Closed for Presidents' Day, February 17th

All branches will be closed on Monday, February 17, for President's Day. Remember, you can still access our digital resources 24/7, including eBooks, audiobooks, movies/tv shows, and online databases.

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Shari's favorites of 2024

Shari's Favorite Reads of 2024

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As we kick off a new year with new reading goals, I am highlighting some of my favorite reads of the past year. In my new role as Teen Services Associate, I'd love to hear from you. What are some of your favorite reads of 2024? Click here to share some of your favorite reads from the past year or so. I'll put together a spotlight featuring our teen Patrons' Picks! In the meantime, take a look at some of mine. 

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Kanopy News

Exciting News: Kanopy Just Got Even Better!

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Are you ready for some thrilling updates? Handley Regional Library System has expanded our streaming video resource offerings, Kanopy, and there’s never been a better time to dive in!

What’s New?

Kanopy now offers access to over 30,000 new titles, including:

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Libby

10 Reasons You Should Be Reading with Libby

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Libby, the popular library reading app from OverDrive, is changing how people connect with books. If you haven’t tried reading with Libby through the Handley Regional Library System, now is the time! Here are 10 reasons why downloading Libby will be your best literary decision yet.

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Poster for Classics Remixes blog post. Picture is scrapbook style with the title text and three book sovers, "Last True Poets of the Sea," "An Arrow To The Moon," and "Most Ardently" arranged on top of scrap paper and text.

Classics Remixes - YA Versions of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and More!

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Are you a fan of the classics and looking for a new book to read? Or maybe you’re reading a classic for school and stuck on the old-timey language? Either way, the library has a great selection of classic rewrites that will expand on stories you already know or help you relate to more modern characters and conflicts. Check out our selection of classic rewrites that will make you fall in love with stories based on authors like Shakespeare and Jane Austen!

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Teen Graphic Novels Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Graphic Novels!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is focused on graphic novels!!!  Graphic novels are incredibly visual stories that can feature pretty much anything fiction and nonfiction.  Done in the style of comic books, there is a huge variety of choices; literally something for everyone so even if you have never read one before, you will definitely be able to find something.  For our talk this week, we have a great selection of nonfiction, fantasy, historical, humor, and realistic to get you started.

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Teen Mysteries Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Mysteries!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is taking a look at Mysteries!!!  There are so many different types of mystery books available that there is literally something for everyone’s tastes!  Some are straight mystery/detective stories while others are more suspenseful and thrilling; mysteries are usually cross genre as well meaning that not only is there a mystery element, but there may also be some fantasy, science fiction, or historical elements as well.  We have a great selection this week from realistic to fantasy, murder mysteries and crime solving so you will either find so

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Teen Programs at the Library

6 Teen Programs at the Library You Should Check Out

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When you think of youth programming at the library, you probably think about storytimes and puppets and all sorts of things for younger kids. But did you know that the library offers programs for teens, as well? Read on to learn about a few of the activities you can get involved with! 

 

Bowman Library 

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Library Usage 2023-24

Handley Regional Library System Announces Impressive 2023-2024 Statistics and Highlights New Initiatives

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Winchester, VA — The Handley Regional Library System is proud to announce the impressive statistics from the 2023-2024 fiscal year, underscoring its vital role in the community and its ongoing commitment to providing accessible resources and services to patrons of all ages.

Over the past year, the Handley Regional Library System's three locations—Handley Library, Bowman Library, and Clarke County Library—welcomed 365,992 visitors, reflecting the vibrant engagement with our libraries. Key highlights from the year include:

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Book covers of Prisoner's Throne, The Grandest Game, Fate Breaker, and Clarion Call. Header says New YA Series Releases.

New and Incoming YA Series and Sequel Releases

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Waiting patiently for the next book in your favorite YA series? Find out which books have already been released and are available at the library and which you’ll have to wait a little bit longer for. Be sure to check out our Suggest a Title feature on the Handley Regional Library website that allows you to request books not yet in the library’s catalog.

 

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Teen Summer Staff Picks Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Summer Staff Picks!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is on some of our favorite staff pick reads!!!  To help us kick off these summer months filled with reading, we are sharing some of our favorite books so you can have some amazing titles to help you get started or to help you get out of a reading slump if that is where you find yourself. We have a great mixture of nonfiction, realistic, first in a series and more so there is something for everyone or maybe something to read outside of your book comfort zone!

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YSRP

Rally for Reading: Kickoff the Adventure at Your Library!

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Are you ready to embark on a summer filled with adventure and discovery? Join us for the Rally for Reading, the exciting kickoff event for our Youth Summer Reading Program, themed “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” This year, we’re thrilled to host our kickoff celebrations at each of our three library branches. Mark your calendars and get ready for a season of fun, learning, and exploration!

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YA Nonfiction pt. 5 Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Nonfiction pt. 5!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is all about featuring some more amazing YA 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 true crime to war history and

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Adventure at Your Library

10 Reasons to Adventure at Your Library This Summer

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Looking for an epic summer adventure? Look no further than your local library! Here are 10 reasons why you should dive into the excitement at our library system this summer:

  1. Youth Summer Reading Program: Join us for a summer of literary exploration with our Youth Summer Reading Program! Dive into captivating stories, embark on thrilling adventures, and earn exciting rewards along the way.

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Volunteer With us at Handley, bowman, and Clarke

5 Reasons to Volunteer at Your Local Library

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Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your time this summer? Consider becoming a volunteer at your local library! There are so many benefits of volunteering, and here are just a few of them...
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National Library Week 2024

10 Ways You Can Celebrate National Library Week

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Welcome to National Library Week, a time when communities across the nation join hands to celebrate the cornerstone of knowledge, inspiration, and community: libraries. At Handley Regional Library System, we're thrilled to be part of this annual celebration, and we invite you to join us in commemorating the incredible contributions libraries make to our lives. This year's theme, "Ready, Set, Library!" embodies the excitement and readiness to explore the myriad offerings libraries provide. Here are ten ways you can celebrate National Library Week with us:

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YA VRC Nominees Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--2024-25 VRC High School Titles

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Our teen book spotlight this week is all about books that have been nominated for the Virginia Reader’s Choice (VRC) High School award for the 2024-2025 school year!!  The VRC award was started back in the 1980s with the goal being that students across the state

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YA 2014 Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--2014 Titles!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that were published in 2014 and are celebrating their 10th birthday!  I do not know what was in the water, air, or universe that year but there were so many amazing titles and authors to come out of that year of publishing that books we read today are still inspire

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Spring into the Library

10 Reasons to Spring into the Library (and access our digital brochure!)

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As the cold of winter melts away and the warmth of spring begins to blossom, the Handley Regional Library System is abuzz with excitement for our upcoming theme: "Spring into the Library." With an array of enriching programs and events lined up, there's no better time to embrace the spirit of the season and dive into the world of literature, music, culture, and community. Here are 10 compelling reasons why you should make the library your go-to destination this spring:

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Tough Topics

Tough Topics for Young Adults And a List of Books to Help Understand

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What are “Tough Topics” for young adults? Challenging topics that occur during young adulthood and can be hard to discuss and hard to understand

Tough Topics include: abortion, pregnancy, abuse, dating, sex, self-harm, bullying, addiction, cancer, grief, mental health and illness, eating disorders, racism, sexual identity and orientation, rape, suicide, homelessness, incarceration, and more

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YA New Books pt. 12 Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--New Books pt. 12!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is focused on books that have recently been added to our collection meaning they are new!!!!  New books are the best; they have a new book smell and there is just something about being one of the first people to read it.  We are featuring some amazing fiction this time in

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hoopla

YA Audiobooks On Hoopla

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Did you know that you can stream or download lots of great Young Adult audiobooks for free on Hoopla with your library card?

 

Hoopla is a web and mobile library media streaming platform that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, phone, or TV.  

 

Check out these titles and find many more on Hoopla!

(Summaries provided by Hoopla)

 

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Bowman StoryWalk

Check Out Bowman Library's New and Improved StoryWalk®!

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The Handley Regional Library System is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new, permanent StoryWalk® around the picturesque lake adjacent to Bowman Library. This exciting initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge, Winchester, and Frederick County Parks and Recreation.

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Genre Booklet

Stuck in a Reading Rut? Check out the YA Genre Booklets!

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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. 

 

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on order status

"On Order" titles now in the catalog

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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! 

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Teen Nonfiction Graphic Novels Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Nonfiction Graphic Novels!!!

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Our teen 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 even

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Teen New Books Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--New Books pt. 11!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is focused on books that have recently been added to our collection meaning they are new!!!!  New books are the best; they have a new book smell and there is just something about being one of the first people to read it.  We are featuring some amazing fiction this time including fantasy, nov

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YA Summer Camp Titles Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Summer Camp!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that take place at a summer camp!!!  It is that time of year that individuals set off for summer camps which focus on a variety of missions and goals and we have books that do the same exact thing meaning we can go to summer camp without even needing to leave our bedrooms.  We ha

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Rockin' the Library 2023

Are You Ready for Rockin' the Library 2023?

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Handley Regional Library System is pleased to announce the upcoming "Rockin' the Library" event on June 29th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Handley Library. The event is a partnership with the Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference and promises fun for the whole family.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet famous authors and illustrators, including Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Matthew Cordell, Edward Hemingway, and LeUyen Pham. A parade will feature the authors and also surprise book character friends will also take place in front of the library.

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Teen Summer Titles Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Summer Titles!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is on books that have the word “summer” in their titles!!!  To help us kick off these summer months filled with reading, we are exploring books that have “summer” in the titles to give us some inspiration and that summer feel.

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Teen Alphabet Titles pt. 4 Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Alphabet Titles pt. 4!!!

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Our Teen book spotlight this week is the fourth and final part of a series we have been working through over the course of our past spotlights!  Over the past few weeks, we have worked our way through the alphabet as we use letters for inspiration as each title starts with the next letter in order.  This week we are moving o

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Rally for Reading

Rally for Reading is HUGE this year!

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The Handley Regional Library System is excited to announce the "Rally for Reading" kickoff event for the 2023 Summer Reading Program, with the theme "All Together Now." This year is special, as there will be unique celebrations at all three branches!

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Teen Alphabet pt. 3 Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Alphabet Titles pt. 3 (M-R)!!!

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Our Teen book spotlight this week is the third part of a series we have been working through over the course of our past spotlights!  Over the next few weeks, we will be working our way through the alphabet as we use letters for inspiration as each title starts with the next letter in order.  This week we are moving on to th

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National Library Week 2023

How to Celebrate National Library Week 2023

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In honor of National Library Week, Handley Regional Library System announces a week-long celebration at its three branches: Bowman Library, Handley Library, and Clarke County Library. From April 23-29, the libraries will offer a variety of activities and events that highlight the importance of libraries in our communities.

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Teen Alphabet Titles Book Covers G-L

Teen Book Spotlight---Alphabet Titles pt. 2!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is the second part of a series we started in our last spotlight!  Over the next few weeks, we will be working our way through the alphabet as we use letters for inspiration as each title starts with the next letter in order.  This week we are moving on to the second part of the alphabet with

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College Admissions Test Preparation

College Admissions Test Preparation

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Are you a high school student preparing to take the SAT® or ACT® test? Are you studying for an AP® Exam? There are free tutorials and practice tests available through the EBSCO LearningExpress Library® to help you get ready for test day. Access the EBSCO LearningExpress Library® database through our website: www.handleyregional.org/resources

Sign in with your library card number and PIN. Create an account to save your progress. 

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Teen Alphabet A-F Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--Alphabet Titles Pt. 1!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is the first part of a series we are starting!  Over the next few weeks, we will be working our way through the alphabet as we use letters for inspiration as each title starts with the next letter in order.  To get us started, we are exploring books that start with an A through F giving us s

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Teen New Books Book Covers

Teen Book Spotlight--New Books Pt. 10!!!

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Our teen book spotlight this week is focused on books that have recently been added to our collection meaning they are new!!!!  New books are the best; they have a new book smell and there is just something about being one of the first people to read it.  We are featuring some amazing fiction this time including titles from

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