Blog Entries

From time to time, the Handley Regional Library System creates special giving opportunities that allow our community to support the library in meaningful ways. These gifts help strengthen our services, collections, programs, and spaces—ensuring we continue to grow and serve everyone who walks through our doors.

Today, we are honored to introduce one of those opportunities:

The Donna Hughes Legacy Fund

After 36 extraordinary years of service, our beloved Youth Services Director, Donna Hughes, is retiring.

If you’ve ever watched your toddler stack blocks during storytime…
or seen your baby light up when they hear a new song…
or connected with another caregiver while your child plays nearby…

Then you already understand what this news is about.

The Handley Library branch in downtown Winchester has officially been named a Family Place Library™, becoming the first library in the Shenandoah Valley to receive this national accreditation.

While that title sounds formal, what it really means is simple:

February tends to focus on grand gestures. The library is more of a steady-support, always-there kind of love. And honestly? That’s the best kind.

In honor of Love Your Library Month, here are 10 reasons the library deserves a little appreciation.

1. We’re consistently here

Snow day, heat wave, or “I need to get out of the house” afternoon — the doors are open.

2. We don’t care what you read

Best-seller, romance, audiobooks, graphic novels — it all counts.

If your reading life has been feeling a little… lonely, we have good news. The library’s book club family has officially grown! What started as one monthly gathering has turned into three distinct book clubs, each with its own vibe, focus, and community.

Whether you love contemporary fiction, personal growth, or American history, there’s now a seat at the table for you.

A new year is the perfect time to try something new—and your library is ready to help you start strong. Our January–April 2026 Programming Brochure is filled with engaging programs for all ages, from storytimes and creative activities to technology help, book discussions, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or simply enjoy something fun close to home, something is waiting for you.

👉 Click the link to explore our January–April 2026 Programming Brochure and start your year off well at the library.

Welcome to the Handley Regional Library System, home to the magnificent 110-year-old Handley Library – a true architectural gem nestled in the heart of Winchester, Virginia. Join us on our next exclusive tour, taking place the 2nd Saturday of every month, as we unlock the secrets of this historic library, delving into its fascinating architecture and rich history.

Unveiling Hidden Treasures

We’re excited to share that Handley Library was recently featured in a segment on NBC4 Washington as part of a story about two remarkable teen authors, Emma and Juliana, and their new book Let’s Explore Winchester.

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service to the Handley Regional Library System, Joan Wood has officially retired from her role as Archives Assistant at the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives at Handley Library.

You’re an important part of our community! Join our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and help make a
difference at the Bowman Library. Advisory Board members play an important role in establishing new teen programs and
growing existing teen programs while earning volunteer hours.  

We are currently seeking nominations for open leadership positions for the coming school year. 

Summer at the Handley Regional Library System is bursting with color, creativity, and community—and it all starts with our brand-new 2025 Summer Programming & Resource Guide! 🎉

This season, we’re inviting everyone to Color Our World with an exciting lineup of programs, events, and reading challenges for all ages.

Stop paying for ebooks and audiobooks—Libby gives them to you FREE with your library card!

Say hello to Libby, the app that brings the Handley Regional Library System to your phone or tablet. Whether you're relaxing at home, commuting, or heading out on vacation, Libby lets you borrow books anytime, anywhere—with zero late fees and zero cost.

Why Libby is your new go-to:

Are you curious about your family's past? Whether you're just starting your genealogy journey or you're a seasoned researcher, the Handley Regional Library System offers a treasure trove of free genealogy and local history resources to help you dig deep into your roots.

Here’s a look at the powerful tools available through our library system—some of which you can access from home, and others you’ll want to explore during a visit to one of our branches.

Great news! We are excited to announce that patrons now have access to all hoopla BingePasses! If you love digital entertainment, learning, and exploring new topics, this is your golden ticket to unlimited access—completely free with your library card.

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when traveling to a new country. Luckily, AtoZ World Travel, available in our eLibrary, makes it easier than ever to prepare for your journey! This incredible database offers comprehensive travel guides for 202 cities worldwide, covering everything from cultural etiquette to must-see attractions.

Here are five reasons why AtoZ World Travel should be your go-to travel resource:

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:

NOTE: Registration begins on December 28!

Winter is the perfect season to cozy up with a good book, and the Handley Regional Library System is excited to announce our 2025 Winter Reading Program: Be a Reading Machine! This engaging program runs from January 2 through January 31 and is open to readers of all ages.

At Handley Regional Library System, we proudly serve as a cornerstone of knowledge, community, and innovation. Our mission is to empower individuals and enrich our region through access to resources, programs, and opportunities for all. But to continue this mission, we rely on the generous support of people like you.

Here are six compelling reasons to consider financially supporting Handley Regional Library System today:

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.

Looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite magazines? With Magzter, you can access over 4,000 digital magazine titles for free through the Handley Regional Library System. Whether you're into lifestyle, tech, entertainment, or niche hobbies, there’s something for everyone—and in multiple languages!

Here are five reasons to start reading digital magazines today:

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:

Historical Fiction

Discover quick listen historical fiction favorites that explore the complexity of the human condition, like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, on @hoopladigital. https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/5558

Mystery

Check out @hoopladigital's quick-listen mystery, suspense, and thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/5552

The Book Club is BACK!

After a long hiatus, we are ready to bring the book club back! The Book Club will be open to all adults (ages 18 and up) and will meet monthly to connect readers, discuss books, and introduce new authors and stories.

Bowman Library is your go-to destination for fun and engaging games that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you're a word wizard, a strategic mastermind, or just looking for a good time with friends, we've got something for everyone. Check out our exciting lineup of game-themed programs!

Scrabble Club

Wednesdays, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Are you a knitting enthusiast, a crochet aficionado, or perhaps someone who loves embroidery or latch hooking? Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, we have the perfect gathering for you! Join us for our Sit and Stitch program at Handley Regional Library System, where you can bring your work in progress, share tips and tricks, and enjoy the company of fellow crafters.

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!

Summer is the perfect time to dive into new books, and our Adult Summer Reading Program (ASRP) is here to make your reading even more rewarding! Here are five compelling reasons to join the fun this summer:

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.

The Handley Regional Library System is excited to announce the "Rally for Reading" kickoff event for the 2024 Summer Reading Program, with the theme "Adventure Begins at Your Library." There are adventures to be had and unique celebrations at all three branches!

Handley Library will kick off the season with its event on Saturday, May 25, from 11 AM to 1 PM, with fun activities in the Reading Garden - Kona ice, a Drew Blue Shoes magic show, and a food drive for Bright Futures.