Blog Entries

Adult Summer Reading Program Announced

Summer reading program connects adults to books, movies, and programs at their local library.

This year’s summer reading program for adults has a theme of It’s Showtime at Your Library!  The program runs May 27th through September 2nd at all 3 library locations. During this program, adults can track books read and enter to win prizes including Books Bucks (coupons for the used book sales sponsored by the Friends of the Handley Regional Library), discounts from local businesses, and several prize packages featuring gift cards to local businesses and restaurants.

The reading...

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Rally for Reading Event to Kick-Off Summer Reading Program for Kids, Teens, and Families

We are excited to kick-off of Valley Reads, our summer reading program for kids, teens, and families, at the Rally for Reading on June 1st at 11AM at Bowman Library.  Free and open to the public, the event features stories from local authors, an interactive puppet show, dancing, face painting, and more. Rally for Reading kicks off the summer reading program where participants can log reading hours and books read to win free books and other prizes donated by area businesses. The theme for this year’s reading program is It’s Showtime at Your Library! and features a unique mix of programs...

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Three things to know about eBooks and Audiobooks through the library.

The Handley Regional Library System has a large collection of downloadable audiobooks and eBooks available through the Blue Ridge Download Consortium. Browse thousands of titles from anywhere. Take advantage of curated lists or search for your favorite author. Then check it out just like you would at the library

The Adult Services staff offers two ways to help you get started!

Workshops- As part of our Summer Reading Program we are offering a series of "Getting Started with eBooks" workshops to make it even easier for patrons to their summer reads. These workshops will d...

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Shenandoah Science Cafe: Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Be part of the next science cafe conversation at Brewbaker's Restaurant 

A Science Café is a lively, informal public event in a casual setting that focuses on a topic of wide interest. We’ll begin with an illustrated talk, followed by Q&A, door prizes, and more! Participants are free to purchase food and drink and to engage with the presenter and other participants.

Date / Time:

Wednesday, May 29th | 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Add the event to your calendar here.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Havens is Director of the Coastal Watersheds Program ...

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New Website Announced

New Website Makes it Easier for Library Patrons to Access Books, Materials, Digital Media, and Programs

We are excited about our new website! The website was intentionally designed to enhance the patron experience – making it easier than ever to access information about upcoming programs, search the library catalog for materials, discover community resources, explore the 24/7 digital library, and more.  Now optimized for mobile users, the site also continues the library system’s rebranding – including the recently released new logo - which focuses on the future of how they serve the...

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FRIENDS OF HANDLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY ANNOUNCE ANNUAL MEETING WITH CHRISTINE A. PATRICK

Handley Regional Library System and the Friends of the Handley Regional Library announce their annual meeting with special speaker Christine A. Patrick, owner of independent book store, Winchester Book Gallery.  Members of the Friends and the general public may attend the meeting on May 15th at 7PM at Handley Library in Winchester for free.  Christine will share her thoughts on community support that libraries and booksellers offer while meeting the primary goal of literacy.  The meeting is also designed to celebrate the successful year of used book sales and other initiative...

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5 Ways the Library Can Help You Learn a Language

Learning a language can open all kinds of doors, from new friendships to new careers. If you’re looking to learn a new language or practice language skills, the library has your back. From physical materials for check out to online databases and learning apps, we have a wide selection to meet your individual goals and preferences. Language learning books and software can be expensive but we here at the library don’t think that money should stand in your way. We’ve got plenty of free ways for you to kick off a bilingual tomorrow.

1. Books

Books are a great place to star...

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Book Drop-Off Announced at Bowman Library

Get ready for spring cleaning!

Book drop-off dates for donations of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, video games, and sheet music as  Saturday, May 18th  from 9AM-12PM at Bowman Library in Stephens City.   Volunteers and staff will be onsite to accept donations from the community during this time.  The book drop-off will benefit the Summer Used Book Sale.  The book sale is sponsored by Friends of Handley Regional Library. 

Read more about book donations here.

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Launchpads Tablets Available for Checkout

Playaway Launchpads have launched at Handley Regional Library System!

Launchpad tablets are now available for checkout at all 3 library locations.   Designed for kids of all ages, the tablets are pre-loaded with high-quality, ad-free apps that are both fun and educational, promoting literacy through digital content.  The devices are powered by an Android operating system and feature a 7” high-definition touch screen,  universal audio jack, and a durable, protective bumper.  The content collection spans subject areas from math and science to critical thinkin...

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Finding your next great read

Are you looking for your next great read? Visit our Information Desks to ask for one of our free Recommended Reading Guides and get staff tips and tricks on making the most of a catalog search. Plus, here are four great tools to help you find just the right title.

NoveList: Novelist helps you determine what you like and then makes recommendations. NoveList uses a combination of tools, which include providing curated lists grouped by theme and subgenre (such as romance/regency rogues), identifying appeal factors (such as haunting/lyrical/secrets), and...

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Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices Available for Checkout at Bowman Library

Stream movies, music, and browse the internet from any mobile device 24/7! 

The devices allow free internet connection on the go and anywhere Verizon service is available.  You can check these out at the circulation desk at Bowman Library (and Clarke County Library, where the program originally started).  Patrons must be over 17 years of age to check them out and are available to checkout one week at a time.  Additional borrowing guidelines are available at the Bowman Library. 

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of this program so far,...

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Little Noon Music Expands to Bowman Library

That’s right – our popular music series, Little Noon Music, has expanded to Bowman Library in Stephens City. Performances are free and open to the public, and happen at noon on the 2nd Friday of the month from March to May. Audience members will get the opportunity for an intimate live performance featuring rock, jazz, and blue grass music, plus the opportunity to meet the artists and hear the stories that inspired the songs.

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Upcoming Performances at Bowman Library

SV Jazz

April 12, 2019

SV JAZZ is a group of jazz musicians based out of Winchester, VA who provide live music in groups ranging in size from a jazz trio to a Little Big Band.

Davis Bradley Duo

May 10, 2019

The Davis Bradley Duo presents a one of a kind musical experience which is exciting, entertaining, and offers something for everyone! The group has drawn from their individual bluegrass, old time and swing influences to create something magical. Fans can expect to hear fresh renditions of the classics as well as several original compositions....

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It’s Coming: The Spring Used Book Sale!

Shop books, DVDs, sheet music, video games, and other surprises!

The Spring Used Book Sale will run March 26-30 at Bowman Library during normal operating hours. A special preview night be will available for members of the Friends of the Handley Regional Library – but don’t worry, you can join at the door and get early access to shopping fun! There are some special priced items, but most prices are between $2.00 and 50 cents each. Donations can not be accepted during the sale. Payments can be made by cash, check or credit card.

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