Music, Quilts, Birds and Books: A Month of Discovery at the Library

March is shaping up to be one of the busiest months of the year at Samuels Public Library, with programs ranging from music and dancing to gardening workshops, photography walks, conservation films, and hands-on children’s activities.

Kaitlyn Leckliter, Adult Reference Manager, and Pat Lopreto, Assistant Youth Librarian, recently stopped by the Royal Examiner studio to preview the library’s full lineup of events, including a major fundraiser and dozens of free community programs.

Irish Music Fundraiser and Children’s Cèilidh

Kicking off the month is a special Scottish-themed fundraiser featuring musician Seán Heely on Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. The evening event will include live music, dancing, and food, all to benefit the library.

Tickets are $50 each, with a special offer: purchase 4 and get a fifth free. Tickets are available at the library, by phone for will-call pickup, and at the door.

Earlier that same day, Heely will host a free Children’s Cèilidh at 3 p.m., where kids will learn traditional jigs and reels and experiment with percussion instruments.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun for the kids,” Lopreto said, noting that the earlier performance will be lively and interactive.

Community Resource Fair

The library is partnering with the Department of Social Services to host a Community Resource Fair on March 4 at 1 p.m. Approximately 30 organizations are expected to participate, offering information about local services and opportunities for collaboration.

“It’s great for the public to see what resources are available,” Leckliter said, adding that the event also allows agencies to connect with one another.

Learning for All Ages

March programming spans all age groups.

The Children’s Department will host several themed events, including:

• Global Days on March 7 in partnership with Shenandoah River State Park, featuring a scavenger hunt and a “Leave No Trace” lesson.
• Pi Day activities on March 10 during Homeschool Hub, focusing on fractions in honor of March 14 (3.14).
• Paws2Read on March 14, when children can read aloud to visiting therapy dogs.
• Wings and Wonders on March 21 at 2:30 p.m., a Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute program about migratory birds, including making suet feeders and learning how to prevent bird-window collisions.

The popular StoryWalk at the dog park is expected to receive updates in mid-March as the weather improves, encouraging families to read together outdoors while walking.

Gardening, Writing, and Film

Adults can look forward to several educational workshops and discussions.

On March 14 at 1 p.m., the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will present “Let’s Grow: Plant This, Not That,” exploring native versus non-native plants and the beneficial insects they support.

The Master Gardeners will also resume Walkabout Wednesday on March 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., offering informal plant care discussions inside the library.

A Medicare workshop hosted in partnership with Seniors First will be held on March 12 at 2 p.m., followed by private counseling sessions at 3 p.m.

Writers can participate in an Improving Communication Skills workshop on March 19 at 6 p.m., led by award-winning author Dr. Dan Trigoboff.

On March 26 at 6 p.m., the library will host a Smithsonian-sponsored screening of two short films — Building for Birds and Grassroots — highlighting migratory birds and biodiversity in the Shenandoah Valley. A discussion panel featuring director Sam LeGrys, research ecologist Brian Evans, and Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative coordinator Justin Proctor will follow.

Studio 330: Hands-On Creativity

Studio 330 continues expanding its offerings with embroidery, fiber arts, sewing classes, and personal archiving sessions. A two-part Sewing 201 workshop on March 4 and 11 at 5 p.m. will guide participants in creating a St. Patrick’s-themed quilted wall hanging.

The popular Craft Swap returns March 7, with early access from 10 a.m. to noon for donors and general access beginning at noon. Participation is free.

The studio also offers equipment for digitizing old VHS tapes at no cost.

Additionally, Glowforge lantern-making workshops will be held on March 18 at 11 a.m. and March 26 at 5 p.m., allowing participants to create lanterns for the upcoming “Lanterns for Liberty” event in April.

Photography enthusiasts can register for Bluebells, Wildflowers, and Wildlife Walk-In Photography with Sharon Fisher on March 28 at 9 a.m. at Shenandoah River State Park.

A Hub of Community Activity

With daily programs, partnerships, and workshops, the library continues to serve as a central gathering place in Warren County.

“There’s always something happening at the library,” Leckliter said.

A full chronological calendar of events is available on the Samuels Public Library website.

Samuels Library to Host Scottish Cèilidh Fundraiser With Music, Dancing, and Community Spirit