The J. Fred Matthews Memorial Library is the jewel of the St. Paul community. Programs for ALL AGES are offered. The programs for children, such as Storytime and Baby Sprouts are especially important because statistics prove that children who begin reading at a young age perform better in school. And good performance in school can translate to good performance in life.

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the library’s younger folks and the adults who accompanied them visited the Clinch Valley Times to celebrate Halloween while making a circuit through the town. Their costumes were varied and imaginative. Even though the sky was cloudy, the air was chilly, and a light rain was falling, we could hear the children’s happy voices as they proceeded along Russell Street to the CVT office. Never mind the rain – everyone was having a GOOD time. This is what community is about. This is why Wise County and Russell County are good places for children.

Our thanks to Tony and Carey Watkins who came to the CVT today to distribute our treats to the children while I was taking the photos you see here. Also, thank you to the members of the St. Paul Police Department and the St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department who accompanied the children, ensuring they navigated vehicular traffic safely. We all feel more secure knowing these folks are on the job for us 24-7 🙂

EVERYONE GATHERED BESIDE THE ST. PAUL TOWN HALL FOR A GROUP PHOTO. THAT’S SYDNEY LANEY ON THE RIGHT. SHE’S THE BRANCH MANAGER OF THE J. FRED MATTHEWS MEMORIAL LIBRARY.

TRICK OR TREATERS TAKE OVER RUSSELL STREET!

UMBRELLAS AND CONVEYANCES OF EVERY TYPE WERE THE ORDER OF THE DAY

SAYING GOOBYE AND THANK YOU FOR THE TREATS RECEIVED AT THE ST. PAUL TOWN HALL

Who says you have to be “human” to enjoy Halloween? Judy Hamilton brought Zeus Hamilton along for today’s event. He looked a little confused by the whole thing, but he was happy. If we had known Zeus would be here, we would have had some treats for him, too 🙂

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