The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives is joining in on the summer reading fun this year! We will have activities available at the Handley Rally for Reading on May 30th, 2026, as well as a summer long community journal. We'll be set up in the West Reading Room, also known as the Teen Room, during the event. Join us to view microfilm, write a letter, write with a quill pen, and add to our community journal!
Click here for more information about the Handley Rally for Reading
Microfilm Reader
One of the Stewart Bell Jr.'s microfilm readers will be available for patrons to view reels in our collection during the Rally for Reading. No experience is required. We welcome newbies, experienced researchers, and everyone in between!
Microfilm consists of microphotographs on a reel of film that can be viewed with light and magnification. It's a way of preserving information, it's long lasting when stored in the proper conditions, and it's a physical backup when digital content is unavailable. Prior to searchable databases of digitized materials, microfilm was a way for researchers to view newspapers, court records, etc. without having to track down the original. While it's gotten less use with the emergence of databases, microfilm is an invaluable resource when things go wrong. For example, NewspaperArchive, the database that houses The Winchester Star, recently experienced unauthorized third-party access, which has resulted in the database being unavailable until the issue is resolved. Since the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives collects microfilm of The Winchester Star, the newspaper is still accessible through microfilm when digital issues arise.
Letter Writing
When's the last time you wrote a letter? Join us during the Rally for Reading to write and decorate a letter that you'll seal with wax. Whether you write a letter to your future self or a loved one, we hope you'll join us!
Letters are a valuable research tool; they contain all sorts of information, such as thoughts and feelings, experiences of events, people and places, gossip, and so much more. They are also priceless mementos of loved ones. With the rising popularity of digital connection through phone calls, texts, emails, and social media, writing and sending letters has become less common. Many don't know the joy of writing a letter and the anticipation of receiving one. This station supports the tradition of letter writing and encourages all to experience the joy of it!
Write with a Quill Pen
Are you a Bridgerton fan? Live out your Lady Whsitledown fantasies by writing with a quill pen at the Rally for Reading!
Quill pens were the primary writing tool prior to the introduction of mass-produced metal dip pens in the 19th century, so many historical documents were written with quill pens. Join us to explore some quill pen history and channel your inner Lady Whistledown!
Journaling Our Community History
How will you be remembered? We invite you to share your story through prompts in our community journals! This project will kickoff at the Rally for Reading. After that, the journals will be available for the entire summer to add to on the lower level in front of the Archives. At the end of the summer, the completed journals will be bound, added to the Handley Library Collection in the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, and available for researchers to view.
History is a product of what's left behind and considered important. The lives and stories of everyday people can fade into obscurity when they aren't prioritized in history. Our community journal aims to fill that gap in the historical narrative by engaging directly with our community. These journals are a space for you to share memories, stories, drawings, etc. that will enrich the understanding of our community and local history. They are also an opportunity to engage with the stories and perspectives of other community members.
We can't wait to see you at the Rally for Reading!