Former Library Director Visits Samuels Public Library for Special Staff Gathering

On March 12, former Samuels Public Library Director Gary Graham made a special visit to reconnect with staff and share memories of the library’s past. Mr. Graham holds a unique place in the library’s history, having been its first official director and a key figure in the transition from the Chester Street location to the Villa Avenue facility in 1980.

Former Samuels Public Library Director Gary Graham shares memories with staff during a special visit, reflecting on the library’s journey and the community spirit that helped shape its past and present. Courtesy photos.

During his visit, Mr. Graham toured the current Criser Road library building, which opened in 2009. He expressed admiration for its size, modern design, and scope of services, calling the facility “more than I ever, ever, ever would have expected.” He added that for a community the size of Warren County, having a library of this caliber is a rare and fortunate achievement.

Connecting past and present

Mr. Graham shared stories from his time as library director, reflecting on the early challenges of fundraising, the old card catalog system, and favorite moments with patrons and staff at the Villa Avenue site. He described the personality of that library as shaped not just by its collection, but by the people who brought it to life each day.

“No two libraries are the same,” he noted. “A good library reflects the specific needs of its community.”

Graham’s visit is part of an ongoing oral history project titled Echoes of the Past, led by local author Colleen Snyder. The project aims to capture stories from community members who have played a role in the library’s development from its Chester Street roots to its modern Criser Road home.

A look back at civic support

Reflecting on the library’s nonprofit status, Mr. Graham credited community leader Hubert “Hubie” Marlow with raising awareness of the library’s designation as a public resource for all citizens. Marlow was instrumental in the incorporation of Samuels Library, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) organization, formalizing the library’s name and mission.

John Marlow, a longtime local leader and later Mayor of Front Royal, continued that legacy by supporting the library through its expansion efforts. Graham recalled his friendships with both men, including shared time on the tennis court and in Rotary meetings. He emphasized that fundraising success often stemmed from building strong, lasting relationships with community leaders who understood the library’s value.

One lighthearted memory involved a unique fundraising event where local hairdressers offered $5 haircuts and staged a fashion show to support the library—an example of the kind of creativity and community spirit that has always been part of Samuels.

Remembering library milestones

Graham’s visit also unearthed a special photo from his personal album featuring a young Nicki Lynch, formerly Nicki McGuire, who began her career working in children’s services at the Villa Avenue location before earning her Master of Library Science in Maryland. She would later return to serve as director at the Criser Road facility.

Past meets present as current Library Director Erin Rooney shares a behind-the-scenes tour with former Director Gary Graham, reflecting on decades of growth and service at Samuels Public Library.

Current Director Erin Rooney gave Graham a behind-the-scenes tour of today’s expanded programs and services. One highlight was Studio 330, the library’s hands-on learning and media space, which represents a bold evolution of the library’s educational mission. The space is supported in part by a five-year, $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation—an opportunity that Graham said would have been unimaginable during his tenure.

A shared commitment through the decades

Throughout his visit, Graham reflected on both the challenges and victories of managing a public library. He noted that many of the library’s long-term goals and hurdles—such as community outreach and funding negotiations with county officials—remain as relevant today as they were in past decades.

The day closed with supportive remarks from Graham and promises to remain involved in future conversations about the library’s growth and service to the community.

A legacy of service to Warren County

Originally founded in 1799 and renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952, the library received its charter as the second public library in Virginia. It has served the residents of Warren County and Front Royal for more than two centuries.

Today, the library continues to expand its reach. In the most recent fiscal year, it added more than 2,200 new cardholders and hosted 542 programs, with a total attendance of nearly 20,000. Last year, more than 127,000 people visited the library, checking out over 400,000 items.

For more information about Samuels Public Library and its services, visit www.samuelslibrary.net.