Connect. Entertain. Inform.
Youth Programs
Storytimes & Kids Programs
Preschool Time
Mondays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Program focused on schoolreadiness skills for preschoolers. Learn through stories, songs, crafts, and more. Ages 3–6.
Toddler Time
Thursdays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Program for active toddlers focused on building developmental skills through stories, rhymes, and more. Ages 16 months–3 years.
Trit Trot (Baby Storytime)
Tuesdays, 11 AM
Bowman Library
Program for infants focused on building developmental skills through stories, rhymes, and more. Ages 0-18 months.
Storytime at Clarke
Tuesdays, 11:00 AM
Clarke County Library
Stories, fun, and new adventures for early readers and families. Ages 0-5.
LEGO Club
Mondays, September
2-October 28, 5:00 PM
Bowman Library
Ages 6+
Wednesdays, 4:00 PM
Clarke County Library
All Ages.
Saturdays, 11:00 AM
Handley Library
All Ages.
Get your brick on in this weekly building challenge!
Dance Party
Fridays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Baby Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Program for infants focused on building developmental skills through stories, rhymes, and more. Ages 0–16 months.
Family Time
1st and 4th Saturdays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Program for the entire family that will learn through stories, songs and more. Ages 0-6.
Storytime & Puppets
Wednesdays and Saturdays, September 11-October 30, 11:00 AM
Bowman Library Program for preschoolers to learn through singing, playing, reading, writing and sharing. Ages 3+.
Tiny Tales
2nd Wednesdays, 10:30 & 11:00 AM Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Early literacy storytime at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley's Garden House. Ages 0-6.
Interactive dance and sing-along program with puppets. All Ages.
Sounds and Stories
Storytime
1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Music and movement program for active toddlers. Ages 16 months–3 years.
Spanish Storytime
3rd Saturdays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Storytime program for the entire family presented primarily in Spanish. Ages 0-6.
Play and Explore (Toddler Storytime)
Thursdays, 11 AM
Bowman Library
Play & Explore at Bowman is a morning of stories, play, curiosity and creativity. Ages 18 months–3 years.
Story Builders
2nd Saturdays, 3:00 PM
Handley Library
Listen to a story and complete a STEAM challenge inspired by the book. Ages 6-11.
1st Saturdays, 2:00 PM
Handley Library
KidSTEAM
4th Wednesdays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Explore a variety of thematic STEAM activities that encourage developmental play and creativity. Ages 3-6.
Paws for Reading
Third Saturdays, 1:00 PM
Bowman Library
Beginning readers can read a book to loving and patient therapy dogs or bunnies! All Ages.
Read a favorite book to a four-legged reading buddy. All Ages.
Youth Programs
More Youth Programs
Star Wars Reads Day
October 5, 11:00 AM
Bowman Library
Star Wars Reads Day brings the Force together. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character or represent the side you wish to join. All ages.
Mad Hatter Tea Party
October 26, 1:00 PM
Bowman Library
A tea party inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Come dressed in your tea party finery and enjoy food, crafts, and other activities. Ages 6-11.
*Registration required.
Dot Day
September 14, 11:00 AM
Bowman Library
Celebrate your creativity with us as we celebrate International Dot Day together with stories, puppets, and crafts. All ages.
Parents & Families
La Leche League
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 11:00 AM
Handley Library
Chat and playdate with La Leche League NSV to lend parenting and lactation support.
Family Film
Teen Hangout
Tween Haunted Food Houses
October 30, 5:00 PM
Bowman Library
Start getting into the Halloween spirit as we make our own spooky inspired haunted houses out of food building materials! Ages 8-12.
*Registration required.
September 23 & October 21, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Bowman Library
Teen Hangout in the Meeting Room with a movie, games, activities, snacks, and time with friends. Ages 12+.
3rd Saturdays, 1:00 PM
Handley Library
Family picnic and movie event. Lunch encouraged and popcorn provided! All Ages.
1000Books
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation
September 21, 11:00 AM
Handley Library
Graduates of the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program are invited to celebrate their reading journeys together. Ages 0-6.
Frog Hoppers Party
October 5, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Calling all frog hoppers that are participating in the library's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program! Join us for a celebration with a storytime and prizes.
*Registration encouraged.
CostumeFun
Teal Pumpkin Day
October 31, All Day
Handley Library/Bowman Library
Happy Halloween! Collect items and treats that are fun and safe for all trick-or-treaters, while making a Halloween-themed craft. Don’t forget your costume! All Ages.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons Game Night
2nd Wednesdays, 5:00 PM
Clarke County Library
A fun adventure with friends! Space is limited so register online. Ages 12-18. *Registration required.
Parent Literacy Workshop
October 19, 11:00 AM
Handley Library
Learn how to use your home and everyday interactions with your children to support their reading and writing skills. *Registration required.
Board Gaming Guild
1st Mondays, 5:30 PM
Handley Library
Explore the themes and strategies that make up your favorite games and meet fellow gamers like you. Snacks and prizes provided. Ages 10+.
Chess at Bowman Saturdays, September 7-October 26, 10:00 AM
Bowman Library
Chess enthusiasts come and play! Play chess to learn or strengthen your skills of the game. Ages 6-Adult.
T(w)een Crafternoon
3rd Wednesdays, 5:00 PM
Handley Library
Learn a new artistic hobby each month for tweens, teens, and everyone in between. Ages 10+.
Art in the Afternoons
4th Saturdays, 3:00 PM
Handley Library
An afternoon of art exploration using different mediums and techniques with Arte Libre VA. Ages 6+.
ChessKid Saturdays, September 14-November 16, 10:30 AM
Bowman Library
Platform for parents, coaches and kids to learn and play chess online. Ages 6+.
*Registration required.
Connect. Entertain. Inform. Adult Programs
Adult Programming
Job Seeker Help
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 11:00 AM
Handley Library
Get one-on-one job seeker help from NW Works at Handley Library! Meet with a representative from NW Works for help searching for a job, and other job search related tasks.
Federal Resources and Updates for Small Business
September 19, 1:00 PM
Handley Library
Join your local EEOC Business Liaison and WHD representative for a presentation.
Adventures Through Grief
September 26 & October 24, 5:30 PM
Handley Library
EEOC and WHD Information Table
September 19, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Get to know the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Wage and Hour Division (WHD)!
EEOC and WHD Information Table
September 19, 3:00-5:00 PM
Clarke County Library
Get to know the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Wage and Hour Division (WHD)!
Play Blue Ridge Hospice's new tabletop roleplaying game-based program intended to guide you on the task of navigating life after losing a loved one. Registration required. Ages 18-26.
After-hours Adult Game Night
2nd Fridays, 6:00 PM
Bowman Library
CareerHelp
Virginia Works Job Fair
September 19, 1:00 PM
Handley Library
Join us for a Virginia Works Job Fair in the West Reading Room.
Virginia Works Job Fair
October 15 & 17, 1:00 PM
Bowman Library
Join us for a Virginia Works Job Fair in the Bowman Meeting Room.
Behind the Scenes Tour at Handley Library
September 14 & October 12, 11:00 AM
Handley Library
Come learn about the architecture and history of Handley Library through a guided tour. For everyone!
How-To Fest
September 28, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Handley Library
Join us for a day of learning "how-to" do something! From arts and crafts to geocaching, we'll have a variety of topics for all different ages. Check the calendar for more details.
Test your luck in a game with other adults. We have lots of basic and more complex board games, card games, and trivia games.
Tuesdays, 1:00 PM
Clarke County Library
Sit & Stitch
Trivia Night
October 22, 6:00 PM
Bowman Library
Trivia competition with teams of up to six people. Drinks, snacks, and prizes provided.
*Registration Required.
Tuesdays, 5:00 PM; Wednesdays, 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Fridays, 11:00 AM
Bowman Library
Hooks and needles and fiber, oh my! Bring your work in progress and enjoy the company of others.
Arts & Crafts Swap
September 21, 10:00 AM-4:30 PM
Bowman Library
Donate gently used arts and crafts materials 9/1-9/20, and return on 9/21 for the event.
AdultClubs
Scrabble Club
Wednesdays, 5:00 PM
Bowman Library
A fun night of a familliar favorite, Scrabble.
Book Club
3rd Thursdays, 11:00 AM
Clarke County Library
Meet every month at Clarke and discuss the book of that month. Information about the chosen book can be found on the calendar. Ages 18+.
Silent Reading Book Club
Thursdays, 6:00 PM
Bowman Library
Just getting together to silently read with silent snacks.
Friends of HRLS & Stewart Bell Jr. Archives
Friends of HRLS
Tai Chi for Limited Mobility
September 24, 10:30 AM
Bowman Library
This offering is for those wanting to explore tai chi in a chair, with support, or needing modifications made for their current mobility level. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water to drink. Adults.
A Little Noon Music: Cheryl Costello
September 13, 12 PM
Bowman Library
Immerse yourself in historical folk tunes from English, Celtic, and American traditions.
Fall Used Book Sale:
Member Night
October 4, 5 PM to 8 PM
Bowman Library
Members of Friends of HRLS can shop the Fall Used Book Sale before it opens to the public.
Fall Used Book Sale
Fall Used Book Sale
October 5, 10 AM to 5 PM
October 7-10, 10 AM to 8PM
October 11, 10 AM to 5 PM
Bowman Library
After member night, the book sale will be open to the public.
Prices will range from $1-$3, with some special items costing $5 or more. All proceeds benefit HRLS and staff.
A Little Noon Music: The Weather People
October 11, 12 PM
Handley Library
Enjoy an eclectic horn quartet that plays original compositions and arrangements by trombonist Cam Millar, inspired by all manner of musical genres.
Deadlier Than Bullets
September 14, 2 PM
Handley Library
Dr. Dianne Murphy will take us through the impact of infectious disease on the Civil War.
Stewart Bell Jr. Archives
Family History Hunters:
Beginning Irish Genealogy
September 12, 12:30 PM
Handley Library
Oh, those Irish Ancestors! Janet Daniels will help start you on the road to successful Irish research
Family History Hunters: Why research collateral lines?
October 10, 12:30 PM
Handley Library
What is a collateral line? What is the FAN method, and why should a researcher use either?
Rebecca and Thomas: A Civil War Spy Tale
September 19, 6:30 PM
Handley Library
A Reader’s Theatre presentation depicting the story of how Thomas Laws and Rebecca Wright helped defeat Confederate forces at the Third Battle of Winchester in 1864.
Prisoners of Congress:
Quakers in Exile, 1777-1778 Author Talk
October 26, 2:00 PM
Handley Library
Author Norman Donoghue will lead a talk concerning Philadelphia Quakers who were exiled to Winchester during the American Revolution. Ages: Adults, Teens (12+)
Organizing Digital Photos with Tina Claflin
October 19 10:30 AM
Handley Library
Tina Claflin will lead a presentation about how to organize and preserve your digital photographs.
Applying to Lineage
Societies: Get Help with your Application and Research
Archives After Hours
October 24, 2024, 5:30 PM
Handley Library
Focus: A few of my favorite things. *Registration Required.
LineageSocieties
September 28 & October 26,10:30 AM
Handley Library
Katherine Collins, MLISc, can help you with your questions, review applications, and assist with genealogical research issues.
Programs
How-To Fest
September 28th
Handley Library, All Day
Join us Saturday, September 28th at Handley Library for some fun activities that teach you "how-to" do new things! Learn how to sew a button with the Sit n' Stitch crew, how to go on a real life treasure hunt by geocaching, how to look in a microscope, and much more! View the full list of events by scanning the QR code or visiting handleyregional.org/events/upcoming
Smokey Bear's Reading Challenge
August-December
This youth reading challenge is a joint effort among HRLS, the Library of Virginia and the USDA Forestry Service. The reading program is found in Beanstack. Read 3 books and complete 6 activities to complete the challenge and receive a Smokey Bear information card and an entry into the prize drawing on December 1. No tickets are needed to enter the drawing. Register by scanning the QR code or visiting handleyregional.org/readingprograms
Arts and Crafts Supplies Swap
September 1 - 20
Bowman Library
Bring your donations to the Bowman Library Sept 1 - 20. When you donate, you can receive early access into the event at 9AM! See Bowman Info desk for details! Everyone is welcome to the the event in the Bowman Library Meeting Room on Saturday, September 21 10AM-4:30PM. View the full list of events by scanning the QR code or visiting handleyregional.org/events/upcoming
A Little Noon Music
September-May
The Friends of the Handley Regional Library System presents a new season of A Little Noon Music. Enjoy our variety of musicians as they show off their talents. This season’s performances will take place in all three of our branches!
September 13: Cheryl Costello, Bowman Library, 12 Noon
October 11: The Weather People, Handley Library, 12 Noon
View the full list of events by scanning the QR code:
EEOC & WHD
September 19th
Meet your local EEOC Business Liaison and WHD representative at the EEOC Information Table at Handley (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Clarke County Library (3 PM to 5 PM). Then, join them for a presentation at Handley Library regarding updates for small businesses. Free and open to the public. No registration required. View the full list of events by scanning the QR code:
Family History Hunters
September 12th & October 10th
Family History Hunters is an informal meeting for genealogists of all levels of experience. Led by genealogy specialist Joan Wood, along with Archives volunteer Janet Daniels, the group meets monthly to discuss tips and strategies for researching family history.
View the full list of events by scanning the QR code or visiting handleyregional.org/events/upcoming
RESOURCES & DATABASES
One Library Card. Three Locations.
BOWMAN LIBRARY
871 Tasker Road
Stephens City, VA 22655
540.869.9000
information@handleyregional.org
CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY
101 Chalmers Court, Suite C Berryville, VA 22611
540.955.5144
ccl@handleyregional.org
HANDLEY LIBRARY
100 W. Piccadilly St. Winchester, VA 22601 540.662.9041 information@handleyregional.org
HOURS FOR ALL BRANCHES: Mon. - Thurs.: 10 AM to 8 PM Fri. & Sat.: 10 AM to 5 PM
STEWART BELL JR. ARCHIVES ROOM (at Handley Library) 540.662.9041, ext. 17
Email: archives@handleyregional.org
Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., & Sat.: 10 AM to 5 PM Wed.: 10 AM to 8 PM
Closed daily for lunch: 12:30 to 1:15 PM
PrintMe allows you to print documents remotely from any device and pick them up at any Handley Library System branch. Just upload your files online, and they’ll be ready for you to retrieve. Now at all three branches.
ParentTV offers expert-led, research-based videos for parents and caregivers of children from birth through adolescence. Topics include Parenting Styles, Child Development, Wellbeing, and Teen Life Skills.
NEW! AmericanAncestors.org, from the New England Genealogical Society, offers access to over 1.4 billion searchable records, plus subscriptions to American Ancestors magazine and the New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Available only on public computers at the library branches.
