Samuels Library ‘Epilogue’ bookstore proves to be a revenue asset

Just inside the library’s main, rear parking lot entrance lies this quaint ‘home’ for books for sale, with coffee percolating just outside – Royal Examiner Photos/Roger Bianchini

The “Epilogue” bookstore at Samuels Public Library in Front Royal is turning out to be a goldmine for the library and a worthwhile project for a host of volunteers.

Melody Hotek, president of “Friends of Samuels Library” (FOSL), reports in her latest newsletter that most of the $21,500 raised by FOSL during the last fiscal year came from the quaint bookstore booth in the library’s entrance hall – $16,132. Other income came from the usual sources, membership and donations ($5,460) which led to a healthy $18,405 being passed to the library.

Donated hard cover books and DVDs sell for $2.50; kid’s books and paperbacks for 50 cents.

Bookstore clerk Liz Valiulis is ready to conduct some book business

Hotek announced the date of FOSL’s annual meeting – September 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the library’s white meeting room – and promised home made (by board members) light refreshments.

She also produced information on the number of programs held by the library from July 2018 to June 2019 which was 839, attended by 33,190 adults and children. “FOSL hosted or supported a number of these programs,” she reported. Upcoming this fall are events covering landscape photography; degenerate art: the Persecution of Modern Art; holiday photography and … Lyme Disease. There will also be a book and bake sale on September 21.

Next April 25, for the library’s annual fundraiser, the theme is “A Taste for Books … on the High Seas” and the library will be transformed with tropical islands and famous ships to set the tone.

“Mark your calendars … you won’t want to miss this one – it’s always the best party in town,” Hotek wrote.