Former Samuels Library director chimes in on book debate

Samuels Public Library is a “true gem” that just happens to be in Front Royal, Virginia. It is a sanctuary away from many difficult things, including severe weather, the streets, drugs, and juvenile crime.

In person, it offers a place to learn, attend excellent local and or regional programs, and check out books, magazines, and or DVDs.

For some, it is just a place of refuge to cool off or warm up. Others join the local craft clubs and meet new friends. There is always tutoring or learning in the many small meeting rooms, along with enough computers to help those in need of a computer, printer, or reliable WI-FI service.

Online you can connect to read a regional collection of books and magazines or improve your education along with learning new languages and taking and completing tests for employment.

The Director and staff are a wonderful group of hard-working individuals that want to provide excellent service to all those that live in the community and use the library — EVERYONE in the community, not just one group or another. There are also many excellent volunteers in both the adult and teen areas that help staff give their time and expertise.

Yes, Samuels Library has a diverse collection of materials along with wonderful diverse programs for every age. The people that use the library are also as diverse, each looking for varied materials, help or information, or programs.

Samuels Library staff is quite capable of choosing what belongs in the collections at the library.

No one should be dropping off young children at the library with no supervision. That is unacceptable.

There are designated areas inside the library where various collections are kept. I am sure you and your family can find an area you and your children will feel comfortable inside this “gem of a library.”

Be proud that you have such a wonderful library that caters to all the home-schoolers, public school children, teens, adults, and seniors.

The library belongs to everyone — “treat it with respect.”

Mary “Nicki” McGuire Lynch
Former Samuels Public Library Director (2008-2017)

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