Blog Entries

Middle Grade Book Spotlight--Inner Artists!!!

Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that feature  books with artistic characters!!!  When I think about being artistic, it is more than just painting and drawing and we have titles that feature not just those but photography, movie making, and collages to just name a few!!  Maybe some of these books will inspire you to explore your inner artist as well; we have an amazing offering of realistic, mystery, and even nonfiction so there is something for everyone.   These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #youthartists ...

Appreciate a Dragon

Have you ever wanted to ride a dragon? Dragons have been important to the world of fantasy for years. They have inspired many different stories, and they continue to do so today. In honor of Appreciate a Dragon Day that happened on January 16, here are some great picks all about dragons. Click the title to view the book in our catalog.

When 12-year-old Billy Chan finds out his parents are sending him to a summer camp in middle-of-nowhere China, he doesn't know what to expect. There he meets fellow campers Dylan, Charlotte, an...

Middle Grade Book Spotlight--Music Pt. 2!!!

Our middle grade book spotlight this week is on books that feature music!!  If you are anything like me then you love music; there always has to be some sort of song or rhythm going on in the background (because when it is quiet it is so weird) so why not have that carry over to what we read?  All of these titles have music woven throughout, some even with their own playlist, and we have an amazing offering of realistic, humor, nonfiction and even a graphic novel so there is something for everyone.   These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search ...

Middle Grade Spotlight--Blue Covers!!!

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that have Blue Covers!!!  As we start entering into the snow and cold months of Winter, why not get in the spirit by reading some books that have covers featuring various shades of blue so check out one of these and then snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate or tea and enjoy an amazing story completely chosen because of the front cover.  Since we are choosing these books based on their front covers, then we have an amazing selection that are all completely different from realistic to fantasy, nonfiction, graphic novels...

Middle Grade Book Spotlight--Plot Twists!!!

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that feature some shocking and epic plot twists!  I do not know about you, but I love a book that you think you know where it is going but then, out of nowhere, the author turns everything on its head and everything is different--and it makes total sense when you think back to what happened leading up to the reveal.  All of our titles this week have at least one of these moments, making for some exciting reads to start the new year off with a bang.   These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using ...

Middle Grade Book Spotlight--Historical Fiction!!!

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is all about Historical Fiction!!!  Our titles this week are all historical fiction stories; this is one of my favorite genres because it provides an opportunity to read about times and events in history that many times we do not know much, if anything, about because they are not taught in typical school classes.  Historical fiction books are filled with true facts (authors need to do a ton of research) and many times the characters are inspired by real people.  We have books that take place in the United States and others on other co...

Winter Reading Challenge 2022 starts in January!

Handley Regional Library System will be presenting a Winter Reading Challenge for youth to run the entire month of January 2022. The theme for this year is “Read for a Better World”, which encourages readers of all ages to explore diversity, empathy, and action through literature.

“We are joining thousands of libraries and schools across the nation that are encouraging their communities to read a target number of books,” says Donna Hughes, Youth Services Division Head.

Handley Regional Library System is challenging youth patrons to read at least 64 books (pre-readers), 1...

Middle Grade Book Spotlight--Nonfiction Pt. 3!!!

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is on more amazing nonfiction titles!   It can be easy to think that nonfiction is boring but these titles are the complete opposite of that thought; we have everything from books about ecosystems to history through other lenses and an adventure that is so unbelievable you will think it is fiction but it isn’t; you will not even realize you are reading nonfiction because they are that good. These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #amazingyouthnonfiction as well as on Libby and Hoopla.  Check back nex...

Celebrate Sweets This Month

Happy National Cocoa Day! The month of December has many special days to celebrate sweet treats. Some have already passed and you’ll need to stick them on your calendar for next year. December 1 was Peppermint Bark Day and December 8 was National Brownie Day.  December 12 was National Gingerbread House Day. We are still celebrating at the Handley branch and you can still stop by the Youth Services Department to help us color our gingerbread house.

Still to come this month is National Bake Cookies Day on December 18. ...

Middle Grade Book Spotlight--Neurodiverse Characters!!!

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that feature Neurodiverse characters!   Neurodiverse individuals are ones who see the world differently and have unique behavioral traits; their brains work in a way that is different from those who are neurotypical.  The books this week all feature characters who fall under this group and they will open your eyes to see the world differently!  All of the titles this week are realistic fiction, but they all have plot lines that anyone can relate to and will want to read from beginning to end.   These books a...

Middle Grade Book Spotlight--Books Featuring Jewish Characters!!!

Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that feature Jewish characters!  Many times, Jewish characters seem limited to just World War II fiction books but that is not the case and we are taking a look at some titles that are anything but that time period.  We have a mix of historical and realistic (and some are a little intense--just be warned!) fiction as well as some graphic novels this week and I can promise you that they are amazing!!!  These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #youthjewishcharacters as well as...

Handley Celebrating Computer Science Education Week with Area Schools

In a new community partnership with the Winchester Public Schools' Metrics program, the Handley Youth Services Department is excited to celebrate Computer Science Education Week.

From December 6-11, the library will be providing free programs and services to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of local students, teachers, and partners to the field. Students and teachers can interact with a librarian curated computer science booklist for grades K-8 and suggest new titles to expand the li...

Database Spotlight: Ebsco LearningExpress Library

LearningExpress Library is organized into targeted learning centers that support students from 4th grade to adult who want to improve core academic skills, pass the GED®, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

To access all the features of LearningExpress Library, register with your library card number and PIN. This enables you to save your progress and return to practice tests and other materi...

Database Spotlight: HelpNow by Brainfuse

October’s  Database Spotlight was HelpNow by Brainfuse. 

This is a new and amazing database we are offering courtesy of The Library of Virginia.  HelpNow offers homework and study assistance from kindergarten through college.  The most exciting feature of this resource is live tutoring.  Live tutoring is available every day 2pm-7pm EST.  You can get help for kindergarten math and reading all the way to Calculus and Organic Chemistry.

You will also find a 24 Hour Writing Lab.  You can use this tool  to submit your writing and w...