Handley Regional Library System

📚 It’s National Library Week! 📚 There’s more to your library than you think — from streaming movies and language learning to live music and local history tours, we have something for everyone. Check out the spotlight on HRLS in the Winchester Star and see what’s happening this week at all three of our branches! #NationalLibraryWeek #HRLSNationalLibraryWeek #LibrariesTransform #CommunityConnection #loveHRL https://lnkd.in/e4RhUuGy

📚 We’re Closed Today for President’s Day! 🇺🇸 But why not take a moment to dive into the fascinating history of the Handley Regional Library System? Ever wondered how the library came to be? The story of John Handley and his vision? Or how our library has evolved over the years? Former library staff member (and now dedicated volunteer) Pat Ritchie shared an incredible presentation during our Staff Development Day in December—now you can watch it too! 🎥 Watch the full presentation here: https://lnkd.in/eXXySFpm Want to explore even more history? Pat has also written a book on the history of HRLS, available for purchase at the Handley Library Book Shop! Let us know in the comments what you found most interesting! 👇📖 #HandleyLibrary #LibraryHistory #PresidentsDay #HRLS

The numbers are in, and what an incredible year it’s been at Handley Regional Library System! Do you have your library card yet? If not, now’s the perfect time to get one—and invite your friends and family to join too! Library Card Sign-Up Month is just around the corner. A library card unlocks a world of FREE benefits—from books and audiobooks to programs and digital resources. Your support, whether attending a program, checking out a book, or downloading an eBook, keeps our community thriving and our libraries buzzing. Help us spread the word by liking and sharing this post! Let’s make next year even better together. #LibraryCardSignupMonth #GetYourCard #bowmanlibrary #handleylibrary #clarkecountylibrary #lovehrl

The Handley Regional Library System is proud to announce the impressive statistics from the 2023-2024 fiscal year, underscoring its vital role in the community and its ongoing commitment to providing accessible resources and services to patrons of all ages. Over the past year, the Handley Regional Library System's three locations—Handley Library, Bowman Library, and Clarke County Library—welcomed 365,992 visitors, reflecting the vibrant engagement with our libraries. Key highlights from the year include: Archive visitors: 1,885 eBooks downloaded: 138,066 Book and Media Checkouts: 598,417 New Materials Added: 15,495 New Patron Cards: 5,635 Total Program Attendees: 51,671 Total Programs (For kids, teens, and adults): 1,750 Volunteer Hours: 9,334 Visits to Website: 582,945 Items Checked Out (physical & digital): 760,102 “We’re thrilled to see such strong engagement from our community,” said John Huddy, Library Director. “This year’s statistics are a testament to the invaluable role our library plays in the lives of our patrons. Whether it’s checking out a book, attending a program, or using our new curbside pickup service at the Handley branch, we’re constantly striving to meet the evolving needs of our community.” This year, the library system also marked several exciting milestones: * The installation of a new backlit building sign at Bowman Library. * The addition of an extensive Kanopy collection, offering patrons a wide selection of expertly curated narrative and documentary films. https://lnkd.in/eVx2zbwv * Launching a curbside pickup service at the Handley branch through the MyLibro app, enhancing convenience for our patrons. https://lnkd.in/ewEyFrSB * The Handley Regional Library System is now a Certified Family Place Library, reinforcing our commitment to early childhood development and family engagement. As we look ahead to September, the Handley Regional Library System is gearing up for Library Card Sign-Up Month. A library card is your ticket to a world of resources, from free access to books, movies, and digital content, to special programs and services designed to enrich lives. “We invite everyone in the community to take advantage of the benefits that come with a library card,” Huddy added. “It’s the most valuable card in your wallet—opening doors to learning, discovery, and growth.” Learn more: www.handleyregional.org

Meet Michael, one of our patrons who we hadn't seen in a while. Michael used to come in every Tuesday to use our computers because his daughter gifted him a Storyworth subscription. Storyworth sends a weekly email prompt for the recipient to answer and then compiles their stories into a beautiful book for their family. When Michael first received the subscription, he didn't know how to use email and didn't have a computer. He turned to Handley Library for help. Our Information Assistant, Adam M, guided him through the process, and our team continued to support him every Tuesday. Eventually, Michael felt confident enough to buy his own computer, and Adam helped him with that too. We hadn't seen Michael for a while, but today he came back to share the finished product with us—a book filled with his life's anecdotes, now a treasured family keepsake. We're so proud to have been a part of Michael's journey. #LibraryLove  #CommunityStories #Storyworth #HandleyLibrary #HeartwarmingMoments #loveHRL #storiesathandley

Last night, the Friends of Handley Regional Library System held their annual meeting celebration at Handley Library, and it was a fantastic evening! We were thrilled to award the Barbara Dickinson Scholarship to HRLS staff member (Bowman Circ Manager) Rachelle Long, presented by Friends board member Ray Legge and Executive Director Gina Byrd. Congratulations, Rachelle! So well deserved! We also had the pleasure of presenting Ann White, Deputy Director of HRLS, with our annual donation to support the library system. Your dedication keeps our community enriched and informed! The evening was highlighted by an inspiring presentation from author P. O’Connell Pearson about her compelling nonfiction books. Thank you to Winchester Book Gallery for facilitating a book signing, adding a special touch to the night. (Pictured: Friends board member Barb Pearson with P. O’Connell Pearson) A big thank you to everyone who attended and supported our mission. Together, we make our library system stronger! #HandleyLibrary #FriendsOfHRLS #CommunitySupport #BookLovers #LibraryLife #AuthorEvent #loveHRLS

Clarke County Library has been doing some upgrading in the Children's Room, and kids are excited to sit and read with their new caterpillar friend! Each section is a fun chair for young ones to sit and read and can be separated or broken apart when used. What would you name our new caterpillar friend?

Our new Summer Brochure is here! Check out summer reading, events, and all of the library goodness here and on our website! https://lnkd.in/edYZbH6C