September 9, 2025
Press Release
Sam the Library Dragon Celebrates Fortieth Birthday
The children’s room at the Holdrege Area Public Library is graced with the only known library dragon, Smilin’ Sam Smoke. Sam arrived at the library after a remodeling project to move the children’s area to the same level as the rest of the library in 1985. A local artist, Jane Wilson, was commissioned by the library to create something special for one corner of the room. She looked at the area and a castle with a dragon came to her mind.
The library will be celebrating Sam’s 40th Birthday from September 15 through September 20. Special activities will be available for children to participate in all day for the entire celebration. Activities include: decorating a bookmark for a bookmark contest, making Sam a birthday card, a dragon scavenger hunt and other activities. There will also be a gallery of photos over the years on display
Special events include: Meet Jane Wilson Wolfe the creator of Sam the Library Dragon. Hear the story of how she created Sam. Ask the questions you have had and learn more about Sam. This event takes place on September 18 at 6:30 p.m.
On Saturday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m. come watch a favorite dragon movie and enjoy a snack. Call the library at 995-6556 for more details.