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:
- Archive visitors: 1,885
- eBooks downloaded: 138,066
- Book and Media Checkouts: 598,417
- New Materials Added: 15,495
- New Patron Cards: 5,635
- Total Program Attendees: 51,671
- Total Programs (For kids, teens, and adults): 1,750
- Volunteer Hours: 9,334
- Visits to Website: 582,945
- Items Checked Out (physical & digital): 760,102
“We’re thrilled to see such strong engagement from our community,” said John Huddy, Library Director. “This year’s statistics are a testament to the invaluable role our library plays in the lives of our patrons. Whether it’s checking out a book, attending a program, or using our new curbside pickup service at the Handley branch, we’re constantly striving to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
This year, the library system also marked several exciting milestones:
- The installation of a new backlit building sign at Bowman Library.
- The addition of an extensive Kanopy collection, offering patrons a wide selection of expertly curated narrative and documentary films.
- Launching a curbside pickup service at the Handley branch through the MyLibro app, enhancing convenience for our patrons.
- The Handley Regional Library System is now a Certified Family Place Library, reinforcing our commitment to early childhood development and family engagement.
As we look ahead to September, the Handley Regional Library System is gearing up for Library Card Sign-Up Month. A library card is your ticket to a world of resources, from free access to books, movies, and digital content, to special programs and services designed to enrich lives. “We invite everyone in the community to take advantage of the benefits that come with a library card,” Huddy added. “It’s the most valuable card in your wallet—opening doors to learning, discovery, and growth.”