Blog Entries

“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963

To us at the Stewart Bell, Jr. Archives, these are words to live by.  We do not seek to manipulate the historical data entrusted to us, but rather to present an accurate picture of the people and events of our community. We members of the community are a multi-faceted bunch, each shaped by the past in ways unique to the individual; this is the legacy preserved in the archives. 

Have you checked out any of these popular library selections?

All materials are available through our catalog. Put it on hold if it's unavailable, and we'll call you when it's here!

Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that feature music!!  If you are anything like me then you love music; there always has to be some sort of song or rhythm going on in the background (because when it is quiet it is so weird) so why not have that carry over to what we read?  All of these titles have music woven throug

Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that feature book titles that share the same title as songs!!!  That’s right--these books have the same titles as songs you may or may not know but they will have you humming and possibly getting a song stuck in your head as you read these amazing titles!!  Some of these titles even have the

Handley Regional Library System is now distributing free rapid Covid-19 Antigen at-home test kits at all three library branches starting today as a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and several other libraries state-wide.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this free Covid-19 home test kit to do our part to help ensure a safer community,” said John Huddy, Director of Handley Regional Library System. “We want to make this process as quick, easy, and safe as possible to get these kits in the hands of those who need it.”

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that have Blue Covers!!!  As we start entering into the snow and cold months of Winter, why not get in the spirit by reading some books that have covers featuring various shades of blue so check out one of these and then snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate or tea and enjoy an a

Our teen book spotlight this week is focused on books that have Blue Covers!!!  As we start entering into the snow and cold months of Winter, why not get in the spirit by reading some books that have covers featuring various shades of blue so check out one of these and then snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate or tea and enjoy an amazing s

Joan Wood has worked as an Archives Assistant at the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives for ten years. She has a passion for genealogy, and as our resident genealogy specialist she has helped countless researchers uncover ancestors who once lived in the Winchester-Frederick County area. Joan also leads a genealogy discussion group known as Family History Hunters open to anyone interested in learning more about their family history, regardless of research experience.

Our teen book spotlight this week is focused on books that feature some shocking and epic plot twists!  I do not know about you, but I love a book that you think you know where it is going but then, out of nowhere, the author turns everything on its head and everything is different--and it makes total sense when you think back to what happen

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that feature some shocking and epic plot twists!  I do not know about you, but I love a book that you think you know where it is going but then, out of nowhere, the author turns everything on its head and everything is different--and it makes total sense when you think back to wha

Our teen book spotlight this week is all about Historical Fiction!!!  Our titles this week are all historical fiction stories; this is one of my favorite genres because it provides an opportunity to read about times and events in history that many times we do not know much, if anything, about because they are not taught in typical school cla

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is all about Historical Fiction!!!  Our titles this week are all historical fiction stories; this is one of my favorite genres because it provides an opportunity to read about times and events in history that many times we do not know much, if anything, about because they are not taught in typical sc

Handley Regional Library System will be presenting a Winter Reading Challenge for youth to run the entire month of January 2022. The theme for this year is “Read for a Better World”, which encourages readers of all ages to explore diversity, empathy, and action through literature.

“We are joining thousands of libraries and schools across the nation that are encouraging their communities to read a target number of books,” says Donna Hughes, Youth Services Division Head.

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is on more amazing nonfiction titles!