Archives Information
Research at the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives Reading Room
The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives Reading Room is open to researchers. Appointments are not necessary, but researchers may find it helpful to contact us in advance of their visit to determine what materials or collections would be most useful for their research. If you have questions about your visit please call us at 540 662-9041, ext. 17, or email archives@handleyregional.org.
Reading Room Hours of Operation
Please note, the Reading Room will close for lunch daily from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM.
Monday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For the safety of both staff and patrons, and for the protection of our collections, the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives has updated its policies and procedures for using the Reading Room. The following procedures must be observed when visiting the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives:
- Researchers are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water before entering the Reading Room (bathrooms are located outside the Archives). Researchers who have used hand sanitizer must wash their hands with soap and water before handling rare or fragile materials as determined by Archives staff.
- Researchers should bring their own pencils and note paper.
- A photocopier is available. Black and white copies cost .15c per page and color copies cost .25c per page. We highly recommend researchers use their phone or a camera to make copies of materials to limit use of the copier. Handheld scanners are not permitted.
- Computers and microfiche readers are available. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own laptops and other equipment, including thumb drives. Material may be saved to a thumb drive from the microfilm reader/printer and the photocopier.
The following tips are offered to assist researchers prepare for their trip to the Archives:
- The Archives Reading Room is located in the basement of the Handley Library in Winchester, Virginia. The street address is 100 W. Piccadilly Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.
- Handley Regional Library does not have a designated parking lot. There is metered street parking which is enforced between 9am and 6pm every weekday. Most meters cost .75c per hour and have a two hour time limit. Two parking garages are within walking distance of the library. The Braddock Street Autopark costs $1.00 per hour and the Loudoun Street Autopark costs .50 per hour. Consult the City of Winchester's Parking Authority for more information.
- The Archives is accessible by elevator as well as stairs. Restrooms are available on the same level as the Archives.
- All visitors and researchers should sign the register upon entering the Reading Room.
- A registration form is required of all researchers on their first visit to the Archives each year. You can download, print, and complete the registration form in advance of your visit by clicking here [PDF]
- Food and drinks are not permitted in the Reading Room at any time.
- Lockers are available to researchers. A quarter is required to use the locker and is refunded at the end of the visit.
- The Archives accepts cash or check as payment.
- For information about Winchester City hotels, restaurants, activities and attractions please visit the City of Winchester's website or the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor's Center website.