Blog Entries

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.

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.

Happy National Cocoa Day! The month of December has many special days to celebrate sweet treats. Some have already passed and you’ll need to stick them on your calendar for next year. December 1 was Peppermint Bark Day and December 8 was National Brownie Day.  December 12 was National Gingerbread House Day. We are still celebrating at the Handley branch and you can still stop by the Youth Services Department to help us color our gingerbread house.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has approved a historic marker for the site of the former home of African American scientist and Winchester native Dr. Madison Spencer Briscoe.

Early this year, a committee, assisted by the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, began to assemble an application packet and supporting documents. With assistance from the City of Winchester and the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society the application was successful. The text of the marker will read as follows:

In a new community partnership with the Winchester Public Schools' Metrics program, the Handley Youth Services Department is excited to celebrate Computer Science Education Week.

Hello!

My name is Shelby and I recently started working at the Handley Library. So far, my time here has been fantastic! I have enjoyed getting to know fellow staff members and the many wonderful patrons that use our library. As a kid, going to the library with my family was one of my favorite activities, so being able to work here has been a joy.

Handley Regional Library System will be presenting several programs for adults, kids, teens, and families for the month of December to reflect the holiday season.

Chanukah Lights is a program to celebrate the Chanukah holiday of lights. Hear the story "If the Candles Could Speak." Make a menorah and play the dreidel game. Bowman Library, December 2, 5:00 PM.