Important Announcement: Bowman Library Renovations

Bowman Library will be installing new carpeting from January 12–23. During this time, some services will be limited:

  • Printing will be limited
  • Only laptop computers will be available
  • Study rooms will be unavailable
  • Access to many adult materials will be limited
  • Faxing and scanning will be unavailable

These services will still be available at both Handley Library and Clarke County branches.
Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to your library.

All branches will be closed January 19th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Click here to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with insightful audiobooks, impactful comics, educational civil rights movies, and inspiring music that celebrate his life and the fight for equality on Hoopla.

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Learning Sprouts Here!

Free Programs, collections, and services

The Grow a Reader Initiative at the Handley Library branch provides space to all families so that they can play, connect, and thrive as lifelong learners. 

 

Explore this collection of free resources, events, and book recommendations!

Being ready for school begins at birth with parents as a child's first teacher. Your library is here to support your child's early learning and development. With free programs, services, and collections to utilize, your library has everything you need to prepare your child for the start of school.

In Virginia, school readiness is defined as "the capabilities of children, families, schools, and communities that work together to promote student success in kindergarten and beyond." Learn more about early learning state standards before entering Kindergarten here.

Ask a staff member about our read and seed program and Grow A Reader Activity Cards

Join Our Grow a Reader Playgroup

Raising a kid can be hard work. Join this 6-week interactive playgroup for caregivers with kids ages 1-3. 

Group of four diverse babies about one year old interacting at playgroup with blocks and each other
Grow A Reader Playgroup

It's Never Too Early For A Library Card

Your library doesn't just have books. You and your little can check out toys, games, National Park passes, and digital resources!

Little girl smiling with larger than life library card titled 'my first Library Card"
Get A Library Card

We'll Be A Family Place Library

Family Place Libraries support parents and caregivers to help build a foundation for learning during the first years of life.

What is A Family Place Library? Showing Family Place Library Logo of a tree with embracing parent and child
Family Place Library

Check Out A Grab & Grow Kit Today

Each kit includes several books and a toy, game, or puzzle, as well as an activity sheet on how to play with your child- all based on a theme!

Young boy facing away from the viewer with an almost larger than him clear backpack filled with books and toys and a tag that says "Grab and Grow"
Grab & Grow Kits

Resources For 0-5

Just for Kids

Just for Kids logo

Just for Kids by Infobase is a fun and educational video streaming service that kids of all ages can enjoy! It’s packed with engaging content that’s both entertaining and suitable for young viewers.

If you're asked for a username and password, use:

  • Username: handleyPL
  • Password: digital
View Resource

Day by Day VA

Day by Day

Continue your at-home early literacy learning through this  family activity calendar with new suggestions every day for stories, songs, activities, and games! Esto también está disponible en Español.

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Find It Virginia Kids

Find It Virginia K-5 Logo

Find It Virginia Kids provides a carefully selected collection of trusted databases, engaging online learning tools, and digital reading materials—including e-books and audiobooks—specially designed for Virginia's youngest readers. Discover resources like MasterFile and Read It! for fun and educational content.

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Recommended Reads For 0-5

Support Your Age 0-5 Reader

Upcoming Events For Children & Families

Winter Reading Challenge 2026

All Day
Children, Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11, Teens (12+), Families
Virtual Events
Virtual Event

Toddler Time

10:30am–11:00am
Children, Ages 0-5
Handley Library

Winter Reading Challenge 2026

All Day
Children, Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11, Teens (12+), Families
Virtual Events
Virtual Event

Dance Party

10:30am–11:00am
Children, Ages 0-5, Families
Handley Library

Storytime at the Airport-Stories and Planes!

11:00am–11:30am
Children, Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Off Site
Offsite Event

Winter Reading Challenge 2026

All Day
Children, Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11, Teens (12+), Families
Virtual Events
Virtual Event

Frog Hoppers Party

10:30am–11:00am
Children, Ages 0-5, Families
Handley Library
Registration Required

Family Build Time

11:00am–11:30am
Children, Ages 0-5, Families
Bowman Library

Lego Club

11:00am–12:00pm
Children, Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Handley Library

Kid's Blog

January 2026 Brochure

Start the Year off Well at the Library

Posted on:
Cheryl Nakagawa

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.

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