Samuels Public Library Holiday Open House Brings Santa, Mini Alpaca, and New Youth Gift Market December 12

Christmas cheer is coming to Samuels Public Library, and this year’s celebration includes a few surprises — including a miniature alpaca and a special shopping experience just for children.

The library will host its fifth annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a full day of free activities for families throughout Front Royal and Warren County.

From holiday photos and visits with Santa to seasonal refreshments and creative activities, the event is designed to bring the community together for a festive day at the library.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the open house this year,” said Cheryl Harrison, the event’s coordinator. “Samuels Library offers something for everyone — and this is your chance to see what we have for you.”

New This Year: Tinsel Town Youth Holiday Market

One of the biggest additions to this year’s celebration is the Tinsel Town Youth Holiday Market, open from noon to 3 p.m.

The market gives younger children an opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas gift-giving without needing money of their own.

Instead of using real cash, children will receive “Tinsel Tokens,” a form of play money they can use to select gifts for parents, grandparents, siblings, guardians, and other loved ones.

The experience also introduces basic financial literacy skills, encouraging children to make choices, manage their tokens, and think about what gifts might mean the most to the people receiving them.

Best of all, the gifts are completely free.

Volunteers will even wrap the selected presents so children can take them home ready to place under the Christmas tree.

The library will also offer gift-wrapping services for visitors who bring their own presents, with a small fee charged for that service.

Library Seeking Gift Donations by December 5

To help make Tinsel Town a success, Samuels Public Library is asking the community to donate new, unwanted, or gently used gift items.

Donations should be suitable for children to give to family members or other loved ones.

Suggested items include art and craft supplies, jewelry, collectibles, small home decorations, sports and hobby items, reading accessories, and outdoor gear.

The library is requesting hard goods only and cannot accept clothing or fabric items.

Donations must be delivered to the library’s Circulation Desk by Saturday, December 5.

Library staff member Amy Hayes has already been helping sort donated items in preparation for the new program.

Santa, Holiday Portraits, and a Mini Alpaca

The open house will feature several additional activities throughout the day.

Local photographer Sharon Fisher will return to take staged family holiday portraits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. against a festive backdrop.

“Sharon is an amazing photographer. She always manages to take such wonderful photos of the families each year,” Harrison said. “We are very excited to have her joining us again.”

Families interested in a holiday portrait session should register in advance by calling the library at 540-635-3153.

Children can also enjoy Story Time with Santa at 11 a.m.

And for animal lovers, My Pet Alpaca will bring a miniature alpaca to the library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to meet and pet the special holiday guest.

The Friends of Samuels Library will provide a hot chocolate bar and seasonal refreshments available for purchase.

Holiday Open House Schedule

• 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Holiday Open House and family portrait sessions with Sharon Fisher
• 11 a.m.: Story Time with Santa
• 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Mini alpaca visit from My Pet Alpaca
• Noon–3 p.m.: Tinsel Town Youth Holiday Market

All library programs are free to attend.

A Holiday Tradition for the Community

Samuels Public Library has served Front Royal and Warren County for generations, offering far more than books.

During the past fiscal year, the library welcomed more than 132,000 visitors, held 1,312 in-person and virtual programs, and recorded nearly 400,000 checkouts.

The Holiday Open House is another opportunity for residents to explore what the library offers while enjoying the Christmas season with family and friends.

With the addition of Tinsel Town, children will have something especially meaningful to look forward to—the chance to experience the excitement of choosing and giving gifts of their own.

For more information and the complete schedule, visit www.samuelslibrary.net or call 540-635-3153.