Samuels Public Library Announces Busy June Schedule for All Ages

Samuels Public Library is heading into June with a full calendar of programs for children, teens, adults, and families.

Kaitlyn Leckliter, Adult Reference Manager, and Pat Lopreto, Assistant Youth Librarian, recently shared the highlights of the library’s upcoming events. From summer reading and science programs to line dancing, tiny art, hiking, chess, and a special poolside movie night, the month promises something for nearly every interest.

The library will help launch summer activities with its Summer Reading Program, open to both adults and children. A magician show, “Dig Into Reading,” will kick off the season at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, followed by opportunities for families to sign up for summer reading. Library staff said the program continues to draw strong community interest.

Leckliter said adult programs begin early in the month with a sound healing program featuring Grace and Joy. The program will explore sound healing, described as one of the oldest forms of medicine, and will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. Registration is required, and a few spots remain available.

On June 3, the library will host a Community Resource Fair at 2 p.m., followed that evening by an author talk with Derick Lugo at 6 p.m. Lugo, author of The Unlikely Thru-Hiker, will discuss his newest book, A Fabulous Thru-Hike, and share stories from his journey on the Continental Divide Trail.

The popular Step It Up Line Dancing program will also return this summer. The first beginner session is scheduled for June 9, with classes expected to continue from June through September. This year, the program will include both beginner and more advanced sessions.

A new mini armchair travel series will begin with a trip to Greece, led by Tim French, a former adjunct history instructor at Laurel Ridge Community College. Later in the month, Susan Tschirhart will lead a “How to Hike” program at 6 p.m. on June 24, offering guidance for seasoned hikers, families with young children, and people with limited physical abilities.

Families can also look forward to a free movie night at the Claude A. Stokes Jr. Community Swimming Pool on June 26. The library is partnering with Warren County Parks and Recreation, the Warren Heritage Society, and the Fossil Friends of Samuels Library for the event. Gates are expected to open at 8 p.m., with the movie beginning around 8:30 or 9 p.m. The featured film will be Hamilton, tying into the 250th anniversary theme. Attendance is free, but capacity is limited to 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

The library’s fourth annual Tiny Art program will also return in June. Throughout the month, patrons may pick up small art kits, create their own pieces, and either keep them or return them for display in July. This year’s program will include tiny canvases and paper clay, an air-dry clay strengthened with paper. Participants may also choose to donate their artwork for auction, with proceeds benefiting the library.

Lopreto highlighted several youth programs tied to this year’s summer reading theme, “Unearth a Story.” Children ages 6 to 11 can take part in colonial games, supported by a grant from Front Royal United Methodist Church. Activities will include yo-yos, jump ropes, cup-and-ball games, horseshoes, and hula hoops.

For younger children, Trail Buddies will be offered for ages 2 to 6 at Burrell Brooks Jr. Park next to the library. The program will focus on biomes, and children will make small terrariums. Other youth events include a Fourth of July-themed Story Walk, a “What’s in My Lunchbox?” program, and Digging Up Dinosaurs, where children will learn about dinosaurs and take part in a sandbox dig.

The library will also continue its popular Paws to Read program, giving children a chance to read to therapy dogs. Later that day, ARC will host a red, white, and blue-themed activity where participants will make flags in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Registration is required for some programs due to space and supply constraints.

Science Heroes will visit the library on June 26 for a program featuring hands-on science activities and audience participation. Lopreto said the program will include demonstrations such as blowing up 12-foot bags with one breath. No registration is required for that event.

Chess programming is also returning for ages 10 to 18 in June and July, with plans for a chess master to begin teaching elementary-age students in August. Teens ages 12 to 18 can also take part in Art Escape, a daytime paint-night-style program where participants will create a tree painting chosen by a teen survey.

Another special project beginning in June is a family time capsule program in partnership with the Warren Heritage Society. Families with children may register to receive one time capsule per family. The capsules are expected to be collected by July 7 and stored until July 2051. A ceremony will be held at the library on July 7 to discuss past time capsules in Warren County and Front Royal.

In addition to special programs, Samuels Public Library continues to offer books, video games, board games, its Library of Things, and Studio 330, where patrons can use creative tools and technology.

For a full calendar of events and registration information, visit Samuels Public Library’s website.

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