Blog Entries

Women’s History Month is a time dedicated to celebrating the milestones in history that have supported, furthered, and emphasized the voices of women. The recognition of this month began as Women’s History Week in 1981 with the passing of a statute by Congress, part of which states, “...American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of our Nation's life by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working in and outside of the home.”

In this installment of the Pushing My Shelf blog series, Karen explores a cozy British mystery.

This month we thought we would do a blog series for the Push Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. The challenge is to complete Bingo squares that “push your shelf.” In other words, read or try something that you might not ordinarily consider; something not typically found on your bookshelf. Find out more here.

In this installment of the Pushing My Shelf  blog series, Lisa talks about some great and some not so great movies based on books.

This month we thought we would do a blog series for the Push Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. The challenge is to complete Bingo squares that “push your shelf.” In other words, read or try something that you might not ordinarily consider; something not typically found on your bookshelf. Find out more here.

In this installment of the Pushing My Shelf blog series, Mary talks about watching a documentary from the Libraries DVD collection.

This month we thought we would do a blog series for the Push Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. The challenge is to complete Bingo squares that “push your shelf.” In other words, read or try something that you might not ordinarily consider; something not typically found on your bookshelf. Find out more here.

In this installment of the Pushing My Shelf blog series, Shelby talks about reading a translated book.

This month we thought we would do a blog series for the Push Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. The challenge is to complete Bingo squares that “push your shelf.” In other words, read or try something that you might not ordinarily consider; something not typically found on your bookshelf. Find out more here.

In this installment of the Pushing My Shelf blog series, Todd talks about finding just the right kind of magazine.

This month we thought we would do a blog series for the Push Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. The challenge is to complete Bingo squares that “push your shelf.” In other words, read or try something that you might not ordinarily consider; something not typically found on your bookshelf. Find out more here.

My name is Jessica and I’ve been working for the Handley Regional Library System since August of 2021! I’ve been really enjoying my time as an employee, and it’s been a great experience overall so far. Part of my job is to be well-versed in different literary genres so I can give book recommendations, so in an effort to become a bit more well-rounded, I decided to tackle one that I’d never attempted to read in the past: romance novels. I’ve always heard mixed reviews about the genre, so I decided to give it a go myself.

Q: Which records should I be trying to get?

 Where do I get the records I need for my genealogy work?

Like any good artist there comes a time in the creative process where a decision must be made.  Should I put a mountain here or a tree over there?  What colors should I use, etc. to make everything look beautifully balanced on the canvas.  So also, should a genealogist make vital decisions to have their family canvas develop beautifully. 

By Joan Wood, Archives Assistant & Genealogy Specialist, Stewart Bell Jr. Archives

WELCOME, to the new Family History Corner! 

February is a good time of year to turn our attention to our local birds. With the leaves off the (deciduous) trees, birds cannot hide from us as easily. We are more likely to spot birds and be able to look for field marks to identify them. February is also when the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place. The GBBC provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to contribute to our knowledge of birds.

It's a New Year, and a perfectly good new time to learn about the Handley Regional Library System Digital Library! We are kicking off 2022 with our continued monthly series called "Database Spotlights" where we will highlight one of our databases, specifically focusing on youth and families. Do you want support when it comes to Homework Help? Are you looking to build your research skills? Let us share the wonders of our Digital Library with you and your family! Learn about some of our online databases that you can access for free with your library card. 

“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!

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.”

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.