Libby, the popular library reading app from OverDrive, is changing how people connect with books. If you haven’t tried reading with Libby through the Handley Regional Library System, now is the time! Here are 10 reasons why downloading Libby will be your best literary decision yet.

The holidays are here, and we have a treat for all our Hallmark movie lovers! Starting today, you can cozy up with unlimited access to Hallmark movies with our Hallmark Movie BingePass on Hoopla—available all November and December!

Here’s how it works:

• Holiday & Winter Programs for All Ages
  The library has an exciting lineup of seasonal programs for kids, teens, and adults, from storytimes and holiday crafts to movie marathons and DIY gift-making workshops. There’s something for everyone to get into the holiday spirit!

Looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite magazines? With Magzter, you can access over 4,000 digital magazine titles for free through the Handley Regional Library System. Whether you're into lifestyle, tech, entertainment, or niche hobbies, there’s something for everyone—and in multiple languages!

Here are five reasons to start reading digital magazines today:

Winchester, VA — The Handley Regional Library System is proud to announce the impressive statistics from the 2023-2024 fiscal year, underscoring its vital role in the community and its ongoing commitment to providing accessible resources and services to patrons of all ages.

Over the past year, the Handley Regional Library System's three locations—Handley Library, Bowman Library, and Clarke County Library—welcomed 365,992 visitors, reflecting the vibrant engagement with our libraries. Key highlights from the year include:

Historical Fiction

Discover quick listen historical fiction favorites that explore the complexity of the human condition, like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, on @hoopladigital. https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/5558

Mystery

Check out @hoopladigital's quick-listen mystery, suspense, and thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/5552

The Book Club is BACK!

After a long hiatus, we are ready to bring the book club back! The Book Club will be open to all adults (ages 18 and up) and will meet monthly to connect readers, discuss books, and introduce new authors and stories.

Bowman Library is your go-to destination for fun and engaging games that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you're a word wizard, a strategic mastermind, or just looking for a good time with friends, we've got something for everyone. Check out our exciting lineup of game-themed programs!

Scrabble Club

Wednesdays, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Are you a knitting enthusiast, a crochet aficionado, or perhaps someone who loves embroidery or latch hooking? Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, we have the perfect gathering for you! Join us for our Sit and Stitch program at Handley Regional Library System, where you can bring your work in progress, share tips and tricks, and enjoy the company of fellow crafters.

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

Are you ready to embark on a summer filled with adventure and discovery? Join us for the Rally for Reading, the exciting kickoff event for our Youth Summer Reading Program, themed “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” This year, we’re thrilled to host our kickoff celebrations at each of our three library branches. Mark your calendars and get ready for a season of fun, learning, and exploration!

Summer is the perfect time to dive into new books, and our Adult Summer Reading Program (ASRP) is here to make your reading even more rewarding! Here are five compelling reasons to join the fun this summer:

Looking for an epic summer adventure? Look no further than your local library! Here are 10 reasons why you should dive into the excitement at our library system this summer:

1. Youth Summer Reading Program: Join us for a summer of literary exploration with our Youth Summer Reading Program! Dive into captivating stories, embark on thrilling adventures, and earn exciting rewards along the way.

The Handley Regional Library System is excited to announce the "Rally for Reading" kickoff event for the 2024 Summer Reading Program, with the theme "Adventure Begins at Your Library." There are adventures to be had and unique celebrations at all three branches!

Handley Library will kick off the season with its event on Saturday, May 25, from 11 AM to 1 PM, with fun activities in the Reading Garden - Kona ice, a Drew Blue Shoes magic show, and a food drive for Bright Futures.

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:

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.

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:

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!

Searching for a job is like a job in and of itself. It is time-consuming, challenging, and – in this age of digital technology – can be quite complicated. But the Handley library is here to help. We have partnered with NW Works to bring one-on-one job seeker assistance to anyone who needs it – no registration, no library card required. Anyone can use this fantastic, free resource!

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?

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.  

Introducing myLIBRO: Your Library at Your Fingertips!

We are thrilled to introduce our new and improved app, myLIBRO, designed to make your library experience more convenient, accessible, and enjoyable than ever before. Whether you're an avid bookworm, a tech-savvy listener, or just love exploring the vast world of knowledge, myLIBRO has something for everyone. Let's take a closer look at the fantastic benefits of using myLIBRO:

Here are the top reasons why you should download myLIBRO today:

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.

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.

Yesterday as part of the archives continuing Family History Hunter programs, members were taken on a tour of the archives.  Lorna Loring, Archives Associate, gave a brief outline of what a person might expect if they were to visit an archive in whatever place the researcher decides to go to.  Even though each library, archives or historical society will have its own rules the basic focus will be the same.  This is to preserve history and make it available to the public in some way.  So the following remarks are highlights of Lorna's presentation. 

Holiday time: it is a great time to be with family, friends or alone with your thoughts.  For most of us it is a hustle and bustle time of year and doing something “extra” might just put a person over the edge of sensibility!  So for me to suggest that this is a good time to do something involving genealogy might seem a little different.  In reality it is not, because holidays are the time in which people naturally gravitate towards remembrances.  So, if you are inclined, here are a few ideas that you might like: