Connect with us

Opinion

Our Library Deserves Our Support

Published

on

Samuels Public Library and Warren County, Virginia, grew up together.

The people here, generation to generation, have enjoyed and benefited from their library over many decades. They have watched it change and flourish over the years. It has revised its name and changed its location a few times, but its character and devotion to the people of Warren County have remained steadfast.

I mention this because Supervisor Jamieson, at the last Board of Supervisors’ meeting, compared Samuels Public Library’s contribution to the county as 5 cents to Warren County’s 95 cents. He is so wrong.

For the approximately $2 per month per resident that the county has budgeted for the library each year, a lot of good things have come back to the residents. Every person in this county has:
  • Free access to books from the Classics to recent Bestsellers on the “Hot Read” shelf at Samuels. (If a person reads one book per month, that would have cost them $20; the Warren County taxpayer has saved $18)
  • Free access to newspapers and magazines. Show me a newspaper or magazine that costs less than $2 per issue.
  • Free access to movies and music on Hoopla, as well as on DVDs and CDs that can be checked out.
  • Free access to databases like Transparent Language and Ancestry (worth around $50 a month)
  • Free access to educational programs that help both students and adults. I’ve seen teachers taking their children to Samuels programs during school breaks.
  • Free access to use computers for job search, research, or just fun stuff. A big boost for those residents who, for whatever reason, do not own their own personal computers.
  • One-on-one help from professional librarians (priceless!)
  • Plus more
While there may be a handful of Warren County residents who don’t appreciate how much Samuels Public Library gives to us all, I believe an overwhelming majority appreciate it a lot.

For anyone to say what Jamieson said demonstrates an astonishingly low level of awareness and/or a regrettable lack of gratitude for the gift that Samuels Public Library is to the people of Warren County.

I encourage everyone to contact their own supervisor before the August 6 Board of Supervisors’ meeting and tell him or her that you want the funds that are in the current budget for “library services” to be released to Samuels now so that they can continue to bring us so much and serve us so well!

Kelli Hart
Warren County, VA


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the letters published on this page are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Royal Examiner’s editorial team, its affiliates, or advertisers. The Royal Examiner does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any statements made by the authors. The Royal Examiner has not independently verified the statements and claims presented in the letters. Readers are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and critical thinking skills when evaluating the content. Any reliance on the information in the letters is at the reader’s own risk.

While the Royal Examiner makes every effort to publish diverse opinions, it does not guarantee the publication of all received letters. The Royal Examiner reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, and adherence to editorial guidelines. Moreover, the Royal Examiner does not assume any liability for any loss or damage incurred by readers due to the content of the letters or any subsequent actions based on these opinions.

In submitting a letter to the editor, authors grant the newspaper the right to publish, edit, reproduce, or distribute the content in print, online, or in any other form.

We value the engagement of our readers and encourage open and constructive discussions on various topics. However, the Royal Examiner retains the right to reject any letter that contains offensive language, personal attacks, or violates any legal regulations. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community of readers and contributors, and we look forward to receiving your diverse perspectives on matters of interest and importance.

Front Royal, VA
64°
Cloudy
6:18 am8:02 pm EDT
Feels like: 64°F
Wind: 5mph ESE
Humidity: 68%
Pressure: 29.97"Hg
UV index: 1
WedThuFri
64°F / 50°F
63°F / 43°F
64°F / 45°F
Obituaries7 minutes ago

Helen Virginia Smoot (1939 – 2026)

Local News7 hours ago

Front Royal Prepares to Welcome King and Queen During U.S. Visit

State News8 hours ago

Fairfax Tragedy Renews Debate on How Best to Intervene in Domestic Crises

State News8 hours ago

Spanberger Marks First 100 Days with Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Energy Affordability

Mature Living9 hours ago

Building Muscle After 50 Is a Win-Win

Local News9 hours ago

Rare, World-Class Masterworks from Picasso to Dalí Meet Contemporary Artists in Front Royal at Ichiuji Fine Arts Gallery

Business10 hours ago

Why Change Is So Hard — and How to Make It Stick

Home10 hours ago

Which Home Repairs Should Come First?

Legal Notices23 hours ago

ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia

State News1 day ago

Supreme Court of Virginia Weighs Challenge to Redistricting Amendment

Community Events1 day ago

South Warren Ruritan Club Prepares for Popular Spring Hanging Basket Sale

Obituaries1 day ago

Gerald W. “Jerry” Chilcote (1957 – 2026)

Obituaries1 day ago

Eleanor Showers Chadwell (1939 – 2026)

State News1 day ago

Virginia Cannabis Retail Plan in Limbo After Lawmakers Reject Spanberger Changes

State News1 day ago

Data Center Tax Exemption Changes Still Holding Up Virginia Budget

Health1 day ago

Colorectal Cancer Now Leading Cancer Killer Among Younger Adults

Interesting Things to Know1 day ago

Saying “Sorry” May Be a Key to Success, Survey Finds

Local News2 days ago

Warren County Fire and Rescue Launches “10-A-Day” Campaign to Improve Home Safety

Community Events2 days ago

Dance Club Shenandoah Celebrates 60 Years of Music and Movement

Opinion2 days ago

Request for Removal of County Treasurer

Obituaries2 days ago

Martha Ann Warren (1963 – 2026)

Mature Living2 days ago

Living Apart Together (LAT): A Growing Trend Among Adults 50 and Over

Home2 days ago

Themed Day Camps Offer Fun and Learning for Kids

EDA in Focus3 days ago

EDA Approves Resolutions Moving Toward Settlement of Old EDA Financial Liabilities, and Sale of 113 Acres at Avtex Site

Community Events3 days ago

Virginia Wine & Craft Festival Returns to Front Royal on May 16