Blog Entries

Children have an innate curiosity in them starting in infancy. We, as caregivers and parents, often see this curiosity used through our children’s senses (taste, touch, etc.). But little do we think about how this curiosity is a basic building block that forms how our children are learning. This innate curiosity then leads to our children developing a sense of  initiative, creativity, imagination, and –eventually– cognitive and behavioral self-regulation. The human brain and body are amazing things!

Teens, are you looking for your next great read or maybe stuck in a reading rut?  If you happen to be in downtown Winchester doing holiday shopping this month stop by the Handley branch and check out our genre booklets.  We have booklets for over a dozen genres.  You'll find Realistic Fiction, Fantasy, Heroes, Romance, Sci-Fi, and many more.  Of course if you can't make it in you can always find your next great read with NoveList Plus.

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:

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!

Are you looking for some great ideas for picture book read-alouds? Here are some of my favorites! These are engaging, fun reads with appealing illustrations. Descriptions are from our catalog.

Oh No, Astro! by Matt Roeser, illustrated by Brad Woodard 

Have you seen the name “Orrick” around town and the county?  Who was this man for which multiple local sites were named?   

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 on November 11th at 11 AM, as we unlock the secrets of this historic library, delving into its fascinating architecture and rich history.

Unveiling Hidden Treasures

Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that are filled with spooks and scares!!

Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that are filled with spooks and scares!!

Guten Tag!  Stewart Bell Jr.

What's going on in the catalog? 

We've started showing books and more in our catalog immediately after they've been ordered!  You can tell what's on its way to our shelves by the "on order" status. 

Now you can put a hold on whatever exciting new release you're waiting for!  Just remember it might take a little longer before your "on order" hold is ready for pickup than if it was already on the shelf - but we are behind the scenes hard at work getting it ready to put it into your hands! 

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.  

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...
 

                September 14 @ 12:30 pm (Benham Gallery – Handley Library): Researching colonial and early US war records.
 

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? 

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on graphic novels!!!  Graphic novels are incredibly visual stories that can feature pretty much anything and this week we are focusing on nonfiction.  Done in the style of comic books, there is a huge variety of choices; literally something for everyone so eve