Handley Regional Library System
Fall 2026 Programming & Resource Guide
Serving Clarke County, Frederick County, and Winchester
Connect. Entertain. Inform. www.handleyregional.org
Connect. Entertain. Inform.
Handley Regional Library System
Special Programs for Families Kid’s Kitchen: Colonial Edition Saturday, September 5, 3:00 PM, Handley Library Learn about food safety, preparation, and how to use a recipe as you gain confidence in the kitchen. In partnership with Hungry for History and Stewart Bell Jr. Archives. Registration is required. Ages: 6-11. Pirate Palooza Saturday, Sept 19, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Avast ye scurvy dogs! Make haste to Bowman Library for a jam-packed pirate program with storytime, puppets, crafts, and games. All ages. Autumn Apple Bash Wednesday, Sept 30, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Celebrate fall with apple-themed crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities. All ages.
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Boo Bash Bonanza Saturday, Oct 24, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Get in the spooky spirit with crafts, games, activities, scavenger hunts, and more. Come in your Halloween finest! All ages. Teal Pumpkin Day Saturday, October 31, all day All branches Trick-or-treat at the library! Select a non-food treat and take a Halloweenthemed craft home. All ages. Dinosaur Day Saturday, November 14, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Celebrate Dinovember 2026 with dinosaur crafts, games, activities, stories, and snacks. All ages.
ABC Saturday Saturday, November 14, 11:00 AM Handley Library Learn, play, and grow with your library! Celebrate the Winchester ABCs with hands-on activities and alphabet fun, because at the library, learning sprouts here. All ages. Gingerbread Jamboree Saturday, December 12, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Get into the holiday spirit with gingerbread crafts, games, activities, stories, and snacks. All ages. Family Glow & Countdown Wednesday, December 30, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Ring in the new year early with luminous games, party crafts, reflection activities, and collaborative fun. All ages.
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Connect. Entertain. Inform.
Youth Programs
Early Learning, Storytime, & Play Trit Trot (Baby Storytime) Tuesdays, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Bounce, clap, and tap rhymes, and enjoy stories and songs as we explore the first steps of language development and physical growth. Ages: 0-18 months. Storytime Tuesdays, 11:00 AM Clarke County Library Storytime fun for everyone! Our stories are geared toward pre-K children, but all are welcome. Ages: 0-5. Baby Time Tuesdays, 10:30 AM Handley Library An early literacy program for infants focused on developmental skills through stories, rhymes, bounces, and more. Then stay and play while meeting new community members. Ages: 0-16 months. Play and Explore (Toddler Storytime) Thursdays, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Enjoy a morning of stories, play, curiosity, and creativity designed for children who like to move. Ages: 18 months-3 years.
STORYTIME
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Toddler Time Thursdays, 10:30 AM Handley Library Enjoy an early literacy program for active toddlers focused on developmental skills through stories, rhymes, fingerplays, and more. Then stay and play while meeting new community members. Ages: 16 months-3 years. Baby Playtime Fridays, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Unstructured playtime with your baby as we bring out soft blocks, colorful balls, and manipulatives. Ages: 0-18 months.
Storytime is BACK and ready for takeoff at the NEW terminal!
Second Fridays of the Month at 11:00 AM Winchester Regional Airport 491 Airport Road Winchester, VA 22602
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Hear a story, dance with friends, and then go outside to see the planes! Watch them take off and land and even see the planes up close.
Baby Blocks: Toddler Play Time Fridays, 11:00 AM Clarke County Library Playtime for toddlers with wooden blocks for small hands! Ages: 0-5. Dance Party Fridays, 10:30 AM Handley Library Join us for an interactive dance and sing-along program. Meet the puppets afterward! All ages. Preschool Time Mondays, 10:30 AM Handley Library An early literacy program focused on school-readiness skills. Preschoolers will learn through stories, rhymes, songs, and more, then stay for an interactive craft. Ages: 3-6. Storytime & Puppets Wednesdays and Saturdays, September 9-December 5, 11:00 AM Bowman Library A program perfect for preschoolers to learn through singing, playing, reading, writing, and sharing. Books are shared, and the puppets perform fun songs. Ages: 3+.
Youth Programs 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation Saturday, September 12, 11:00 AM Handley Library Graduates of the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Program are invited to celebrate their reading journeys together. Registration is required. Ages: 0-6. Family Time Third and fourth Saturdays,, 10:30 AM Handley Library Enjoy an early literacy program for the entire family through stories, rhymes, songs, and more. Ages: 0-6.
www.handleyregional.org Pop-Up Grow a Reader Playgroup Friday, October 23, 11:00 AM Handley Library Grow your reader at the library! Enjoy a drop-in, interactive playgroup with educational components that support learning and development through play. Supported by Family Place Libraries. Registration is required. Ages: 1-3.
Nature & Outdoors Nature Surprises 2nd Thursdays, 5 PM • Bowman 3rd Thursdays, 5 PM • Clarke County Nature-themed crafts and learning. Ages 6–11. Registration required.
STEAM & Building Family STEAM Lab Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11:00 AM Handley Library Let your little ones tinker and problem-solve in this multisensory program based on a theme. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy! Ages: 0-5. Family Build Time Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Come and build as a family! Duplos, blocks, KEVA planks, and more will be provided. All ages. Story Builders Third Saturdays, 3:00 PM Handley Library Listen to a story and complete a STEAM challenge inspired by the book. Then grab a Take-and-Make Kit with supplies and extension activities to do later. Ages: 6-11. LEGO Building Competition Saturday, December 19, 10:00 AM Bowman Library How quickly can you complete a LEGO kit? Test your ability against other builders. Teams of two will be randomly formed, so all participants must arrive on time. Registration is required. Ages: 6-11
Movies Movie Saturdays First, second, and fourth Saturdays, 1:00 PM Bowman Library Join us for a family movie event complete with snacks and drinks to enjoy together. All ages. Family Film Second Saturdays, 2:00 PM Handley Library Join us for a family picnic and movie event where popcorn and snacks are provided! All ages.
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Connect. Entertain. Inform.
Youth Programs
Parent & Caregiver Support
Arts, Crafts & Creativity
La Leche League at Bowman Library 1st Fridays, 1:00 PM, and 3rd Wednesdays, 11:30 AM Bowman Library
Creative Station First Wednesdays, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Make something awesome! Each month features a fun, hands-on craft activity that whole families can enjoy together. Drop in, learn a new skill or craft, and take your creation home. All ages.
Ink & Imagination Fourth Wednesdays, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Calling all doodlers, artists, and comic fans! Explore illustration and graphic novels through coloring pages, mini-comic creation, drawing prompts, and more. All ages.
Kid Crafternoons First Saturdays, 3:00 PM Handley Library Get your creativity flowing as we make a new craft inspired by a famous artist. Then grab a Take-and-Make Kit that includes supplies and extension activities to do later. Ages: 6-11.
Cocoa & Crafts Wednesday, December 9, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Make something joyous and fun while hanging out with friends and sipping cocoa. All ages.
2nd Tuesdays, 11:00 AM Handley Library Connect with La Leche League NSV leaders for free, inclusive, evidencebased community lactation and parenting support. Parents and children. Parent Literacy Workshop Saturdays: Oct 24 & Dec 5, 11:00 AM Handley Library Use everyday interactions with your children to support their reading and writing skills using simple activities and games while on the go. Registration is required. Parents and caregivers.
Games & Fun School’s Out! September 4; October 12 and 19; November 23-25; December 21-23 and 28-30, 12:00-4:00 PM Handley Library School is closed, but the library is open! Join us for passive games, crafts, and coding fun while meeting friends. Ages: 6-11. Chess at Bowman Library Saturdays, 10:00 AM Bowman Library Chess enthusiasts, come and play! Learn the game or strengthen your skills. Players of all strengths are welcome. Ages: 6-adult. Paws for Reading First Saturdays, 2:00 PM Handley Library Beginning readers can read a book to loving and patient therapy dogs or bunnies! All ages.
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Pokémon Trading Card Game Mondays, 5:00 PM Clarke County Library Come play Pokémon and make new friends! Bring your own cards or use some of ours. Ages: 6-12. Bookworms Assemble! Second Wednesdays, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Calling all story lovers! Enjoy reading time, book-themed activities, scavenger hunts, and creative literary challenges. Each month features a new theme, from graphic novels to mysteries. All ages.
Play & Puzzles Third Wednesdays, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Unplug and explore tabletop and card games, jigsaw puzzles, and word challenges. Each month brings a fresh rotation of low-stakes activities families can enjoy together. All ages. Paws for Reading Third Saturdays, 1:00 PM Bowman Library Read a favorite book to a four-legged reading tutor. These certified therapy dogs are patient, loving listeners. All ages. Games Galore Fourth Saturdays, 3:00 PM Handley Library Explore new games based on a monthly theme and hone your library skills. Then grab a Take-and-Make Kit with supplies and extension activities to do later. Ages: 6-11.
Tween and Teen Programs
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Games, Gaming & Social Teen Tabletop Gaming Guild 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Enjoy board and card games, including Apples to Apples, Pictionary, Exploding Kittens, Six Second Scribbles, and Hues & Cues. Bring your own games or use the library’s. Ages: 12-18.
Teen Game Night Third Fridays, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Join us after hours for video games, board games, crafts, activities, light snacks, and time with friends. Registration is required. Ages: 12-18.
Tween Bingo Bonanza Thursday, October 15, 5:00 PM Bowman Library Play different types of bingo, from traditional bingo to Singo, with other surprises mixed in. Registration is required. Ages: 8-12.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Wednesdays, 5:00 PM Clarke County Library Space is limited to 10 players, so online registration is required. Ages: 12-18.
Teen Fandom Third Mondays, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Celebrate favorite fandoms such as Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, anime, video games, and more through a variety of activities. Registration is required. Ages: 12-18.
Tween Minute to Win It Thursday, December 17, 5:00 PM Bowman Library Test your problem-solving skills through wild Minute to Win It challenges and earn bragging rights. Registration is required. Ages: 8-12.
Ooops, All Dungeons & Dragons! 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 11:00 AM Bowman Library Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons through a one-shot game featuring a different character class each session. Pre-generated characters and fifth edition 2014 rules will be used. Registration is required; maximum eight participants. Ages: 12-18.
Dungeons & Dragons 101 Fourth Mondays, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Learn the ins and outs of Dungeons & Dragons. Each session covers a different topic, such as character creation or game mechanics, to help participants move closer to running games with family and friends. Registration is required. Ages: 12+.
Arts, Crafts & Creativity Teen Watercolor Workshop 2nd Thursdays, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Join artist Lynn Wilson to learn watercolor painting. Each session begins with a 15- to 30-minute lesson and practice, followed by free time to paint. Registration is required. Ages: 12-18. Tween Squirt Gun Painting Thursday, September 17, 5:00 PM Bowman Library Design your own masterpiece using squirt guns instead of brushes. Wear clothes that can get paint on them. Registration is required. Ages: 8-12.
Teen Arts and Crafts Corner 4th Thursdays, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Gather with fellow arts and crafts lovers while casually exploring your creative mind and spirit. No artistic experience is required. Registration is required. Ages: 12-18.
STEAM & Building Teen LEGO 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 5:30 PM Bowman Library Relive the fun of building your own police station, farm, or anything else you can imagine. LEGOs aren’t just for little kids! Ages: 12-18. Robotics Club Technology 3rd Saturdays, 1:00 PM Bowman Library Rotate among stations that provide opportunities to program and code, work with an online robot, or complete a series of challenges. Registration is required. Ages: 10-17.
Tween DIY Magnet Painting Thursday, November 19, 5:00 PM Bowman Library Create your own magnet masterpiece using magnetic canvas and paints. Registration is required. Ages: 8-12.
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Connect. Entertain. Inform.
Adult Programs
Looking for Job Help? Virginia Works Job Fair Wednesday, September 23, & Thursday, November 19, 1:00-3:00 PM Bowman Library Meeting Room Thursday, October 15, 1:00-4:00 PM Lower Level, Handley Library Meet and connect directly with local and regional employers who are actively hiring. Submit resumes, interview on-site, and learn about opportunities in healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and other fields. Ages: 18+.
Virginia Works Resume Workshop Thursday, October 15, 1:00 PM Robinson Auditorium, Handley Library Create or refine your resume to support your job search in this workshop presented by Virginia Works. Ages: 18+.
Social, Games, Crafts & Community Classic Game Night Wednesdays, 5:00 PM Bowman Library Enjoy games for everyone. All ages. Adult Dungeons & Dragons Game Night Second Thursdays, 6:00 PM Handley Library, Benham Gallery Leap into an unknown world led by Dungeon Master Robert. Each game can accommodate eight players, so registration is required. Ages: 18+. Adult Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Clarke County Library Space is limited to 10 players, so online registration is required. Ages: 18+. After-Hours Adult Dungeons & Dragons Second Fridays, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Lobby Hang out and play Dungeons & Dragons. Registration is required. Ages: 18+. After-Hours Adult Game Night Second Fridays, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Reading Porch Hang out with board games and cards. All ages.
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After-Hours Adult Trivia Fridays, September 25 and November 6, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Meeting Room Compete in an evening of trivia. Registration is required. Ages: 18+. Adult Craft Creations Third Tuesdays, 6:00 PM Bowman Library Meeting Room Create and socialize with other crafters. Registration is required. Ages: 18+.
Adult Programs
www.handleyregional.org
Learning, History, & Workshops
DAR Application Assistance Thursdays, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10, 12:00 PM Benham Gallery, Handley Library Do you know or suspect you have a patriot ancestor? Get help with your application to the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ages: 18+. Family History Hunters: Family History Center Trip Thursday, September 10, 10:30 AM Family History Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Have you ever been to a Family History Center? Come see what it is all about and become familiar with using its free genealogy website. Registration is required. Ages: 18+. Open Enrollment Boot Camp Tuesday, September 15, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM Bowman Library, Meeting Room This educational session helps Medicare beneficiaries. Ages: 18+. Epidemics in Virginia History with Dr. Dianne Murphy Saturday, September 19, 2:00 PM Benham Gallery, Handley Library Dr. Murphy will guide us through infectious disease epidemics in Virginia from the 1600s to the present. Ages: 12+. Archives After Hours: Textiles Thursday, September 24, 5:30 PM Benham Gallery, Handley Library Explore needlework made in and around Winchester and Frederick County. Registration is required. Ages: 12+.
Family History Hunters: Simple Sourcing for Genealogy Thursday, October 8, 10:30 AM Bowman Library, Meeting Room Have you ever tried to relocate something you previously found but can no longer find? Sourcing is essential for family historians, but it can sometimes be complicated. Anne Bacon will discuss an easy method you can use. Ages: 18+. Prisoners of the Revolution: Hessians and Their Families Here in Frederick County Saturday, November 7, 2:00 PM Bowman Library Ross Schwalm, president of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association, Inc., will present a program about Hessian prisoners and their families in Frederick County. An accompanying display will be available at Bowman Library from mid-October through mid-December. Ages: 18+. Family History Hunters: Genealogical Rabbit Holes Thursday, November 12, 10:30 AM Bowman Library, Meeting Room Learn how to avoid going down research pathways that may not be beneficial and wasting valuable time. Ages: 18+. Archives After Hours: Artifacts Thursday, December 17, 5:30 PM Benham Gallery, Handley Library Explore objects in the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives and their stories. Registration is required. Ages: 12+.
Seed Saving Thursday, October 1, 6:30-7:30 PM Bowman Library, Meeting Room Learn how to save seeds in this educational workshop. Ages: 12+.
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Connect. Entertain. Inform. Books & Discussion
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Adult Programs
Adult Programs
www.handleyregional.org
Wellness & Life Tai Chi Workshop Saturdays, September 12, November 14, and December 12, 1:00-2:30 PM Bowman Library Meeting Room Explore heart and blood health on September 12, stress relief on November 14, and stretching and strengthening on December 12. Ages: 18+. Tai Chi Wisdom Circle Wednesday, September 23, 5:30-7:00 PM Bowman Library Meeting Room Join a Tai Chi Wisdom Circle. Ages: 18+.
Adventures Through Grief Wednesdays, September 23, October 28, and December 23, 5:30 PM Handley Library, Benham Gallery Tap into creativity, build interpersonal skills, and learn to train dragons through Blue Ridge Hospice’s tabletop roleplaying game-based program. Grief counselors and music therapists guide participants through navigating life after losing a loved one. No experience is needed. Registration is required. Ages: 18-26.
Death Café Thursdays, September 24 and October 22, 10:30 AM Bowman Library Meeting Room Talk about death while enjoying cake. Ages: 18+.
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Handley Regional Library System
Handley Regional Library System
www.handleyregional.org
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Connect. Entertain. Inform.
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Handley Regional Library System
Handley Regional Library System
www.handleyregional.org
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www.handleyregional.org Find us on:
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1 Library Card 3 Locations
CLARKE COUNTY Clarke County Library 101 Chalmers Ct, Suite C, Berryvillle, VA 22611 (540) 955-5144
FREDERICK COUNTY Bowman Library 871 Tasker Road, Stephens City, VA 22655 (540) 869-9000
WINCHESTER Handley Library 100 W. Piccadilly St., Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 662-9041
LIBRARY HOURS Monday to Thursday: 10:00AM to 8:00PM Friday and Saturday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM Sunday: Closed Stewart Bell Jr. Archives: (At Handley Library) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM Wednesday: 10:00AM to 8:00PM Closed daily for lunch: 12:30PM to 1:15PM