Samuels Public Library Gears Up for a Busy May and a Whimsical Summer Reading Kickoff

As spring settles in and school days wind down, Samuels Public Library is buzzing with activity. May is packed with programs for readers, creators, and curious minds of all ages, culminating in a magical launch for this year’s summer reading initiative.

Grace Green and Pat LoPreto—fondly known as “the library ladies”—recently visited the Royal Examiner studio to highlight upcoming events and share a few laughs while doing what they do best: making reading fun.

Free Comic Book Day and Scary Reads

First on the list is Free Comic Book Day, happening Saturday, May 4 at Main Street Geek in downtown Front Royal. Library staff will be there with giveaways and prizes for those who show their library cards. “Spider-Man will even make an appearance,” Pat noted with a smile.

That same afternoon at 2:30 p.m., the library will host its new Scary Words Book Club. This month’s picks include Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero, a Scooby-Doo-style adventure with a Lovecraftian twist, and the nonfiction title and Still Life with Bones: Genocide, Forensics, and What Remains by Alexa Haggerty.

Bookmarks, Heritage, and a Tribute to Women of the Library

Throughout May, young artists can participate in the Summer Reading Bookmark Design Contest. Submissions are due by May 15, and the winning design will be featured throughout the summer. Also, on May 15 at 6 p.m., the library will present Trailblazing Women of Samuels Public Library, a historical talk led by Colleen Snyder. “We dug into our archives to celebrate some of the key women who helped shape this library,” Grace explained. The public is invited to attend and learn about the legacy of local women who made their mark.

That same week, the Books and Beyond discussion group is partnering with the Genealogy Club for a session titled Reconnecting with Your Roots, a nod to both family history and the library’s growing collection of research resources.

Mother’s Day, Gardening, and Growing Young Minds

On May 7, in partnership with Warren County Parks and Recreation, the library will offer Florally Yours: Mom & Me, a hands-on project for children aged five and up. They’ll learn about the meanings of Victorian flowers while creating floral bookmarks and cards.

Then on May 16, the Master Gardeners return for a special program all about roots—not the family tree kind, but the ones kids can grow and eat. With live demonstrations, garden exploration, and planting activities, little ones will dig deep into the natural world.

All Roads Lead to Summer Reading

The library’s biggest event of the season kicks off on May 31. The Summer Reading Carnival will take on an Alice in Wonderland theme, complete with costumes, games, magical food, and a live performance by Bright Star Theatre. Inside the library, children can sign up for the Summer Reading Program under this year’s theme: Color Our World.

All summer long, Samuels Public Library will host a full slate of activities—from weekly music and movement classes to story times and Tuesday afternoon workshops. And yes, graphic novels, poetry, and “choose your own adventure” books will all be part of the fun.

Why It Matters

As the conversation turned to reading scores and the importance of access, the library ladies emphasized how critical early literacy is to long-term success. Grace and Pat agreed that whether it’s graphic novels, scary books, or bookmark contests, the goal is always the same: keeping kids excited about reading—and coming back for more.

The library’s full calendar of events for May and beyond is available at www.samuelslibrary.net. As always, programs are free and open to the public. Just bring your curiosity—and maybe your library card.

Upcoming Highlights at Samuels Public Library

• Free Comic Book Day: May 4 at Main Street Geek (All Day)
• Scary Words Book Club: May 4 at 2:30 p.m.
• Florally Yours (Mother’s Day Craft): May 7
• Books and Beyond x Genealogy Club: May 14
• Trailblazing Women of Samuels Library: May 15 at 6 p.m.
• Bookmark Contest Deadline: May 15
• Master Gardeners “Roots” Workshop: May 16
• Summer Reading Carnival: May 31 (Morning carnival, afternoon theatre)

Whether you’re planting a seed, sketching a bookmark, or diving into a new book, Samuels Public Library has something blooming for everyone this May.