Samuels Public Library Packs October with Community Activities, Book Clubs, and Family Fun

With fall in full swing, Samuels Public Library is rolling out a full month of programs for all ages—from preschoolers to teens to adults. Kaitlyn Leckliter, Adult Reference Manager, says the goal is simple: “We want people to connect, learn something new, and feel welcome—no matter their age.”

Story Walk and Fire Safety Fun

Start the month at the Story Walk refresh on Friday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the park. Families can enjoy the new story, Lou by Brianna Carzoo, meet members of the Warren County Fire Department, and explore a real fire truck. If you can’t make the park event, both preschool story times on Tuesday, October 1 (10:15 & 11:00 a.m.) at the library will also feature fire-themed stories—with a fire truck visit, too.

Youth & Teen Highlights (Oct. 18)

• Teen Advisory Group – 11:00 a.m. Ages 12–18 help plan teen activities for the year. Registration required; pizza and soda provided.
• Positive Pumpkins – 2:30 p.m. with the ARC. Ages 5+ with a guardian learn stress-relief skills and make pumpkin stress balls.

Guest Author & Spooky Season Reads

October 8 & 9 at 11:00 a.m.: Local author Danny Baron visits preschool story time to read Turtle Stretcher Strip.

Adult book clubs include:

• Bad Romance Book Club – Oct. 1, 6:00 p.m. Theme: “campy” outdoors romance.
• Scary Words Book Club – Featuring What Moves the Dead and A Haunting on the Hill.
• Books and Beyond – Oct. 9. Theme: “hauntings” (choose your own title).

Create and Record in Studio 330

The Studio 330 makerspace offers sewing machines, a laser cutter, and a soundproof recording booth with microphones available for checkout. Open hours every Thursday, 12–4 p.m. On Oct. 11 at 10:00 a.m., join the Fall Paper Crafting Workshop (registration required).

“Keepsakes, podcasts, even converting old media—Studio 330 gives people room to try new things,” Leckliter said.

Learning and Support

A weekly GED program runs in partnership with Laurel Ridge Community College (registration via Laurel Ridge).
Need device help? “What the Tech?” meets every Tuesday, 2:00–3:30 p.m.—bring your phone, tablet, or laptop. Volunteers from Community Works often assist.

Special Events

• Oct. 13, 6:00 p.m.: History and hauntings of Winchester’s Blue Ball Inn, plus updates from an on-site archaeological dig.
• Oct. 25, 10:00 a.m.: Scary Author Panel with local horror/suspense writers.
• Oct. 25, 2:00 p.m.: String Theory needlework circle—knitting, crochet, and more.

Leckliter, who stepped into her role in August and has served at the library since 2020, added, “The library is more than books. It’s a place to create, explore, and meet your neighbors.”

To see the full calendar or register, visit samuelslibrary.net. Events are listed by date and audience for easy browsing.