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.
Resources For 0-5
Just for Kids
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
Day by Day VA
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.
Find It Virginia Kids
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.
Support Your Age 0-5 Reader
- Storytimes
- StoryWalk
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
- Reading Challenges
- Catalog to search for books
- Daycare Options
Upcoming Events For Children & Families
Lets Play!
Come and build as a family! Duplos, blocks, Keva planks, and more will be provided.
Disclaimer(s)
Library Consent Statement for Photography and Video
Programs, events, and daily happenings sponsored by Handley Regional Library System may be photographed or recorded. Attendance at any sponsored program, event or general library use constitutes the consent of all attendees and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, and other use of photography or videos at the sole direction of Handley Regional Library System.
Photography Notification
While we do allow professional photography inside the property of Handley Regional Library System, we do ask that we are notified ahead of time of photoshoots at 540.662.9041 x 25. Photography activities may be limited to specific areas due to reserved use and cannot impede any patron activity using the library.
Grow your reader at the library! Enjoy a pop-up style Playgroup that will feature educational components that developmentally support your reader through learning and play.
Lets Play!
Welcome to Play and Explore!
Disclaimer(s)
Library Consent Statement for Photography and Video
Programs, events, and daily happenings sponsored by Handley Regional Library System may be photographed or recorded. Attendance at any sponsored program, event or general library use constitutes the consent of all attendees and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, and other use of photography or videos at the sole direction of Handley Regional Library System.
Photography Notification
While we do allow professional photography inside the property of Handley Regional Library System, we do ask that we are notified ahead of time of photoshoots at 540.662.9041 x 25. Photography activities may be limited to specific areas due to reserved use and cannot impede any patron activity using the library.
Come to the Clarke County Library Children's Room for stories and fun! Miss Bonnie will share a new adventure with early readers and their families each week. All are welcome!
Storytime at the Airport-Rescheduled
Join Mrs. Donna at the Winchester Regional Airport terminal! This month on the third Friday, December 19 at 11:00 am.
Hear a story, dance with friends, and then go outside to see the PLANES!
Disclaimer(s)
Library Consent Statement for Photography and Video
Programs, events, and daily happenings sponsored by Handley Regional Library System may be photographed or recorded. Attendance at any sponsored program, event or general library use constitutes the consent of all attendees and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, and other use of photography or videos at the sole direction of Handley Regional Library System.
Enjoy unstructured playtime with your baby as we bring out soft blocks, colorful balls and offer a sensory craft activity.
Come and build as a family! Duplos, blocks, Keva planks, and more will be provided.
Disclaimer(s)
Library Consent Statement for Photography and Video
Programs, events, and daily happenings sponsored by Handley Regional Library System may be photographed or recorded. Attendance at any sponsored program, event or general library use constitutes the consent of all attendees and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, and other use of photography or videos at the sole direction of Handley Regional Library System.
Photography Notification
While we do allow professional photography inside the property of Handley Regional Library System, we do ask that we are notified ahead of time of photoshoots at 540.662.9041 x 25. Photography activities may be limited to specific areas due to reserved use and cannot impede any patron activity using the library.
Kid's Blog
Storytime Break at the Handley Branch
A few times a year the children’s department goes on a storytime break. But what does that mean for you? It means every April, August, and December we pause our daily storytimes to prepare for the upcoming season. Fear not, there are still plenty of things to do at the library during a storytime break!
Each week, we will have a different themed playtime experience set up for you and your littles to explore during the usual storytime timeframe! Everything from gross motor play to music and art exploration. See the list of themes by week below: