Blog Entries

Welcome to National Library Week, a time when communities across the nation join hands to celebrate the cornerstone of knowledge, inspiration, and community: libraries. At Handley Regional Library System, we're thrilled to be part of this annual celebration, and we invite you to join us in commemorating the incredible contributions libraries make to our lives. This year's theme, "Ready, Set, Library!" embodies the excitement and readiness to explore the myriad offerings libraries provide. Here are ten ways you can celebrate National Library Week with us:

Our middle grade book spotlight this week is all about books that have been nominated for the Virginia Reader’s Choice (VRC) Middle School award for the 2024-2025 school year!!  The VRC award was started back in the 1980s with the goal being that students across the state choosing what they thought the best book of the year is instead of adults.  Every year, there are 10 middle grade books nominated for the award by a committee; readers then have a few months to read as many of the 10 as they can and then they will cast their vote for which one they think is the best.  The bo

Our teen book spotlight this week is all about books that have been nominated for the Virginia Reader’s Choice (VRC) High School award for the 2024-2025 school year!!  The VRC award was started back in the 1980s with the goal being that students across the state choosing what they thought the best book of the year is instead of adults.  Every year, there are 10 YA books nominated for the award by a committee; readers then have a few months to read as many of the 10 as they can and then they will cast their vote for which one they think is the best.  The book with the most vot

Handley Library branch has achieved KultureCity® Certification as a Sensory Inclusive^TM space. This certification marks a significant step forward in the library's commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all patrons, including those with sensory processing needs.

Have you checked out any of our Juvenile Read-Along books?

Find general information about our Juvenile Read-Along collection HERE on our website. 

The library’s collection of bilingual (English/Spanish) picturebook Read-Alongs continues to grow. A quick search of “bilingual read-alongs”  in the catalog reveals more than 50 titles. Some favorites are featured below.

Do you have stacks of old family photographs collecting dust?  Do you wish you could share these photographs with all your extended family?  Do you worry about your photographs being destroyed or ruined?  If so, come to our Preservation and Scanning of Photographs workshop on Saturday, April 20 @ 10:30 am in the Benham Gallery of Handley Library.

Stewart Bell Jr. Archives Manager Lorna Loring will lead a workshop demonstration explaining the three steps to begin your photography preservation efforts.

Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that were published in 2014 and are celebrating their 10th birthday!  I do not know what was in the water, air, or universe that year but there were so many amazing titles and authors to come out of that year of publishing that books we read today are still

Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that were published in 2014 and are celebrating their 10th birthday!  I do not know what was in the water, air, or universe that year but there were so many amazing titles and authors to come out of that year of publishing that books we read today are still inspire

As the cold of winter melts away and the warmth of spring begins to blossom, the Handley Regional Library System is abuzz with excitement for our upcoming theme: "Spring into the Library." With an array of enriching programs and events lined up, there's no better time to embrace the spirit of the season and dive into the world of literature, music, culture, and community. Here are 10 compelling reasons why you should make the library your go-to destination this spring:

What are “Tough Topics” for young adults? Challenging topics that occur during young adulthood and can be hard to discuss and hard to understand

Tough Topics include: abortion, pregnancy, abuse, dating, sex, self-harm, bullying, addiction, cancer, grief, mental health and illness, eating disorders, racism, sexual identity and orientation, rape, suicide, homelessness, incarceration, and more

Did you know that we have 8 senses? We are all taught 5 of them repeatedly growing up, and that is because they help us with our perceptions of the world. Of those most commonly known five senses, though, our children are using them to grow and develop into bright learners ready to take on the challenges life throws at us as adults.

Having a family member living with dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, or another form of memory loss can be confusing for children to understand and cope with. Family dynamics may need to change to help care for the family member, and it’s normal for kids to experience a wide array of emotions. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can really help make sense of everything, and books are one of the best ways we can learn more about people and situations we relate to.

There are so many historic homes in our community.  These homes can be a delight for their owners as well as their neighbors, offering interesting architectural elements and properties with long stories.  Would you like to learn how to find those stories?

Come to our presentation: How to Research your Historic House.  Our speaker, Maral Kalbian, will discuss the various methods and sources you may explore to learn more about the history of these properties. 

The Archives is opening their doors after closing time!  Throughout the year, Stewart Bell Jr. Archives will be holding “Archives After Hours.”  At each event, archival staff will explain aspects of the archives that can be used to help you in your research.  This first Archives After Hours will focus on Sanborn maps. 

Heraldry is the art of using hereditary symbols to distinguish individuals and groups.  We may know them more often as a family’s coat of arms.  Does your family have one?  Interested in the steps you take to find out?