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Bowman StoryWalk

Check Out Bowman Library's New and Improved StoryWalk®!

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The Handley Regional Library System is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new, permanent StoryWalk® around the picturesque lake adjacent to Bowman Library. This exciting initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge, Winchester, and Frederick County Parks and Recreation.

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STEAM To-Go Kits

Learning Through Play: Imagination and Creativity

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 Around the age of 3 ½ we start to see our child’s creativity and imagination bloom. Just like the snow we are (hopefully) seeing in our area right now, each child is unique and different from their siblings and peers. Your child has learned through curiosity and now they are utilizing some of their senses and that curiosity in a way that brings magic and imagination into the world –and with it comes the inevitable pushing of our boundaries.

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Kanopy

Discover a World of Cinematic Delights with Kanopy - Your Gateway to Quality Entertainment

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We are constantly striving to enhance your library experience and are thrilled to introduce you to our latest gem – Kanopy, a premier video streaming service that is sure to elevate your entertainment journey. With just your library card, you can now unlock a world of quality, thoughtful content that spans movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, and educational videos.

What is Kanopy?

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Film Friday February

Film Friday February at Handley

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Have a date night on us! Whether you want to celebrate Valentine's, Galentine's, or just treat yourself, we've got a great night in store for you every Friday night in February.

Each time you attend a movie night in February, you'll get up to two tickets to put in the drawing for a Movie Lovers Bundle Prize! Not only are drinks and snacks free, you can also take some commemorative photos at our themed photo booths!

 

Here's what's in store:

 

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Start the Year Off Well

Jumpstart Your Healthy Lifestyle at Handley

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Jumpstart your healthy lifestyle in 2024 and join us for a Snack and Chat workshop series for adults! During each workshop, Hannah Copp from the Virginia Cooperative Extension will share tips, tricks, and healthy snacks! 

 

Workshops are scheduled for Fridays at noon in the Handley Library Benham Gallery on the Lower Level. Space is limited. Registration encouraged. Click the links below to learn more, and register for one (or more) today!

 

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Brenda Nelson's Book

Robert Orrick: A Life

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Have you seen the name “Orrick” around town and the county?  Who was this man for which multiple local sites were named?   

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Shenandoah Valley Archives Fair

It's time for an Archives Fair!

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October is American Archives Month, and it seems like the perfect opportunity to bring together archives from across the Shenandoah Valley to celebrate and educate the public about what we do.  What does it mean to be an archivist?  How do we preserve a variety of different types of artifacts for future generations?  What do the archives in the Valley have in their collections?  And how can we help you with your research and questions? 

 

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on order status

"On Order" titles now in the catalog

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What's going on in the catalog? 

We've started showing books and more in our catalog immediately after they've been ordered!  You can tell what's on its way to our shelves by the "on order" status. 

Now you can put a hold on whatever exciting new release you're waiting for!  Just remember it might take a little longer before your "on order" hold is ready for pickup than if it was already on the shelf - but we are behind the scenes hard at work getting it ready to put it into your hands! 

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Mount Hebron Cemetery

Your Local Genealogy Group is Here to Help

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Family History Hunters is an informal group for genealogists of all levels of experience that meets every month at Handley Library.  The organization is a discussion group examining research strategies and current genealogy topics.  It is a place to come and share your successes and find help with your challenges.  Each month features a different focus.  Here's what's coming up...
 

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Jonathan Noyalas

Outlived the Odium

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The Handley Regional Library’s Stewart Bell Jr. Archives are proud to invite Jonathan Noyalas, director of Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute, back to the stage!  He has spoken numerous times about the Civil War and its impact on the Valley and its people. 

 

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This is YOUR Library

Utilize All Your Library Offers During Library Card Sign-Up Month! 

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We are thrilled to announce that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! This annual initiative encourages individuals of all ages to explore the world of knowledge, imagination, and discovery by obtaining a library card from any of our three branches: Bowman Library, Handley Library, and Clarke County Library.  

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Rebecca Wright and Thomas Laws

A Civil War Spy Tale

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Do you know the story of Rebecca Wright and Thomas Laws?  They aided Union General Philip Sheridan with information regarding Confederate General Jubal Early’s troop movements in and around the Winchester area.  Rebecca Wright, a Winchester school teacher with loyalty to the union, would collect intelligence about troop movements and pass that information along to Thomas Laws.  He was an enslaved man who would carry that intelligence to Union scouts.  The information provided by Rebecca Wright and transported by Thomas Laws was crucial to Sheridan’s decision to attack Wi

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Hungry for History Logo

Preservation and Canning

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Handley Regional Library Stewart Bell Jr. Archives is proud to be a participant in the first Winchester - Frederick County - Clarke County Hungry for History event.  Hungry for History is a community event that brings together our history with a love of food.  Museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, displays of historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more.

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Tina Claflin

Preserving your Memories

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Have you ever thought about all the photos on your phone: photos of loved ones, silly moments that bring you joy, and milestones in your life?  Can you find the photo you want to show someone quickly?  Do you worry what could happen to those photos should the phone break?  Do you have a plan to preserve those photos for the future? 

Digital photography has made it so much easier to make memories, but also brings new challenges when it comes to organizing and preserving these digital images for future use.

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Rockin' the Library 2023

Are You Ready for Rockin' the Library 2023?

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Handley Regional Library System is pleased to announce the upcoming "Rockin' the Library" event on June 29th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Handley Library. The event is a partnership with the Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference and promises fun for the whole family.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet famous authors and illustrators, including Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Matthew Cordell, Edward Hemingway, and LeUyen Pham. A parade will feature the authors and also surprise book character friends will also take place in front of the library.

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Family History Hunters Breaking Brick Walls: African American Ancestors in Virginia with green and brick background

Breaking Brick Walls: African American Ancestry

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African American genealogy research can be a challenge, especially before 1870 and emancipation. Have you hit a brick wall? This month's Family History Hunters program on June 8th at 12:30pm in the Benham Gallery at Handley Library will feature a presentation from Brenda Burton Nelson, who has broken through barriers and uncovered her and her husband's genealogy. She will present a case study about how she was able to break down brick walls and find her husband’s ancestors. 

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Rally for Reading

Rally for Reading is HUGE this year!

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The Handley Regional Library System is excited to announce the "Rally for Reading" kickoff event for the 2023 Summer Reading Program, with the theme "All Together Now." This year is special, as there will be unique celebrations at all three branches!

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National Library Week 2023

How to Celebrate National Library Week 2023

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In honor of National Library Week, Handley Regional Library System announces a week-long celebration at its three branches: Bowman Library, Handley Library, and Clarke County Library. From April 23-29, the libraries will offer a variety of activities and events that highlight the importance of libraries in our communities.

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Library Swaps; Save money with these free services; logos for hoopla, Mango, Libby, and Magzter

Cut Your Budget

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Are you utilizing all that your library has to offer? The library has many services and resources to save you time and money. From printed books, magazines, and newspapers to 24/7 online access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and more, the library is your one-stop shop for information and entertainment!

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