All Branches Will Be Closed on January 20

Honoring the Dream: All Handley Regional Library System branches will be closed on Monday, January 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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FHH

It's a Perfect Time to Join our Family History Hunters Group

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New Years is a great time to pick up hobbies and join clubs.  Got an interest in the past?  Wondering about who your ancestors were?  Why not join Family History Hunters?  Family History Hunters is an informal monthly meeting for genealogists of all levels of experience.  The group meets on the second Thursday of each month to discuss a topic related to studying your family history to make genealogical research more successful.  The upcoming topics include… 

January - Beginners Genealogy

February - Googling your Ancestors 

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MM

Tai Chi Classes at Bowman Library

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The Friends of Handley Regional Library System has partnered with a new non-profit organization called MoveMentation to offer tai chi classes at Bowman Library. MoveMentation was started by Adrian VanKeuren of Tai Chi Healing Energies. Tai Chi, at its core, is a movement medicine.  Originally a martial art originating in China, tai chi combines slow, continuous, mindful movements with deep breathing.

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Prisoners of Congress Book Cover

Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia's Quakers in Exile, 1777-1778

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Many locals will be familiar with the connection to prisoners of war camps the Winchester area has had throughout history: the Hessian prisoners brought here during the Revolutionary War and the German prisoners during World War II.  Many may be unfamiliar with the story of a small group of 20 men from Philadelphia, PA exiled out of the commonwealth and sent to Winchester for months during the Revolutionary War.  Norman Donoghue’s new book Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia’s Quakers in Exile, 1777-1778 examines that topic. 

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Archives After Hours

A Few of My Favorite Things

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There's one more chance to attend our popular Archives After Hours event this year.  The final one will be held on Thursday, October 24 @ 5:30 pm.  If you haven't heard, each Archives After Hours event begins with a presentation concerning special items found within the collection and an explanation of how those items can help the researchers that visit the space. 

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photography

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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Rebecca and Thomas

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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FHH with Irish Flag

Finding your Irish Ancestors

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Are you researching your family’s history?  Have you hit a brick wall in your research?  Do you have tips/strategies that you can share with others?  If so, Family History Hunters is the group for you!

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Mike Robinson

Local Tavern History with Mike Robinson: A Hungry for History Kickoff Event

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Did you miss out on Hungry for History last year?  If so, you don't want to miss it this year.  Across Winchester and Frederick/Clarke County 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.  To kick off the Hungry for History week, Stewart Bell Jr.

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Book Club

Book Club is BACK!

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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.

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Games

Game On at Bowman Library!

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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

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Sit and Stitch

Sit and Stitch: Crafting Together!

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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.

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Handley Tour

Explore the Timeless Elegance of Handley Library

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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

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LNM

A Little Noon Music

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The Friends of Handley Regional Library System sponsor live music at our libraries with concerts called A Little Noon Music. From September to May, a variety of musicians delight audience members with their talents. 

The 2024/25 season will take us to all three branches! All performances begin at 12pm.

 

September 13, 2024 @ Bowman Library- Melodic Journeys with Cheryl Costello

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Adventure at Your Library

10 Reasons to Adventure at Your Library This Summer

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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.

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National Library Week 2024

10 Ways You Can Celebrate National Library Week

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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:

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Spring into the Library

10 Reasons to Spring into the Library (and access our digital brochure!)

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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:

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Handley Celtic Fest

Handley to Take Part in Old Town Celtic Fest!

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Handley Library will be hosting two different events on March 16th in collaboration with Old Town's Celtic Fest!

First, at 3:00 PM in the Robinson Auditorium, we have Irish dancers of all ages from Armstrong Irish Dance Academy coming to perform, in celebration of St. Patrick's day! Click here to see the event in our calendar. 

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Tina Maseda NW Works

Partnership Spotlight: Job Help with NW Works

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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!

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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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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

Read More
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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myLibro

8 Reasons to Get the myLIBRO App

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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:

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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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Genealogy

Discover Your Family History

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A library genealogy program is a great way to discover your family's history. These programs are free and offer access to historical records, census data, and other valuable resources that can help you trace your family tree. With a library genealogy program, you can uncover fascinating details about your ancestors and gain a deeper understanding of your family's story. So whether you're just starting out or have been researching your family tree for years, a Stewart Bell, J. Archives genealogy program is definitely worth exploring. Here are upcoming programs: 

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Adventures Through Grief Logo

Adventures Through Grief - A Tabletop Roleplaying Game Experience

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The Handley Library branch is excited to be partnering with Blue Ridge Hospice to provide a new tabletop roleplaying game-based grief support program, “Adventures Through Grief!” Tap into your creativity, build interpersonal skills, and learn to train your dragons as their Grief Counselors and Music Therapists take on the role of Game Master to guide you on the task of navigating life after losing a loved one.   

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Picture of Archive Staff Member Joan Wood

Beginner Genealogy Workshops

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Did you know that more than 102 million people research their family history? You can be one of them! The questions often asked are where do I start, and how do I find what I need? 

Our Beginner Genealogy Workshops are for individuals who are just starting in their genealogy quest or who have started and need assistance. The workshops include a five-step process that covers the basics of ancestry research.

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