Samuels Public Library Honored as Virginia Library of the Year

The Virginia Library Association (VLA) has named Samuels Public Library the 2024 Virginia Library of the Year. Samuels Public Library has been a cornerstone of Warren County for over two centuries and is committed to providing public access to literature and learning.

The Virginia Library Association (VLA) has named Samuels Public Library the 2024 Virginia Library of the Year.

A History of Resilience

The origins of Samuels Public Library date back to 1799 when the Front Royal Librarian Society became the second subscription library in Virginia. It was formally incorporated by the General Assembly in 1836, and the library has weathered numerous challenges, including wars and economic downturns, with the support of its community. In 1952, resident Dr. Bernard Samuels donated a building to house the library, and it was renamed in his honor. The library has continued to grow, opening a new facility in 1980 and later expanding to its current location in 2009.

Today, Samuels Public Library serves more than 41,000 people across Warren County. In the last fiscal year, the library welcomed over 127,000 visitors, facilitated over 400,000 checkouts, and hosted 542 programs attended by nearly 20,000 people. The library recently received a grant from the Mellon Foundation to establish a Memory Lab and Makerspace, enhancing free services for all community members.

Defending Intellectual Freedom

One of the library’s most notable achievements this year was its dedication to upholding the First Amendment. In early 2023, a small but vocal group of 53 individuals from the community challenged over 300 books, primarily due to their LGBTQ content. The group also demanded changes to the library’s non-profit structure. The Warren County Board of Supervisors responded by withholding 75% of the library’s annual budget until a compromise was reached.

Despite these challenges, the library stood firm. It developed new policies, such as creating a “New Adult” collection, reviewing all Young Adult (YA) books, and introducing two new youth library cards with checkout restrictions. However, the library’s leadership, staff, and community members remained committed to defending their collection development policies and the First Amendment rights of all patrons.

“The library’s staff, Board of Trustees, Friends of the Samuels Public Library, and hundreds of community members came together to defend the library and its mission,” a library representative noted. “Samuels not only survived this contentious challenge but has thrived in its wake.”

Community Support and Recognition

The VLA also recognized the Friends of Samuels Library (FOSL) with the Friends of the Library Award. Established in 2015, FOSL has been instrumental in supporting the library through fundraising, volunteering, and advocating for the library’s importance in the community. When the library’s funding was jeopardized, FOSL collaborated with EveryLibrary to inform all 21,400 households in Warren County of the situation, ultimately helping to restore the library’s budget.

“FOSL goes beyond fundraising; their mission is to support Samuels Library by promoting a diverse and active membership, enhancing the library’s financial resources, and raising community awareness of the library as a valuable educational resource,” the VLA noted.

A Champion for Libraries

Melody Hotek, President of the Samuels Public Library Board of Trustees, received the Trustee Library Award for her leadership and dedication. Hotek has worked with nonprofits and served on boards for 25 years, including six years as the President of FOSL. She has been the driving force behind the library’s annual fundraising event, “A Taste for Books,” which raises an average of $20,000 each year.

Hotek was also a key figure during the recent censorship challenges. She worked closely with the Warren County Board of Supervisors, library directors, and community members to ensure funding while upholding the integrity of the library’s collection.

“Melody did not shy away from the challenge,” the VLA stated. “She advised the County Board of Supervisors that the library would close its doors before it violated the First Amendment rights of the community.”

Celebrating Success

All Virginia Library Association award winners will be honored at the VLA Annual Conference, which will take place on October 17, 2024, at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside, Virginia. Samuels Public Library and its supporters’ recognition reflects their unwavering dedication to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all patrons.

As the library looks to the future, it remains committed to bringing people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community, just as it has done for over two centuries.