The Handley Library branch is very excited to introduce the next phase of our Grow a Reader brand to you all with a new annual special event called Read and Seed on Saturday, November 15th from 11am-1pm on the Youth Services floor at Handley Library! Consider this your official invitation to join us for a fun day of nature themed crafts, activities, and fun.
For those of you who like to know how it all fits together, we started our Grow a Reader Brand back in March, with the launch of our Grab and Grow kits- which you have hopefully been enjoying at home since then! In April, we launched the Grow a Reader Playgroup, which has run 3 times, and will happen in 2026 in February, April, August, and October. The third branch of this brand is the Read and Seed Activity Program, which will finally be available for patrons on November 15th, with the first 25 sign ups getting a special prize!
The Read and Seed Activity Program is a new paper-based library challenge for the Handley Library branch only. Each child who signs up will receive a “seed packet” to track their activity. There are 3 separate age groups: 0-2 “seeds”, 2-4 “sprouts”, and 4-6 “flowers”. Each age group will get a new seed packet to complete as they age up and grow in the library. The challenges range from getting a library card, to participating in summer reading and the Grow a Reader Playgroup, so they will take some time to complete. When you do complete an activity, you’ll come into the Handley Library branch to receive a sticker. At the end of your seed packet, both the caregiver and the child will receive prizes! These challenges are different from the reading challenges you have done before in Beanstack. They are more geared towards encouraging you to check out all the library has to offer to children and caregivers. We encourage you to ask lots of questions as we launch this exciting new activity program!
On November 15 at the Read and Seed event at Handley Library, we are excited to partner with some great local organizations to promote literacy and the outdoors! We will have face painting, tours of our latest StoryWalk in the Reading garden, nature based crafts, and activities with Sky Meadows State Park, Master Gardeners NSV, Outdoor Explorers, and Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society. You will be able to sign up for your first Read and Seed packet and ask all your questions about the program. So mark your calendars and invite your friends to come grow with us at the library at this special event launching the activity program!