Handley Regional Library
100 West Piccadilly Street, Winchester, VA
Handley Regional Library was finished in 1913. The facility provides library services for the local community and also houses an Archive of historic records located in the basement of this architecturally significant building. The photo below shows the building being built in the early 1900’s, with its magnificent copper dome and fireproof design. The building is on the National Historic Register and is well maintained. Thankfully electrical receptacles are provided for computers and camera recharging in the Archive.
While visitors to the archive will need to complete some paperwork initially, it is minimal and the staff are very helpful and will go over how to find the records and books that are available in the repository. The staff pulls records from the collections and manuscripts in the repository and provides them for your review. The books are open stacks and you even get to reshelve them yourself.
You should plan to spend some quality time on their webpage before your visit so you can maximize your time examining the collections, manuscripts, books and other resources that are available. One day will likely not be sufficient time at the facility if you have ancestors from the Shanendoah Valley, and Old Frederick and Hampshire counties. Also check for the hours that the facility is open. When there is weather in the area, the hours may be changed. If you want to verify their hours, the best place to look is their Facebook page, which is updated with timely information.
Public parking is a few blocks away unless you only visit for a short time. If so, you can see the metered parking spots that are along the quaint streets of Old Town Winchester. There are stairs that leading up to the front door, so plan accordinging or look for handicapped ramps. There are number of local places to grab lunch in the area, but food and drinks are not allowed in the Archive. This facility is well worth the time and our tax dollars are being put to good use.
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