Blog Entries

The library subscribes to many useful services and databases so you do not have to. But, we still have to learn what these services are for and how to use them. One of these very useful services is called Reference USA, which provides a database of U.S. and Canadian businesses. This database not only provides lists of new businesses and historical business but job postings as well. Below is screenshot of the “Dashboard” page that you will be directed to when you click on the link for Reference USA.

Are you stuck at home during Covid-19? The Handley Regional Library System has you covered! You can access a lot of our services online from the comfort (and safety) of your own home. From educational to fun and entertaining, check out a list below of what you can do to occupy your free time and still enjoy the library 24/7. Know what the best part of all is? All of these services are free with your library card!

For families of all ages, a global pandemic can be alarming and confusing. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been spreading throughout the United States now, specifically, and has led to school and public closures. The uncertainty of this national and global situation can induce more anxiety in our kids. However, learning how to talk about what is going on and what to do next can be the first step that grown-ups can take to lead to better understanding for families with kids.

We are excited to announce today the official release of a new streaming service called Hoopla Digital – expanding their online digital portfolio of materials to patrons. Library card holders of all ages can now access a massive digital library of over 300,000 movies, TV shows, eBooks, Audio Books, comics, and music online at www.hoopladigital.com at no cost.

Handley Regional Library System announces today an online public facility assessment for the historic Handley Library in downtown Winchester. The online public survey will help library administration gather responses as they evaluate the space use and configuration of Handley Library as they plan for the future. 

The public can complete the brief survey at www.handleyregional.org/handleylibrarysurvey until March 18, 2020.

Handley Regional Library System and a Design Thinking class at Shenandoah University’s Byrd School of Business collaborated on a project that resulted in students creating promotional videos for the library system to use for marketing purposes. The students of Professor Montressa Washington’s Design Thinking class took on the challenge to develop and create short videos to encapsulate the services of all three library locations to the general public.

Each year the Handley Regional Library System participates in the IRS Tax Forms Outlet Program (TFOP). Recent changes from TFOP mean we're receiving fewer tax forms in print. Although the Internal Revenue Service is not able to supply libraries with the full range of printed tax forms, instruction booklets, and tax publications provided in the past, we will still be happy to assist you during this tax prep season. Library staff can assist with locating and printing online tax forms but are not able to give advice regarding the forms that you might need.

Every year the American Library Association (ALA) chooses the best children's books of the year and it is time to find out the winners for 2020!  This year it is happening on Monday, January 27^th at 8:00am.  We are especially excited to find out the winners of the Caldecott, Newbery, and Geisel awards!

The Caldecott Award celebrates the best illustrations in a children’s book while the Newbery Award focuses on the best novel and literature for children.  One of the newer awards, the Geisel Award, is given to the best book for beginning readers.

 Six Great Reasons to Try Yoga!

The Handley Library has added a new program, Storytime Yoga, to its Youth Services schedule. Bring the entire family for movement and stretching exercises that correspond to a story. The program is led by a certified yoga instructor who has lots of experience working with all ages and mobility needs. If your family is new to yoga, here are a few great reasons to try our Storytime Yoga:

1. Yoga improves coordination 

Now that days are short there's more time for inside activities. Cold weather makes a warm kitchen that much more enjoyable. Why not try a new dish? It used to be ingredients featured in international recipes were hard to come by. A surprising number of exotic spices and international flavorings are now available in our local grocery stores. We have hundreds of cookbooks in the HRLS collection; dozens feature cuisines from other countries. Looking for a new pasta sauce? Korean BBQ? Real Irish food? Asian wraps and rolls? African Flavors? German baking? Mexican favorites?

With the holidays approaching and whispers of snow in the air, make sure that everyone has something to read. The Handley Regional Library System has many eBooks available for children and teens when you cannot make it to the library. All you need is your library card and your PIN to access most eBooks through the library website or library apps such as Libby from Overdrive. Don’t remember your PIN?

Visit the Teetotalers & Moonshiners exhibition on display at Bowman Library December 10 through January 17.

Teetotalers & Moonshiners: Prohibition in Virginia, Distilled, a traveling exhibition from the Library of Virginia, tells the story of Virginia Prohibition and its legacy through an exciting exhibition and associated programming. The exhibition addresses the important and long-lasting effects of Prohibition on commonwealth and America, including

We are excited to announce the expansion of our book collection for adults with the addition of graphic novels. Similar to comic books, graphic novels use sequential art to tell the story, but with often more complex plots ranging in genre from fiction and non-fiction, to history and fantasy design for adults. The new books are physically available at Bowman Library and Handley Library, but are available for borrowing at all three branches when patrons reserve a specific title to be placed on hold and delivered to the branch of their choice.

Are you struggling to make the most of your smartphone or tablet? Don't worry, our Tech Tuesday sessions are here to save the day! Whether you're an iPhone/iPad user or prefer Android devices, our upcoming sessions are designed to empower you with the skills you need. Best of all, these sessions are absolutely free! So, mark your calendars and bring along all your burning tech questions.

Your local library is making it easier than ever to geek! We all know it can be hard to find our people and even harder to keep up with our favorite fandoms on a budget. Now the library is expanding our collections, not just for teens, but for adults too. Keep an eye on our catalog for our ever-expanding collection of games, graphic novels, movies, books, and shows. And keep an ear to the ground for our upcoming programming that was developed with you in mind.