Visit the Archives

The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives Reading Room is open to researchers during our regular operating hours. Appointments are not necessary, but we recommend researchers contact us in advance of their visit to ensure materials will be available. Information about our policy and procedures for access and use of collections is below.

Reading Room Rules

• All researchers must sign the visitors’ log at the beginning of each visit to the Reading Room.
• All researchers must have a current researcher registration form on file. Researcher registration forms must be renewed at the beginning of each calendar year. Download and complete the registration form in advance of your visit by clicking here [PDF]
• Food and drink are not permitted in the Reading Room and must be stored with other personal belongings.
• No jackets, coats or bags are permitted at the research tables. All bags, including purses, handbags, backpacks and laptop cases must be stored prior to using materials. Lockers and a coat rack are provided at the entrance to the Reading Room for this purpose.
• Personal devices such as laptops and tablets, as well as pencils and paper, may be used. Pens or other marking devices are not permitted.
• All personal items brought into research spaces are subject to staff inspection on exit.
• We strive to make collections open to all researchers. However, access to some material may be restricted due to the fragile condition of the material, applicable laws, statutes, personal privacy rights, institutional proprietary rights, or through agreement between the Archives and transferring offices and/or donors of archival material.

Materials Handling Procedures

Materials in our collections are frequently fragile, irreplaceable, and may require special handling. Please use care in handling all materials, and ask staff for assistance if there are concerns about an item.

• Material in our closed stacks should be requested by using a green call slip.
• Clean, dry hands (free of hand sanitizer and lotion) are best for handling most paper materials. Some materials may require additional protection and staff may request that you wear gloves to limit deterioration. Gloves will be provided.
• Maintaining the original order of the collection is essential to our ability to retrieve material. We typically serve only two folders/items at a time. Please examine one folder at a time and keep the materials in order. Turn pages slowly and keep the item flat on the table. Items must remain in protective enclosures.
• Duplication of material is permitted according to the conditions of Stewart Bell Jr. Archives “Reproduction Policy.” Archives staff may refuse any duplication request that does not comply with this policy. The user assumes all responsibility for any infringement of the U.S. Copyright Code.
• Photography of materials is permitted unless otherwise noted. If using a tripod, please do not allow legs to touch the materials.
• Personal or handheld scanners are not permitted.
• All items must be returned to staff. Please do not re-shelve materials.

Computers, Photocopier, and Microfilm Readers

• The Reading Room has three computers for use by researchers. These are available for searching the catalog and history and genealogy databases.
• The Reading Room has two microfilm readers. Time may be limited if there is a wait to use a machine.
• A photocopier/scanner is available for researchers. Fees for letter and legal sized paper copies are .15 cents for black and white and .25 cents for color. Ledger sized paper copies are .30 cents for black and white and .60 cents for color. The Archives accepts cash or check.
• Researchers may bring a flash drive to scan and save copies.

Email: archives@handleyregional.org

Telephone: 540 662-9041, ext. 17

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 58, Winchester, VA 22604

Please note that the Reading Room closes for lunch from 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm daily.

Monday: 10:00 am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Reading Room is located in the lower level of the Handley Library, 100 W. Piccadilly St., Winchester, VA 22601. It is accessible by both stairway and elevator.

Handley Library does not have a designated parking lot. There is metered street parking which is enforced between 9am and 6pm every weekday. Two parking garages are within walking distance of the library.   Consult the City of Winchester's Parking Authority for more information. 

If you’re working on a complex research project you may benefit from a reference interview either in person or remotely.

Please fill out and submit the Request for a Reference Interview form to set up a time to discuss your research needs.

Click to view our Access Policy .