Annual ‘Taste of Books’ Fundraiser Leads April Lineup at Samuels Library

Samuels Public Library is preparing for a busy April, with a wide range of programs for all ages—from major fundraising events to educational talks, youth activities, and community workshops.

Grace Green (left) and Ben Guerin (center) of Samuels Library join Mike McCool (right) in the Royal Examiner studio to share details about April programs and events.

Library staff Ben Garrand and Grace Green recently shared highlights of the upcoming month, emphasizing both variety and community engagement.

One of the biggest events will be the annual “Taste of Books” fundraiser, scheduled for April 25 at 6 p.m. The event will feature an “animal kingdom” theme, complete with costumes, food, and a silent auction.

“It’s going to be a very exciting fundraiser,” Green said, noting that attendees can expect “really fun food… all kinds of booths… and some really, really cool things” in the auction.

The fundraiser supports library programs and services throughout the year.

Author Talks and Adult Programs

April will also feature several educational opportunities for adults, including a book talk and panel discussion on climate change.

Author Will Hackman will present his new book, “Radically Reframing Climate Change: A Guide to Saving Ourselves,” on April 13 at 6 p.m. He will be joined by guest speakers for a discussion focused on practical ways individuals can take action in their communities.

“They’ll be having a panel discussion… talking about ways you can be active,” Green said, adding that the event will include a Q&A session and book signing.

The library will also host a special genealogy presentation featuring Colleen Snyder, exploring how genetic research is reshaping family history.

Additional programs include a Senior First workshop focused on Medicare topics, offering both group presentations and one-on-one assistance.

Ongoing Clubs and Community Programs

Several regular programs will continue in April, including three popular book clubs.

The “Bad Romance” club focuses on romance novels, while the “Scary Words” club explores horror titles, sometimes pairing books with film adaptations. A third group, “Books and Beyond,” offers a more flexible format where participants can discuss books, movies, or shows.

“It’s fun… sometimes they’re completely different,” Green said of comparing books and films.

Another recurring program, Walkabout Wednesdays, will take place on April 29 and feature master gardeners discussing plant care and gardening topics throughout the library.

Youth and Family Activities

Programming for children and families will also be a major focus throughout the month.

A new StoryWalk installation at Eastham Park features the book “Earth Ninja” by Mary Nhin, encouraging environmental awareness through an outdoor reading experience.

On April 4, library staff will host a special StoryWalk event with crafts and activities.

Other youth highlights include “Paws to Read” on April 11, where children can read to therapy dogs, and Earth-themed educational programs later in the month.

“Tales and Trails: Batty Bunch” on April 18 will teach children about bats, while a program on April 28 will focus on worms and their role in the environment.

For teens, a Civil War cooking program on April 4 will give participants a hands-on look at historical recipes.

“We’re going to be fixing up… recipes that they actually cooked during the Civil War era,” Garrand said.

Job Fair and Career Support

The library will also host a job fair on April 2, along with a resume workshop designed to help job seekers improve their applications and connect with local employers.

Organizers say the event is open to the public, with additional support available for those seeking one-on-one help.

Something for Everyone

With programs ranging from educational talks to hands-on activities, library staff say April reflects their mission to serve all members of the community.

“We have a lot more going on,” Garrand said, noting that the listed events are just highlights.

Registration is required for many programs due to limited space and materials, and participants are encouraged to sign up early.

For more information or to register, visit samuelslibrary.net.

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