Weekly Library Updates - Podcasts, Groundhogs, Tools for Students & Teachers, & More!

Winchester, VA (January 25, 2021) – Handley Regional Library System announces the following weekly updates and programs to the community:

Donation of Lord Fairfax Land Grant to Stewart Bell Jr. Archives

The Archives received an original Fairfax land grant as a donation from Mike Robinson, author of Winchester Tales. Mr. Robinson returned to the Archives to make a monetary donation to the Archives and the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society from donations raised by the community to purchase the grant.  Since receiving the document, Archives staff has taken steps to ensure it is preserved for future generations. The document, dated 1769, was in very good condition when we received it and has been encapsulated in a protective mylar sleeve. It has been framed so it can be displayed at Mr. Robinson’s book signing on January 30th, after which it will removed from the frame and added to the other land grants held in the Thomas, Lord Fairfax Collection. A scan of the original will be on display in the Archives Reading Room.

We thank Mr. Robinson and all those who donated funds to purchase the land grant and to provide funds to help us continue our work preserving the history and heritage of the Winchester-Frederick County area.

Community Resource Spotlight:  Students Get Research Help and Teachers Gain Access to Instructional Help with Gale in Context:  Elementary Database

Our librarians have spotlighted a tool in our Digital Library called Gale in Context: Elementary.  Free with your library card, students can find answers to their questions, practice research skills, and explore interests inside and outside the classroom.   It also gives teachers access to digital resources that can supplement instruction.  It is organized. by topics, news, pictures, and videos.  See the blog post here and access the database here.

Library Podcasts Connect the Community to Digital Resources, Virtual Programs, Books, and More

Released monthly, the Library Out Loud! podcast features library staff and other special guests who talk about the many library community programs and services available to our service area of 130,000+.   These topics range from reading recommendations and resources for students and teachers in our Digital Library, to upcoming virtual programs for all ages and other critical tools.  Episodes are available on our website at www.handleyregional.org/podcast and distributed on iTunes, SoundCloud, and iHeart.com. 

Virtual Groundhog Day to Feature Real Groundhog and Puppet Show

We will continue our annual, popular Groundhog Day Celebration on February 2^nd at 11AM on our Facebook and YouTube accounts @handleyregional.  The program features “Tiva”, a real groundhog from Valley Wildlife Care, a local rescue and rehabilitation organization, and an interactive puppet show with “Bowman Bill”, a special guest groundhog puppet.  Attendees will learn about the life and habitat of a groundhog, protecting wildlife, hibernation, and more.  The library fun will continue with a special Kid Crafternoons program at 2PM on Facebook.  Families can pick-up a Grab-and-Go craft kit with supplies days before the program at Handley Library.  Both programs accompany the Winter Reading Challenge for kids and teens where participants can win prizes based on books read.  More information is available at www.handleyregional.org/kids. 

Upcoming Programs Virtual at @handleyregional on Facebook or Zoom (Unless Noted Otherwise).  See more details at www.handleyregional.org/events/upcoming