Community Rallies to Protect Samuels Public Library Amid Controversy

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, after the BoS Meeting: 

I cannot sleep. It’s past my bedtime.  My mind is replaying the events of tonight’s Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting.  I am overwhelmed by the love and passion of my neighbors who made public comments in favor of the Samuels Public Library that is currently constituted. This opposes the ill-advised concept proposed by a small sub-committee of two potentially biased county supervisors, who may lack detailed knowledge of efficient library operations.

I was amused that the only person who spoke in favor of establishing a “Warren Co. Library Board” wore a hat that said, “Keep America Holy Again” (what about separation of church and state?).

Each of the many speakers who favor Samuels Public Library’s current organizational structure and benefits added their own “piece to the mosaic” that strongly supports keeping the status quo.

I especially appreciate the comments of Chairperson Cullers, who, from personal experience as the Board of Supervisors representative to the Samuels Public Library Board of Trustees, cautioned that the Board of Supervisors might be heading in the wrong direction.

Warren Co. needs to wake up and realize that the agenda of a small minority of small-minded people is attempting to hijack our best asset. The Board of Supervisors needs to leave Samuels Public Library alone and instead focus its efforts on finding legitimate ways to attack the staggering $110 million county debt.

My opinion is based on 7 years and 1500+ volunteer hours supporting library operations.  I believe I am one of the few people who, at one time or another, has touched almost every book in the library.  I recognize the incredibly professional and helpful Samuels Public Library staff and volunteers dedicated to serving our county’s citizens. Samuels Public Library houses an extensive collection of books and media and provides a wealth of outstanding programs and services that are needed by and appropriate for our entire community.

Please take time to come through the doors of SPL, explore, and take advantage of what our award-winning library has to offer. Join the chorus of those who oppose radical change to our community’s library. Also, now is a great time to make your voice even louder with a financial gift to Samuels Public Library—we just did!

Steve Earle
Front Royal, VA

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