When you think of youth programming at the library, you probably think about storytimes and puppets and all sorts of things for younger kids. But did you know that the library offers programs for teens, as well? Read on to learn about a few of the activities you can get involved with!
Bowman Library
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
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.
The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives is happy to announce a new database to help family researchers: American Ancestors. From the New England Genealogical Society, this search engine provides access to 1.4 billion+ searchable records from the US and around the world. Our membership also allows patrons to have access to the American Ancestors magazine and the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, two of genealogy’s leading print publications.
Confidence starts with the caretaker. We are our young's first teacher and mentor. We model behavior and many other things to our children daily. Confidence can be hard even for adults, because of all the different situations we are exposed to--breastfeeding, conflict, new situations, work, etc. And although everyone can't always be confident all the time, we can try to assert ourselves consistently to lay boundaries and advocate for ourselves.
There are so many new YA non-fiction books covering such a wide variety of topics that you are guaranteed to find something that interests you! Here are a few examples:
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!
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
Regulating our emotions can be a very daunting thing. Now imagine being a child and doing it. Our brains are not fully developed until about 25 years old, because our prefrontal cortex is still figuring our the decision making piece, and emotions are heavily tied into that. But much of that is started in the early years. You can help your kiddo figure things out by setting them up for success with emotional intelligence.
Waiting patiently for the next book in your favorite YA series? Find out which books have already been released and are available at the library and which you’ll have to wait a little bit longer for. Be sure to check out our Suggest a Title feature on the Handley Regional Library website that allows you to request books not yet in the library’s catalog.
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.
September 13, 2024 @ Bowman Library- Melodic Journeys with Cheryl Costello
Our teen book spotlight this week is on some of our favorite staff pick reads!!! To help us kick off these summer months filled with reading, we are sharing some of our favorite books so you can have some amazing titles to help you get started or to help you get out of a reading slump if that is where you find yourself. We have a great mixture of nonfiction, realistic, first in a series and more so there is something for everyone or maybe something to read outside of your book comfort zone!
Our middle grade book spotlight this week is is on some of our favorite staff pick reads!!! To help us kick off these summer months filled with reading, we are sharing some of our favorite books so you can have some amazing titles to help you get started or to help you get out of a reading slump if that is where you find yourself.
Problem solving is something parents/caregivers are faced with numerous times everyday. Even things as simple as questioning 'what am I cooking for dinner?' 'Do I have all the ingredients?' 'Now what?' Each of these questions from one simple task of cooking a meal to actually feeding our kids (and ourselves) count towards solving problems. All of these questions are part of our organizing and planning, then initiating system--executive functioning.
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:
Our teen book spotlight this week is all about featuring some more amazing YA nonfiction titles! It can be easy to think that nonfiction is boring but these titles are the complete opposite of that thought; we have everything from true crime to war history and
Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is on more amazing nonfiction titles!
The last day of school is right around the corner. Summer break is almost here. We have lots of resources to help keep you busy 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:
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.
Persistence, grit, trying again, not giving up. There are many ways to put it and it is not an easy thing to teach to our younglings... but do we give up? No! Instead we keep going to model it and apply our problem solving skills.
Curbside appointments have five easy steps:
Kanopy Kids
What is it? Thousands of streaming videos that are safe, educational, and parent trusted. Focused on children 2-8 years old. No view limits or monthly passes. Free with your library card.
What can you find? Old and new TV shows such as Little Bear, Sesame Street, Max & Ruby, Sarah & Duck, Blippi, T-Rex Ranch, Cocomelon, and Sid the Science Kid. Read along storybooks with new books by Mo Willems and old classics such as Where the Wild Things Are.
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:
Our teen book spotlight this week is all about books that have been nominated for the Virginia Reader’s Choice (VRC) High School award for the 2024-2025 school year!! The VRC award was started back in the 1980s with the goal being that students across the state
Our middle grade book spotlight this week is all about books that have been nominated for the Virginia Reader’s Choice (VRC) Middle School award for the 2024-2025 school year!! The VRC award was started back in the 1980s with the goal being that students across
A HUGE part of reading is retention through memory. Are we remembering each letter sound? Can we recall the sound on the spot for both lowercase and uppercase letters?
Handley Library branch has achieved KultureCity® Certification as a Sensory InclusiveTM 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.
There are so many historic homes in our community. These homes can be a delight for their owners as well as their neighbors, offering interesting architectural elements and properties with long stories. Would you like to learn how to find those stories?
Come to our presentation: How to Research your Historic House. Our speaker, Maral Kalbian, will discuss the various methods and sources you may explore to learn more about the history of these properties.
Have you checked out any of our Juvenile Read-Along books?
Find general information about our Juvenile Read-Along collection HERE on our website.
The library’s collection of bilingual (English/Spanish) picturebook Read-Alongs continues to grow. A quick search of “bilingual read-alongs” in the catalog reveals more than 50 titles. Some favorites are featured below.
Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that were published in 2014 and are celebrating their 10th birthday! I do not know what was in the water, air, or universe that year but there were so many amazing titles and authors to come out of that year of publishing that books we read today are still inspire
Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that were published in 2014 and are celebrating their 10th birthday! I do not know what was in the water, air, or universe that year but there were so many amazing titles and authors to come out of that year of publishing that books we read today are still
The Archives is opening their doors after closing time! Throughout the year, Stewart Bell Jr. Archives will be holding “Archives After Hours.” At each event, archival staff will explain aspects of the archives that can be used to help you in your research. This first Archives After Hours will focus on Sanborn maps.
Did you know that we have 8 senses? We are all taught 5 of them repeatedly growing up, and that is because they help us with our perceptions of the world. Of those most commonly known five senses, though, our children are using them to grow and develop into bright learners ready to take on the challenges life throws at us as adults.
Winchester is a historic town, filled with old buildings and lots of stories. It is important to preserve these sites for future generations, and historic preservation efforts play a vital role in continuing to tell the stories of the past.
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:
Heraldry is the art of using hereditary symbols to distinguish individuals and groups. We may know them more often as a family’s coat of arms. Does your family have one? Interested in the steps you take to find out?
What are “Tough Topics” for young adults? Challenging topics that occur during young adulthood and can be hard to discuss and hard to understand
Tough Topics include: abortion, pregnancy, abuse, dating, sex, self-harm, bullying, addiction, cancer, grief, mental health and illness, eating disorders, racism, sexual identity and orientation, rape, suicide, homelessness, incarceration, and more
Having a family member living with dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, or another form of memory loss can be confusing for children to understand and cope with. Family dynamics may need to change to help care for the family member, and it’s normal for kids to experience a wide array of emotions. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can really help make sense of everything, and books are one of the best ways we can learn more about people and situations we relate to.
Our teen book spotlight this week is focused on books that have recently been added to our collection meaning they are new!!!! New books are the best; they have a new book smell and there is just something about being one of the first people to read it. We are featuring some amazing fiction this time in
Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that have recently been added to our collection meaning they are new!!!! New books are the best; they have a new book smell and there is just something about being one of the first people to read it. There is a great mix of fiction and
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.
All materials are available through our catalog. Put it on hold if it's unavailable, and we'll call you when it's here!
This year Give Kids a Smile Day is February 2. What better way to put a smile on a kid's face than a hilarious book. Here is just a sample of the funny books you can find in our system that are sure to put a smile on their face and yours too. You can find even more humorous books for all ages HERE.
How many times a day do you have to tell your child to “focus”? I know as an adult, that I have to remind myself to focus on a menial task daily.