Author: Liz Nicholls

Praise, and funds, are flooding in for 38-year-old entrepreneur and mum of two Samantha Fraser, as The Library Bar in Aylesbury closes its doors so that she can spend precious time with her family

Sam opened The Library Bar, the first-of-its-kind LGBTQIA+ venue in Bucks in May last year.

The bar quickly became a cherished spaces for locals to gather, enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and tapas and celebrate individuality and inclusivity.

However, due to a prolonged and challenging battle with terminal cancer, Sam has made the heart-breaking decision to close the doors of her beloved business.

“It’s been a hell of a ride,” says Sam, “but we called last orders for good on Friday, 1st November: our Halloween party. This place has been more than just a bar. It’s been our home, our hideout, our little slice of heaven. We’ve laughed, cried, and probably puked here.

“To everyone who’s been part of this mad journey – you’re all amazing. You’ve made this place what it is.

“Anyone who’s spoken to me knows the love I have for this place, how much I wanted it, how much I’d dreamt of it, and how much I wanted to be the place everyone felt comfort, felt security, and where they wanted to go time and time again. I think I achieved that, for the time it was there anyway.”

Sam’s journey to open the bar is one of hard work and determination. After securing a business loan, she was able to bring her childhood dream to life, and her establishment quickly became a vibrant hub for all, warmly embraced by the local LGBTQIA+ community. The bar hosted weekly events, including open mic nights, quizzes, and live music performances, along with a popular monthly drag show presented by the House of Suxwell, an Aylesbury-based drag family. Sam also partnered closely with local Pride organisation to launch Aylesbury’s very first Pride event earlier this year, even hosting the official after-party at The Library Bar.

Tragically, just three weeks after the bar’s opening, Sam was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting bones and soft tissue. The initial tumour, located near her collarbone, was successfully removed through surgery, which left her arm 90% paralysed. Despite enduring radiotherapy and a succession of treatments, the cancer returned aggressively, spreading to her lungs, ultimately rendering her illness terminal. Recent attempts at chemotherapy and other treatments have been unsuccessful, prompting Sam to focus on spending precious time with her husband, Jamie, and their two children, George (9) and Lorelai (7).

Former Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Steven Lambert said: “I went to The Library Bar as one of my first engagement as Mayor and this truly was a real community space. Sam’s dream of creating a welcoming place where you could absolutely be authentically yourself was really important to her, and events I’ve seen over the last year, like Random Acts of Kindness Day have been integral in maintaining community spirit. One of the best things I ever did as Mayor was learning how to Morris Dance in her bar!

“Her vision was similar to that of a mayor in that it was about bringing community together and shining a light that people are attracted to and feel safe and welcomed towards. You would never walk into her bar as a stranger, even if you didn’t know anybody – somebody would stop and say hello and you would make friends very easily. For the LGBTQIA+ community that can be really hard to do at times and to be authentically you – and yet Sam succeeded, and her beautiful vision was brought to life. 

“The fact that the bar is now going to close is really very sad. But Sam’s legacy here will go on for many years from the friendships that were built, the encouragement and the growth that many young people have been gifted with – all because of Sam.” 

Since April, Sam has been unable to work at the bar, and operational costs have become unsustainable in her absence. Though she has actively sought a buyer to continue her vision, she has yet to secure a suitable candidate.  

In recognition of her resilience and dedication, Sam’s friends and family have launched a GoFundMe page to help support the family’s medical and travel expenses as she receives ongoing treatment in Liverpool. The fundraiser will provide essential support for her loved ones as they navigate this difficult period without income from the bar. 

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