Samuels Library Pushes Forward with Celebration Despite Political Friction

Samuels Public Library, recently named Virginia’s Library of the Year, is moving forward with a full slate of programs and community events—even as a legal battle and growing uncertainty over its future with the Warren County government continue to deepen.

The nonprofit institution, which has served Warren County residents for more than two centuries, is preparing to host its signature annual fundraiser, “Taste for Books,” on April 26. But behind the celebration is a larger struggle over funding, oversight, and the role of public-private partnerships in delivering essential community services.

Celebrating Community Through Events

Despite tensions behind the scenes, Samuels Library is continuing to do what it does best: serve the community.

This year’s Taste for Books fundraiser embraces a “Movie Magic” theme, offering guests a red-carpet entrance, music from an 18-piece swing band, a costume-friendly atmosphere, and food and drink provided by local businesses. The event also features a silent auction and interactive games.

“This is our 12th year doing Taste for Books,” said Melody Hotek, president of the Samuels Library Board of Trustees. “It’s the most fun you’ll have at a fundraiser, and it helps us keep our library strong.”

Tickets are $50 each, with a promotional offer to buy four and get one free. Proceeds support the library’s services, programs, and operations—resources that remain free to the public.

Another event, the Silver Tea, revives a tradition started by local women in the 1920s who hosted community teas to collect books for the growing library. The inaugural donor-only event is being held this weekend, but future gatherings will be open to others who support the library’s mission. The event also highlights local oral history efforts as the library works to preserve memories of its early years through storytelling and archival projects.

Studio 330: Expanding Programming and Creativity

The library’s growing creative space, Studio 330, has become a hub for hands-on learning and collaboration. It offers a wide range of classes and workshops—from sewing and digital storytelling to book clubs and fiber arts.

A newly popular program called “String Theory” has drawn a waitlist of participants, and upcoming events like a community craft swap and the return of the “Bigfoot Experience” continue to draw diverse crowds. The Bigfoot event, scheduled for April 8, features cryptid researcher Mike Feltmate sharing folklore, videos, and plaster casts from regional sightings.

“These kinds of programs bring people together,” said Executive Director Erin Rooney. “It’s about learning, connecting, and sharing.”

Behind the Programs, a Growing Dispute

While public events thrive, a behind-the-scenes legal conflict continues to escalate.

In January, Samuels Library Inc. and its trustees filed a lawsuit against the Warren County Board of Supervisors after the county voted to create a new library oversight board. The suit claims that the new board infringes on the library’s authority and violates an agreement between the county and the Town of Front Royal, which outlines funding responsibilities for Samuels.

Samuels also argued that changes to the library ordinance were not properly advertised ahead of its adoption, and that the creation of the new board represents a fundamental change to the existing funding arrangement. The county, however, says the lawsuit is without merit and has asked a judge to dismiss the case and require Samuels to pay legal fees, calling the action “frivolous.”

A judge denied the library’s request for an emergency injunction in January, stating that Samuels had not proven immediate or irreparable harm. A hearing on the full case is now scheduled for May 2 under a newly assigned judge.

Shift Toward Privatization Raises Questions

Adding to the uncertainty, county supervisors voted 4-1 on March 4 not to automatically renew their longstanding funding agreement with Samuels. That decision followed a recommendation from the newly formed Warren County Library Board (WCLB), which has also suggested seeking bids from outside vendors.

Just days later, the county received an unsolicited $1.024 million proposal from Library Systems & Services LLC (LS&S), a national for-profit company that manages over 80 libraries nationwide. The bid outlines a 10-year plan to take over Warren County’s library services operations, assuming $236,000 in state aid for a total annual operating budget of $1.26 million.

Under the proposal, LS&S would manage library staffing, programs, and collections while the county would retain oversight of policies and assets. However, Hotek raised major concerns about how LS&S would access the existing collection and facilities.

“Samuels still holds a 14-year lease for the building and owns the books and equipment,” she said. “These assets belong to the nonprofit. There’s no argument to be had.”

Library Leadership Responds

Hotek and Rooney said they remain committed to transparency and have made all financial records publicly available. The library undergoes annual audits and is governed by a Board of Trustees under the structure of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Approximately 70% of its operating costs come from county funding, with the rest supplemented by state aid and fundraising efforts.

“All of our financial information is publicly available,” Hotek said. “We’re not hiding anything. We’re accountable to our community.”

County officials argue that the county is not obligated to continue funding Samuels and say that exploring outside bids could save taxpayers money. However, Hotek questioned how a for-profit vendor could reduce costs while maintaining quality services.

“They’re using the same numbers we are,” she said. “So where are the cuts going to happen? At what levels? Because somewhere in there, they have to make a profit.”

The WCLB has further suggested that Samuels could still bid to continue library services—if its trustees reverse a recent change to its articles of incorporation. That amendment, made in December, outlines that Samuels’ assets would go to another nonprofit organization upon dissolution instead of defaulting to county ownership. Hotek insists that the change is within their legal rights and emphasizes that the library has no plans to dissolve.

Looking Ahead

As supervisors weigh the LS&S bid and potential next steps, community support for Samuels remains strong. Hotek said donations have continued to pour in from across the country—and even overseas—since news of the dispute became public.

“We’ve been here for 200 years,” Hotek said. “And we plan to be here for many more.”

For now, the library remains focused on its mission of education, access, and community enrichment. Whether through a red-carpet fundraiser, a historical tea, or a class on sewing basics, Samuels Public Library continues to show why it remains at the heart of Warren County.

To learn more about library events or make a donation, visit www.samuelslibrary.net.