Blog Entries

If you are looking for something to read for the Adult Summer Reading Program, why not try a paperback classic? What makes a work of literature a classic? We may think of a classic book as one written by an author who has died, but there are contemporary classics by living authors, too. Classics are books that are well-written and hold up over time. They could be a first in a genre or have cultural importance.

Now Handley Regional Library patrons can hold the library in the palm of their hands! With a new mobile app, called MyLIBRO, Handley Regional Library System patrons have access to a variety of library resources through their mobile phones and tablets. The MyLIBRO app is already available through the App Store.

The Handley Regional Library System is excited to offer tours of the downtown Handley Library Branch on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11 AM. This tour is FREE and open to the public. Meet on the Lower Level to start your tour at 11 AM.

The Handley Library branch tour will take you behind the scenes to all floors of the building. Learn about the unique architecture and amazing history of this beautiful library. Walk on the famous glass floors, and see the well under the stage.  

On July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to land on the moon and said his famous line. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” If you’d like to learn more about Armstrong, you can check out a biography we have about him: Neil Armstrong: A Life of Flight by Jay Barbree. We also have some movies, too.

Summer Reading is Underway... Don't miss these awesome, fun, and educational programs at each library location! 

Join us this summer for these special programs and earn badges on Beanstack!

"Science Heroes" with Talewise

Two unlikely heroes work together to save their town (and the planet) from a super-polluting mastermind! Together we’ll conduct experiments and more! All ages.

Monday, July 10, 11:00 AM, Clarke County Library

Monday, July 10, 2:00 PM, Bowman Library

Why Native Plants? 

In celebration of pets, May is recognized as National Pet Month. It’s a wonderful time to show a little extra appreciation for our furry friends, and books are always a great resource for everything, including learning something fun about your pets! 

Researching Common Surnames:

May 2022

My last name is Smith.  I have been told that our ancestors changed our surname before immigrating to the United States from Poland.  I have hesitated to attempt any research because I feel like I truly have a generic name.  Would it even be possible to learn anything about this family?

-A Researcher

In Marvelous Us! Part I and Part II we explored books related to our marvelous human bodies. Although popular culture over-emphasizes how our bodies may look, we often fail to appreciate how our bodies function. Whether or not you are happy with the way your body looks, the way it functions is truly marvelous.

April’s Family History Hunters meeting will feature a special presentation on organizing your family history research. Our presenter for this meeting, Tina Claflin, is the owner of Halcyon Reflections, a certified photo manager, and offers independent consulting and organizing services for veterans, families, and non-profits to help others get organized to preserve their stories.

Census Records

April 2022

This month I want to build on the past ideas that I have written about and hope that you are having some success.  I have suggested that those who are beginning their family history:

                1. Identify what you already know about your ancestors through family members or papers you already have in your home. 

In this installment of the Pushing My Shelf  blog series, Katie M. tries her hand at writing a haiku after reading a book about poetry.

This month we thought we would do a blog series for the Push Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. The challenge is to complete Bingo squares that “push your shelf.” In other words, read or try something that you might not ordinarily consider; something not typically found on your bookshelf. Find out more here.

Have you tried Universal Class yet?

Universal Class offers over 500 online courses. From academic subjects to career and business courses to creative hobbies, there is something for everyone, ages teen through adult, available from Universal Class. Learn something new or update your existing skills. All courses are self-paced, so you can finish them at your convenience. Progress is assessed through assignments and exams, with feedback given. Certificates and CEUs can be earned with course completion.

Do you love our digital resources? Me too! I read exclusively on the Libby app now. Although I do love the feel of a book in my hand, the methodic turning of the page, and the ritual of browsing new titles and selecting one from the stacks, the fast pace of life has forced me to go completely digital. I am often reading on the go, and this way I always have my books and magazines with me. Not to mention reading in bed at night with no bedside light required! Did you know you can set the Libby app to dark, so you won’t have the blue light effects of your device?

In this installment of the Pushing My Shelf  blog series, Katie gets gobsmacked with so many NextReads Newsletters from which to choose.

This month we thought we would do a blog series for the Push Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. The challenge is to complete Bingo squares that “push your shelf.” In other words, read or try something that you might not ordinarily consider; something not typically found on your bookshelf. Find out more here.