Blog Entries

Winter Reading Recap

Community Winter Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens Sees Positive Results

The program ran in January and featured a mix of virtual programs and reading incentives designed to connect literacy to entertainment. 

Reading Program Results

2,718 Books Read by Kids and Teens 1,712 Badges Earned by Completing Online Activities 30+ Virtual Programs –storytimes, teen cooking shows, science workshops, and more 221 Kids and Teens Participated 719 Activities Literacy Activities Logged

“This year's reading challenge for kids and teens was a huge suc...

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3-Part Virtual Series: Exploring the Library

We have a special 3-part series designed to educate the public on different ways to use library services in March  titled Exploring the Library.  These virtual sessions will be offered through Zoom with registration required and are ideal for new, prospective, and current users of all library system locations – Bowman Library, Clarke County Library, and Handley Library. 

Topics include tips and tricks on using the online catalog to access materials and online content, hidden treasures on the library website, and a deep-dive session exploring the 24/7 Digital Library...

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New Podcast Episode: H is for Hawk & Other Recommendations

Listen to our latest podcast episode on Library Out Loud!!

We sat down with Todd at Handley Library and learned about

Recommended reading from author Helen MacDonald Hear a reading from H is for Hawk How to reserve and checkout titles in our catalog

Listen to the latest episode here. 

Our podcast is available on on our website at www.handleyregional.org/podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, and iHeart.com. 

Speaking of reading recommendations . . .

Did you know our librarians curate recommendations you can receive directly t...

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Book Nook Column

In the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's recent publication, Chamber News, you can see the latest issue which includes The Book Nook, where you can learn about our two book club reads for adults - INCLUDING an awesome graphic novel book club for adults.

Access the full publication here:  https://issuu.com/tvrcva/docs/february_tourism_online

The Book Nook - February Edition

by Matt Swain, PR Manager at Handley Regional Library System

The Book Nook is a monthly column connecting the community to diverse authors and books across multiple genres.  <...

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Clean Air Technology and Purification Available at All 3 Library Locations

Handley Regional Library System has taken several safety measures following guidelines established by the CDC, local health officials, and library-specific protocols regarding the use of materials, services, and building access to keep the staff and community safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Bowman Library, Clarke County Library, and Handley Library – in coordination with the efforts from their localities – have installed clean air technology to help neutralize and purify air inside the buildings, reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other harmful viruses. 

Specif...

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Book Clubs Bring People Together

Virtual Book Clubs - Graphic Novels for Adults and Brown Bag with Books –Bring Readers Together and Introduce New Stories During the Pandemic

Handley Regional Library System announces two book clubs for adults – both designed to connect readers online, create community, and introduce readers to new stories and elements.    The first book club is called Brown Bag with Books and meets the first Wednesday of the month during lunchtime on Zoom.  This club features a variety of authors with a unique story.  The second book club, knows as Graphic Novels for Adu...

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Podcast: Graphic Novels, Virtual Game Nights for Adults, Reading Recommendations

Listen to our latest podcast episode on Library Out Loud!!

We sat down with Mandy at Bowman Library and learned about

How adults can (and should!) enjoy our amazing graphic novel collection.  Hint - they just aren't about superheroes! Reading recommendations on how horror and thriller books.  These are scary good! the return of our popular virtual game nights for adults and why you should join.  Why should kids and teens have all the fun? 

Listen to the latest episode here. 

Our podcast is available on on our website at www...

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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 ...

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Virtual Groundhog Day to Feature Real Groundhog and Puppet Show

Handley Regional Library System continues the popular Groundhog Day Celebration on February 2nd at 11AM on the library system’s 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....

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Third Thursday, Exploring the Outdoors Hiking Series

Media Alert:

Handley Regional Library System is starting a new series every third Thursday covering outdoor topics including AT thru-hikers, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Global Hiking, Seneca Rock Climbing School, biking, and more.  This series will be hosted by Susan Tschirhar – hiker, camper, and nature nerd - and is sponsored by the Friends of the Handley Regional Library System and Mountain Trails in Winchester. To accompany this program, all 3 libraries have book displays created with recommended reads.  The community is also invited to hike the trail around Bowman Libra...

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New Library Out Loud! Podcast is Out of this World!

We have a new podcast episode on Library Out Loud! 

Available on Sound Cloud, iTunes, iHeart Radio, and on our website at https://www.handleyregional.org/podcast, this episode talks about science fiction recommended reads, our personalized BookMatch service, and more tips for library patrons, including users of our 24/7 Digital Library. 

Listen to the latest episode

https://www.handleyregional.org/podcast https://soundcloud.com/handleyregional/science-fiction

Want more Science Fiction?

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This Week at Your Library - Winter Reading, Thank You from Our Director, & More

Handley Regional Library System Weekly Media Brief

Handley Regional Library System announces the following weekly updates and programs to the community:

Happening Now – The Winter Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens, and Families

Handley Regional Library System announces today the 2021 Winter Reading Challenge: Books Like Us for kids and teens in Clarke County, Frederick County, and Winchester City.  The library program runs through the month of January and participants can win online tickets based on the number of books read to redeem for a chance to win ra...

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Thank You Letter from Our Director

As 2020 nears its end, we reflect on the challenges we all faced.

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This Week at Your Library - Taylor Swift, Gingerbread, Book Club, & More!

Handley Regional Library System announces the following weekly updates and programs to the community:

Annual Gingerbread Jamboree Returns – Virtually!

The popular program loved by kids and families, The Gingerbread Jamboree, will return this year, but on the library system’s Facebook page.  The Gingerbread Jamboree is an interactive program filled with a gingerbread read-aloud, puppet show, Grab-and-Go Kits for at-home fun, and more virtual experiences and surprises over Facebook Live.  Grab-and-Go Kits include a craft, science experiment with an interactive vi...

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Annual Gingerbread Jamboree Returns – Virtually!

The popular program loved by kids and families, The Gingerbread Jamboree – will return this year, but on the library system’s Facebook page.  The Gingerbread Jamboree is an interactive program filled with a gingerbread read-aloud, puppet show, Grab-and-Go Kits for at-home fun, and more virtual experiences and surprises over Facebook Live. 

Gran-and-Go Kits include a craft, science experiment with an interactive video program that accompanies it on Facebook Live, a story retelling activity, and more!

The event is usually held at Handley Library with several hund...

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