Tax forms are available at all branches. Ask staff if you need assistance.
This is the big question that I know many of you have 3 times a year when suddenly, you’ve arrived for Storytime at the Handley Branch and you find that there is a playtime instead! Many of you may already know the answer, but we wanted to tell you a little bit more about our Storytime breaks, and how we will be aligning them to the Family Place Library accreditation we earned this year!
There are two big reasons that we go on a Storytime break:
Get ready to participate in How-To Fest 2026!
Handley Library is inviting individuals, community organizations, and businesses to participate in our 2026 How-To Fest in September, where patrons come to learn a little about a lot. If you have knowledge to share or a cause to advocate for, this call is for you!
If you spend time on the Youth Services floor at the Handley branch, you have likely heard us talk about our Grow a Reader brand, and our new Read and Seed Activity Program. Handley’s Grow a Reader Initiative provides space to all families so that they can play, connect, and thrive as lifelong learners. The Activity Program aims to package our library’s collections, programs, and services with incentives for kids and caregivers as you complete the age/stage seed packets.
Each month, explore a new genre - or enjoy a favorite - with NoveList's 2026 Reading Challenge: Find What You Like.
This month's spotlight genre is Mystery! Solve puzzling situations and see justice served, whether cozy or suspenseful.
If you’ve ever watched your toddler stack blocks during storytime…
or seen your baby light up when they hear a new song…
or connected with another caregiver while your child plays nearby…
Then you already understand what this news is about.
The Handley Library branch in downtown Winchester has officially been named a Family Place Library™, becoming the first library in the Shenandoah Valley to receive this national accreditation.
While that title sounds formal, what it really means is simple:
If you spend time on the Youth Services floor at the Handley branch, you have likely heard us talk about our Grow a Reader brand, and our new Read and Seed Activity Program. Handley’s Grow a Reader Initiative provides space to all families so that they can play, connect, and thrive as lifelong learners. The Activity Program aims to package our library’s collections, programs, and services with incentives for kids and caregivers as you complete the age/stage seed packets.
Need help setting up an account with your library card on Libby or Hoopla? Email us at info@handleyregional.org.
Kaitlyn Roush
Posted on: 2/4/2026
¡Disfruta de un programa de alfabetización temprana presentado principalmente en español con historias, rimas, juegos de dedos y más! ¡Perfecto para familias que hablan español o quieren aprender!
Each month, explore a new genre - or enjoy a favorite - with NoveList's 2026 Reading Challenge: Find What You Like.
This month's spotlight genre is Romance! Fall in love with your next favorite love affair, whether spicy or sweet, contemporary or historical, realistic or fantasy.
For a limited time, you can also check out a Blind Date with a Book from Handley or Bowman Library. Choose a wrapped book based on a few descriptive words, check it out, and unwrap your blind date at home to enjoy!
At Handley Public Library we have a brand-new program in the Teen Room called Game On. Every other Saturday, now through April 2026, this program will have Nintendo Switch or Xbox games loaded and ready to play, along with board and card games (oversized UNO, anyone?). Come hang out, play a game, or relax with art supplies to draw along with crafts. Pop by and check it out. No time to stay this week? Grab a take-and-make craft and take it home to do later!
No registration is required. Feel free to pop by whenever you would like and stay as long as you can.
Hello Writers!
Are you interested in becoming a better writer? Do you enjoy sharing your writing with others?
If so, the Handley Library is delighted to be the location for many community gatherings, including a writer’s group that meets from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month in the Benham Room at the Handley Library.
February tends to focus on grand gestures. The library is more of a steady-support, always-there kind of love. And honestly? That’s the best kind.
In honor of Love Your Library Month, here are 10 reasons the library deserves a little appreciation.
Snow day, heat wave, or “I need to get out of the house” afternoon — the doors are open.
Best-seller, romance, audiobooks, graphic novels — it all counts.
If your reading life has been feeling a little… lonely, we have good news. The library’s book club family has officially grown! What started as one monthly gathering has turned into three distinct book clubs, each with its own vibe, focus, and community.
Whether you love contemporary fiction, personal growth, or American history, there’s now a seat at the table for you.
If you spend time on the Youth Services floor at the Handley branch, you have likely heard us talk about our Grow a Reader brand, and our new Read and Seed Activity Program. Handley’s Grow a Reader Initiative provides space to all families so that they can play, connect, and thrive as lifelong learners. The Activity Program aims to package our library’s collections, programs, and services with incentives for kids and caregivers as you complete the age/stage seed packets.
Each month, explore a new genre - or enjoy a favorite - with NoveList's 2026 Reading Challenge: Find What You Like.
This month's spotlight genre is Science Fiction! Science fiction takes the question of "what if?" and uses science or technology to provide possible answers. Traverse futuristic worlds with these reality-bending reads!
January is the month to “Read With Benny” in the 2026 Winter Reading Challenge. Benny the Bean is the mascot for the Beanstack app, and this month he is hoping that lots of readers join him in enjoying what the library has to offer.
A new year is the perfect time to try something new—and your library is ready to help you start strong. Our January–April 2026 Programming Brochure is filled with engaging programs for all ages, from storytimes and creative activities to technology help, book discussions, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or simply enjoy something fun close to home, something is waiting for you.
👉 Click the link to explore our January–April 2026 Programming Brochure and start your year off well at the library.
The Friends of Handley Regional Library System sponsor live music at our libraries with concerts called A Little Noon Music. From September to May, a variety of musicians delight audience members with their talents. This program has been running for over 40 years at our library and is still going strong!
February 13, 2026 @ Bowman Library- Meisha Herron
A few times a year the children’s department goes on a storytime break. But what does that mean for you? It means every April, August, and December we pause our daily storytimes to prepare for the upcoming season. Fear not, there are still plenty of things to do at the library during a storytime break!
Each week, we will have a different themed playtime experience set up for you and your littles to explore during the usual storytime timeframe! Everything from gross motor play to music and art exploration. See the list of themes by week below:
The Handley Library branch is very excited to introduce the next phase of our Grow a Reader brand to you all with a new annual special event called Read and Seed on Saturday, November 15th from 11am-1pm on the Youth Services floor at Handley Library! Consider this your official invitation to join us for a fun day of nature themed crafts, activities, and fun.
Fall is here, and the weather is cooling down. Perhaps you are spending time outdoors with your family, trying to savor the moderate temperatures and evening daylight before we descend into winter. If only there was a way to combine literacy and your outdoor adventures…
When you think of memoirs written for kids, a graphic novel might not be the first thing that comes to mind. A graphic memoir is an autobiographical story told in comic format. There are some fantastic juvenile titles available at the library. Young readers might find relatable events in the true life stories of their favorite authors. Kids can expand and enhance their world view by learning about the lives of others.
Check out these suggested titles:
Welcome to the Handley Regional Library System, home to the magnificent 110-year-old Handley Library – a true architectural gem nestled in the heart of Winchester, Virginia. Join us on our next exclusive tour, taking place the 2nd Saturday of every month, as we unlock the secrets of this historic library, delving into its fascinating architecture and rich history.
Unveiling Hidden Treasures
Have you ever been stuck in a difficult parenting moment and wanted resources to help you through? Maybe you were deep in a google rabbit hole or scrolling instagram for answers. Perhaps you were convinced to buy an online course to help you get through, or maybe you even bought the book that someone told you would solve all your problems…
At this point, I would imagine many of you reading this have had a chance to check out a Grab-and-Grow kit from the Handley Youth Services Department. If you haven’t yet, hopefully after reading this post you will hurry to the second floor to check out your very own kit!
We’re excited to share that Handley Library was recently featured in a segment on NBC4 Washington as part of a story about two remarkable teen authors, Emma and Juliana, and their new book Let’s Explore Winchester.
After nearly 15 years of dedicated service to the Handley Regional Library System, Joan Wood has officially retired from her role as Archives Assistant at the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives at Handley Library.
Meet Rin, our archives intern, who’s diving into the skies of the past! They’re currently cataloging the Rudy Rodgers Aerial Photography Collection—a stunning archive of over 7,000 images capturing Winchester, Frederick County, and other parts of the Lower Shenandoah Valley from above.
In April, we launched an exciting new program, the Grow a Reader Playgroup! This 5 week program met on Thursday mornings starting before library hours at 9:30am and ending at 11:00am, and it took place in the Benham Gallery. You may be familiar with this space from our other programs, but you wouldn't have recognized the space once we had it set up for playgroup!
Out of the Archives is a weekly blog highlighting items in the collections of the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives.
Winchester Fairgrounds, 1870-1930
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Records, 516 THL/WFCHS
Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Society Collection, 752 THL/WFCHS
Winchester Map, Sanborn Collection, 1912
Out of the Archives is a weekly blog highlighting items in the collections of the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives.
Thomas, Lord Fairfax Collection, 56 WFCHS THL
Today’s out of the Archives blog features a land grant from Thomas, Lord Fairfax, to Henry Baker for a “certain tract of waste and ungranted land called the Horse Lick on the Drains of Back Creek” that amounted to 195 acres. The grant was signed and sealed by Fairfax on July 8, 1777.
Looking ahead to summer, you won’t want to miss the Color Our World Summer Reading Program! Log your minutes in the Beanstack app to get virtual tickets for a chance at some great prizes. This year at the Handley branch, teens ages 12-17 will check in at the Information Services desk on the first floor for free books and prizes. Choose a free YA book for every 6 hours of logged reading.
You’re an important part of our community! Join our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and help make a
difference at the Bowman Library. Advisory Board members play an important role in establishing new teen programs and
growing existing teen programs while earning volunteer hours.
We are currently seeking nominations for open leadership positions for the coming school year.
Graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular with kids, and you may be worried that your littles aren’t getting much out of them. I’m here to ease your worries and make the case for the medium. From the visual art styles to the story lines, graphic novels have more to offer than you may realize.
Out of the Archives is a weekly blog highlighting items in the collections of the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives.
Leather Fire Bucket, circa 1800
Adam Douglass Collection, 70 THL
May 7, 2025: May 4th was International Firefighters’ Day. Seems like a good time for us to showcase a firefighting object found within the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives collection.
Summer at the Handley Regional Library System is bursting with color, creativity, and community—and it all starts with our brand-new 2025 Summer Programming & Resource Guide! 🎉
This season, we’re inviting everyone to Color Our World with an exciting lineup of programs, events, and reading challenges for all ages.
Stop paying for ebooks and audiobooks—Libby gives them to you FREE with your library card!
Say hello to Libby, the app that brings the Handley Regional Library System to your phone or tablet. Whether you're relaxing at home, commuting, or heading out on vacation, Libby lets you borrow books anytime, anywhere—with zero late fees and zero cost.
Why Libby is your new go-to:
Out of the Archive is a weekly blog highlighting items in the collections of the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives.
Apple Blossom Parade Route, 1932
Program, 1932, Apple Blossom Festival Collection, 46 THL
Out of the Archive is a weekly blog highlighting items in the collections of the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives.
Pass me the Apple Hat: Apple Blossom Photo Album, 1925
Clarke T. Cooper Sr. Family Collection, 1806 THL
I’m sure you spend a lot of time reading books with your littles- perhaps the same book several times more than you would like to. Have you ever thought about how many books you will read to your child between birth and the time they go to kindergarten? 100? 500? 1,000? One thousand may seem like a big number, but its completely feasible for you to read that many books with your little (and probably more!) before they start kindergarten. Want to log those books for fun prizes, extra storytimes, and incentives for parents? Well you’ve come to the right place!
T. T. Wall's Emporium sold stationary, paper goods, and other fancy items in the early 1900s. The shop was located at 147 N. Loudoun Street, now home to the T. T. Wall's restaurant.
Out of the Archives is a weekly blog highlighting items in the collections of the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives.
Nancy Pullum was a resourceful woman of the 19th century. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains around present-day Thorton Gap, Nancy made a living catching rattlesnakes and rendering their oil into a medicinal ointment. She was connected with her natural world in many ways: milking cows and raising hogs, picking wild berries, and facing the harsh mountain winters. Her friends and neighbors include John (a formerly enslaved man) and the historic Virginia sculptor William Randolph Barbee.
Are you curious about your family's past? Whether you're just starting your genealogy journey or you're a seasoned researcher, the Handley Regional Library System offers a treasure trove of free genealogy and local history resources to help you dig deep into your roots.
Here’s a look at the powerful tools available through our library system—some of which you can access from home, and others you’ll want to explore during a visit to one of our branches.
Out of the Archives is a weekly blog highlighting items in the collections of the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives.
“Develop the Power that is Within You”: Harvey Dunn Poster Campaign
Handley Regional Library Records, 138 WFCHS THL