The library system's buildings are open with adjusted public hours following safety guidelines from the CDC, local health officials, and directives from Governor Ralph Northam. 

Adjusted Public Access Hours for Library Buildings

Due to the increased time needed for specialized, one-on-one patron service and the additional cleaning and sanitizing of all public and staff space and equipment, all library building hours will be adjusted as follows to meet this need:

• Monday – Thursday 10AM-6PM
• Friday 10AM-5PM
• Saturday 10AM-2PM

The following library services will be accessible to the public at all three library locations:

• Self-Checkout and Returns of Physical Materials
• Self-Service Holds/Material Pick-up Inside the Buildings
• Print / Copy / Scan / Fax Services
• Public Wi-Fi Access
• Study Rooms (As Available)
• Public Computers: 2 hour sessions
• Public Notary

The following library services will be available in a limited service capacity to the public at all three library locations:

• While most programs are being enjoyed virtually on Zoom or our social media (@handleyregional), some programs are happening outside with social distancing and with smaller crowds with registration required.  Search here for current events.

The following library services will not be available at all three library locations to reduce the spread of COVID-19: 

• Meeting Rooms (These will be available soon)
• Various common gathering areas and some furniture
• Children’s educational computers, toys, puzzles, and interactives
• Donations of books and media materials
• Library shop / Second Glance Books
• Volunteer hours

Adjusted Operating Hours and Services for The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives

• Research hours are adjusted to the same as the library buildings:  Monday – Thursday 10AM-6PM, Friday 10AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-2PM
• Appointments no longer required, however they are closed Monday through Friday for lunch from 12 to 1pm

Statement on Clean Air Technology and Purification Available at Bowman Library, Clarke County Library, and Handley Library

Bowman Library, Clarke County Library, and Handley Library – in coordination with the efforts from their localities – have installed clean air technology to help neutralize and purify air inside the buildings, reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other harmful viruses. 

Specifically, Handley Library and Bowman Library have new air systems from Atmos Air Solutions using Bi-Polar Ionization air cleaning proven to neutralize Coronavirus by 99.92%, both cleaning and decontaminating indoor air and surfaces.  Atmos Air’s website reports on the effectiveness of the air system in a laboratory report by Microchem Laboratory on their website at www.atmosair.com/coronavirus. 

Clarke County Library has four Alen BreatheSmart HEPA Air Purifiers that trap viruses and purify the air.  Research on Alen’s website explains how COVID-19 and other harmful particles are trapped, often removing over 99% of particles. 

Read the full statement here.

The library system reports that safety, cleaning processes, and facility adjustments have been made based on recommendations from the Lord Fairfax Health District, Valley Health, the CDC, the Virginia Governor’s Office, and recommended best practices of other libraries and the American Library Association.