This library is amazing inside. Lots of history to see ... It's amazing how they made so many nooks for different things. The books are plentiful and everyone is so nice. There is street parking or in a lot across from the library. read more

Handley Regional Library - Libraries Near Me - Winchester, Virginia

This is a majestic building that stands out. It is close to, but not on the downtown stretch of Winchester. It is very nice to look at; functionally it didn't have as much seating as I would have liked and the ability to find a workspace that met my teleworking needs was not ideal. The outlets I tried to plug into did not work. The front door was also a little janky; they ended up propping it open. I don't have much use for printed materials but this is an actual library that does have books and magazines, and people were walking out with DVDs. It is a great resource for the community but it did seem from my experience that it needed a little update/maintenance. read more

Handley Regional Library - Libraries Near Me - Winchester, Virginia

One of the best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Virginia is in Winchester at Handley Regional Library. Built in 1913 thanks to the funds of a coal magnate's fortune, the library's green dome can be seen throughout the town. For its first 40 years, the library was segregated, but now all are welcome every day of the week except for Sunday when they close. Park along the street nearby and walk through old wooden doors into the lobby where you can climb spiraling staircases to the second and third floors and gaze up into the majestic dome. They have all the usual sections, including a generous magazine section. They also have study rooms and desk with outlets to recharge or browse a computer. The staff are very helpful and friendly. While visiting for 30 minutes, I noticed many men experiencing homelessness keeping warm in the library. Multiple staff members seemed to know each by name and treated them with dignity. read more

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Gorgeous exterior and interior. Lovely place to browse and hangout. They have a seed catalog and used book store. read more

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very surprising library. It was donated back in 1930. The outside is very stately and beautiful and you walk in and there is lead stained glass dome. sunlight shines through it's very beautiful there are wooden circular staircases on each side of the rotunda there is a lovely lady that sits to your right and will answer any questions as well as a gift shop. The bottom floor is multi media as well as adult and younger library books above you is glass flooring you go up the stairs or elevator and you were at the children's library which has partially glass flooring it's absolutely amazing the history behind it is stunning as well as the city of Winchester. The staff was a bit quiet; no one asked if we needed any help or approached us which I had expected. But you could tell it was fully staffed and there were lots of children and lots of families there. There's a quiet room to read the lighting fixtures are beautiful and of the period. We enjoyed walking through the library. We went downstairs through the stairway and there were beautiful murals and photographs information regarding the Hanley family. We are very impressed with what the library has to offer it to the citizens of Winchester read more

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This is the best library I have ever been to. The staff is ALWAYS so helpful and welcoming. You can reserve books online. Their pick up process is simple and almost touch-free. Oh, and how could I fail to mention how amazing and beautiful the architecture is. If you're visiting Winchester, VA, you'd be missing out not to stop by the library, as odd as that may sound. Great place! read more

Exterior was absolutely gorgeous. It looked like it was right out of a scene of phantom of the opera. The interior however-I'm not so sure. It was closed when we visited. It was a Friday afternoon so theoretically, it should have been opened, but I understand that life can be crazy sometimes. My only concern is the lack of communication in regards to it's open times. read more

Review for architecture alone: AMAZING! (Photos on Yelp currently do not do it justice) Worth checking out if you're in the area, even if you're not going to check out books read more

Awesome place to spend a Saturday morning. Knowledgeable staff; kid friendly reading section, and the building is a pleasure to walk around. If you love to read put down your kindle and go pick up an authentic read...and its FREE! read more

The Handley is a wonderful early 20th century library and a perfect example of what a library should be. It is beautiful and classy both inside and out, but has modern amenities and programs to make it relevant today. As a history buff, I'm particularly interested in their archives downstairs with a vasty collection of materials about Winchester, Frederick County and the Valley. My hometown had a library like this and they closed it down to build a new (ugly) "modern" one with no soul. The Handley Library has soul and then some. read more

This library is one of the loveliest and most charming in the country. In Beaux Arts style, its two wings flare from the central dome to resemble an upright open book. The staff is friendly and the offerings are well-arranged and ample. Architects and bookworms will be enthralled. read more