Samuels Public Library Opens New Chapter Without County Funding, But With Strong Community Support

Samuels Public Library began a new chapter today, one that library leaders call “unusual” but deeply meaningful. As of July 1, the library is operating without funding from Warren County for the first time in decades. Still, the halls were filled with smiling faces, coffee cups, and Apple House donuts as supporters streamed in for an open house celebrating community resilience and a commitment to keeping services alive.

Erin Rooney, Director of Samuels Public Library, stands in front of a wall filled with letters and cards from community members—a powerful display of appreciation and support as the library begins operating without county funding.

“We’re still here and proud to serve,” said Library Director Erin Rooney, who appeared alongside Board President Melody Hotek and Director of Operations Eileen Grady. “That’s completely thanks to our supporters, people from town, the county, and beyond who believe in what we do.”

Although the mood inside the library was cheerful, the backdrop to this event was serious. For over two years, Samuels Public Library has been at the center of a tense funding dispute with the Warren County Board of Supervisors, stemming from concerns over library content and operations. Despite those tensions, Hotek emphasized the library’s openness to negotiate: “We want to sit down and do what’s right for the citizens of Warren County.”

Library leaders say they’ve consistently welcomed county participation. “There’s always been a county supervisor on our board,” said Hotek. “It’s part of our bylaws and how we stay transparent.” That’s included former Supervisors Cheryl Cullers, Vicky Cook, and others who’ve attended board meetings regularly. “We want input and communication, that’s never changed,” Hotek added.

Still, with no county funds, the library is relying on other sources of funding. A recent anonymous donation of $500,000 launched a Donor Emergency Fund, which now totals over $600,000. Grady says that, combined with state aid, will allow the library to operate for at least the next six months. “We’re watching every penny,” she said. “Our goal is to keep serving while working toward a resolution.”

Grady also clarified questions about the library’s endowment fund, which some members of the public had suggested should be utilized. “We can only draw 3% annually, per our investment policy,” she said. “It’s seed money for our future, it helps us survive long-term without asking more from taxpayers.”

The library’s lease still has 14 years left, and Hotek says they intend to stay. “We promised our patrons we’d keep going, and we are,” she said. Grady agreed. “We’ve never been the problem, and there are more urgent issues the county should focus on. Let’s move forward.”

Meanwhile, work at Samuels continues. Summer reading programs are in full swing through August, and planning is underway for the return of Sammicon, a popular library convention scheduled for September. Staff members continue to adjust programs based on community needs and partnerships, working with organizations like the Warren Coalition and the Warren Heritage Society.

“Many programs you see on our calendar are run by our community partners,” Rooney explained. “We provide the space and help bring the audience, they bring the content.” It’s a model that has helped fill the library calendar with events for all ages.

That spirit of teamwork also extends to the nearly 100 volunteers who donate hundreds of hours annually, doing everything from shelving books to running events. “We couldn’t do this without them,” Grady said. “Their work is real and deeply valued.”

In recent years, Samuels has earned multiple accolades, including being named Library of the Year by a statewide library organization. “It meant a lot to our staff and our community,” Hotek said. “We’re honored to be recognized by our peers.”

Today’s open house wasn’t just about donuts, it was about gratitude. “Every single donation counts,” Rooney said. “Whether it’s $10 or $100, it helps sustain us until a resolution is reached.”

To donate, supporters can click the “Support” button on the library’s website, drop off a check in person, or mail it directly to the library. Samuels has also launched a new Substack account to keep the public updated on programs, fundraising, and more.

As the morning event wrapped up, Rooney looked around at the bustling building with pride. “We’re just stewards,” she said. “Samuels will be here long after us, and that’s the goal.”

Grady agreed. “This community is wonderful. Our job is to enhance it, not change it.”

For now, the message from Samuels Public Library is simple: They’re still here, and they’re not going anywhere.

Editors Note: In the March 4, 2025 Board of Supervisors Meeting minutes it say that Dr. Rich Jamieson stated “that tonight’s vote is merely opting out of an automatic contract renewal, preserves options for the County. There will be not one second of time in Warren County when public library services are not funded.”