantal Gamble, Vice President of the Friends of Samuels Library (FOSL), and Kathy Hulley, the organization’s treasurer, to discuss upcoming events and the important role volunteers play in supporting the library.

The conversation highlighted the library’s growing range of programs for children, teens, and adults, as well as one of the Friends organization’s biggest fundraising events of the year.

Friends of Samuels Library Annual Book Sale Returns November 12–16

Book lovers can browse thousands of donated books at the Friends of Samuels Library annual Book and Bake Sale November 12–16.

The sale is one of the organization’s major fundraisers, generating about $8,000 to $12,000 annually to support library programs and services.

The event begins Thursday, November 12, with a special preview night for Friends of Samuels Library members from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The preview lets members shop before the sale opens to the general public.

Nonmembers can join at the door and participate in the preview.

Annual memberships are available for individuals, seniors, students, and families. Members also receive benefits at the Friends-operated Epilogue Bookstore inside the library.

The public sale continues Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, with thousands of books organized into categories to make browsing easier.

Shoppers can expect a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, business titles, gardening books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials.

Some older or unusual books also make their way into the collection, giving visitors a chance to discover titles they might not find elsewhere.

The event will also include homemade baked goods on Friday and Saturday, with volunteers contributing a variety of treats.

Pumpkin muffins, gingerbread, gluten-free brownies, and freshly baked artisan breads were among the items discussed during the interview.

Hot dogs will also be available Saturday for shoppers looking for something to eat while browsing.

The sale concludes Monday, November 16, with a popular Name Your Own Price Day.

On that final day, shoppers can select from the remaining books and make a payment or donation of their choosing.

The proceeds help the Friends organization provide financial support, volunteer assistance, and additional resources for Samuels Public Library.

Ashby emphasized how important that support is to the library’s success, explaining that the Friends help with fundraising, ideas, and activities that expand what the library can offer.

Children’s Programs Bring History, Science and Creativity Together

November’s youth programming includes opportunities to explore American history, learn about nature, and enjoy live theater.

As part of the ongoing celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, children can participate in a hands-on butter-making activity.

The program, Curiosity Crew: Buttering 250 Years, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Participants will learn how people made butter during the colonial period, try making their own, and discover how everyday activities have changed over the centuries.

The program gives children a chance to experience a small part of early American life rather than simply reading about it.

On Friday, November 6, the library will partner with Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers for two programs called Superhero Plants.

The first session begins at 3 p.m. for children ages 3 to 5 accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

A second session begins at 4 p.m. for children ages 6 to 11.

Participants will learn how plants help the environment, support wildlife, protect soil, and contribute to healthy ecosystems.

The activities introduce children to the important roles plants play in everyday life while encouraging curiosity about the natural world.

On Saturday, November 7, the library will welcome the theater troupe Hard Act to Follow for a holiday performance titled Who Will Pull Santa’s Sleigh?

Directed by Winnie Ellinger, the performance is scheduled from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The family-friendly show will offer an early start to the holiday season as children discover who will be chosen to help pull Santa’s sleigh.

New Teen Programs Encourage Original Characters and Storytelling

Samuels Public Library is also expanding its teen programming.

One new offering is The OC Lab for Teens, a creative program focused on developing original characters.

The first session is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Participants will explore character design, develop personalities and backgrounds, and use their imagination to create their own fictional characters.

Ashby explained that OC stands for “original character,” a familiar concept among young people interested in drawing, manga, storytelling, and other creative activities.

The program is planned as a continuing series, allowing participants to develop increasingly detailed characters and connect them with stories, artwork, and potentially other creative forms.

The goal is to provide teens with opportunities to explore their imagination and share their interests with others.

Book Clubs, Gardening and Wellness Programs for Adults

Adults will also find a variety of programs throughout November.

The Bad Romance Book Club meets Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m.

Despite its playful name, the club welcomes discussions of romantic stories in books, movies, music, and other media.

November’s theme is “Bring Someone Home for the Holidays,” giving participants a chance to discuss stories about holiday homecomings and relationships.

The library also offers a horror-themed book club, Scary Words, which meets Saturday, November 21, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Unlike the theme-based romance group, the horror club selects a particular work for participants to read and discuss.

November’s selection is A Fate Worse Than Death by Sarah L. Hawthorne.

The group provides an opportunity to explore how different readers interpret the same story and discover authors and books they might not otherwise choose.

Other upcoming programs include chair yoga with volunteer instructor Sharon Fisher.

The class offers modified yoga movements using chairs, making it accessible to people with limited mobility or who prefer a gentler approach to exercise.

A session is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, from noon to 1 p.m.

Gardeners can also join a seed-sorting and saving workshop with Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners on Wednesday, November 18, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Participants will learn techniques for collecting, storing, and preserving seeds for future planting.

The library also maintains a seed library where community members can discover and share different types of seeds.

Community Screening Addresses Domestic Violence and Firearms

A more serious program is planned for Wednesday, November 18, when Samuels Public Library partners with the Phoenix Project for a free community screening of Preventable.

The documentary, produced by the Battered Women’s Justice Project, explores the connection between domestic violence and firearm violence through personal testimony and expert perspectives.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the film begins at 5:30 p.m.

After the screening, attendees can join a moderated panel discussion with advocates and professionals involved in domestic violence prevention.

The event aims to raise awareness, encourage discussion, and connect community members with available support services.

Trained advocates will also be available in a separate support room for anyone who needs information or assistance.

The screening is free and open to the public.

Holiday Open House Plans Include a Free Children’s Gift Market

Looking ahead to December, the library is preparing what organizers hope will be one of its largest holiday open houses.

The event, planned for the second Saturday in December, will include a special holiday market where children can select gifts for family members and friends without spending their own money.

The market will be free for participating children, giving them the chance to experience the joy of choosing and giving presents.

The library is requesting donations of suitable gift items and wrapping supplies to help make the event possible.

The Friends of Samuels Library will assist with gift wrapping so children can take home presents ready to share with loved ones.

Needed supplies include gift bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, and other materials.

Organizers say they will share additional details about the celebration and specific donation needs as the event approaches.

Holiday Writing Contest Deadline Approaches

Families are also reminded that the library’s 48th Annual Holiday Writing Contest remains open through Friday, October 30.

The contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade and invites young writers to submit holiday-themed stories or poems of 500 words or fewer.

Winning entries will be professionally published in a keepsake booklet, giving young authors an opportunity to see their work in print.

First-place winners in each grade will also receive a gift certificate to Royal Oak Bookshop.

Submit entries by 5 p.m. on October 30, along with the required entry form.

The contest remains one of the library’s longstanding traditions, celebrating creativity and encouraging children to develop their writing skills.

A Community Supported by Volunteers

Throughout the discussion, Ashby, Gamble, and Hulley emphasized the role of community participation in making library events possible.

From the annual book sale and children’s programs to creative workshops and holiday activities, volunteers contribute time, talent, and resources that help the library reach residents of all ages.

The Friends of Samuels Library continue to play an important role by fundraising, operating the Epilogue Bookstore, supporting events, and providing experiences that extend beyond traditional library services.

Residents interested in joining the Friends, shopping the annual book sale, volunteering, or attending upcoming programs can learn more through the library.

Samuels Public Library is located at 330 East Criser Road in Front Royal.

For a complete listing of November programs, registration information, and event updates, visit www.samuelslibrary.net or call 540-635-3153.

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