Revitalizing Tradition: How Handley Library Balances History and Innovation

The Handley Regional Library System (HRLS) is a busy library system with three branches, covering one city and two counties. The Handley Branch, a historic building from the early 1900s, is not just a library but a landmark. The building's storied past, combined with its evolving role in the community, presents a unique challenge: How does a library steeped in history adapt to modern needs without losing its essence? This is the very question that Adrienne Davis, the Handley Branch Manager, and her team grapple with as they navigate the library’s latest phase of development.

A Unique and Diverse Community

The Handley Regional Library System serves the town of Winchester, VA and two surrounding counties (Clarke and Frederick), making it a regional hub for diverse populations. While the City of Winchester itself has fewer than 30,000 residents, the larger region encompasses more than 140,000 people. The community has seen significant growth, particularly with a rise in Spanish-speaking residents and new refugee populations.

"Our service area has become much more diverse, especially with the growth in our Spanish-speaking community and new refugee families," Adrienne explains. This shift in the population has necessitated changes in the library’s collections and services to ensure they remain relevant and accessible to everyone. "We’re here to serve the entire community, but that also means constantly adapting to meet their evolving needs."

A Building with History—and Limitations

The Handley Branch is not just any library; it’s a historic building constructed between 1907 and 1910. The original design was intended for a closed-stacks system, where only staff had access to the books. Though it never functioned this way, the structure was not built with modern library services in mind. The shape of the building was intended to mimic an open book on its side, with the book’s spine as a rotunda and the open covers serving as hallways to the collections.

The 1980s saw a major addition that expanded the children's area and technical services, but much of the building’s historic charm remains. "We’re a tourist destination because of the building’s architecture," Adrienne says. "It’s jaw-dropping when you step inside, with the stained-glass dome and restored glass floors. It has wonderful visual moments throughout." However, some visitors find the building intimidating, and the challenge lies in making the space feel more welcoming and user-friendly for all patrons.

Balancing History and Modern Needs

As with many libraries housed in historic buildings, the Handley Branch must balance preservation with functionality. One of the main challenges is space—how to use it efficiently to serve a growing and changing population. Adrienne notes that during the space use study, "We learned that we don’t have enough books for our service population but too many books for the building." The library’s collections must be carefully selected for maximum popularity, and spaces must be adapted to support both quiet study and social gatherings.

The Handley team has been working closely with a local architect and using tools like Collection HQ software to assess what parts of the collection are being used and which need to be expanded. The team has also started small but significant changes, such as relocating teen services to the main floor to make room for younger children on the second floor. Additionally, fiction and nonfiction sections are being swapped to make space for the library’s growing popular materials collection.

New Teen Space at the Handley Branch

 "We joke about the ‘change of the week,’" Adrienne says, smiling. "But these changes are vital to making sure the library can serve everyone, from toddlers to seniors."

Community-Centered Planning

A significant aspect of the library's current transformation is focused on early literacy. The library is working toward Family Place Library accreditation, which emphasizes supporting young children and their families. The goal is to create a more inclusive environment that caters not just to children, but to everyone who plays a role in their lives—teachers, caregivers, and educators.

"We’re really excited about increasing our role in early literacy," Adrienne shares. "Implementing the Family Place Library model is going to make a huge difference, not just for the kids but for the entire family. It will also highlight the role this branch plays in the community as a whole."

Another critical initiative is the city-wide Campaign for Grade Level Reading, aimed at ensuring that children are reading at grade level by the time they finish third grade. This initiative aligns with the library’s mission to be more than just a place to check out books; it’s a community center that fosters education, literacy, and lifelong learning.

Looking Ahead: Adapting for the Future

HRLS is not stopping there. The library’s leadership, staff, and board are engaged in ongoing discussions about how to further modernize the space without losing its historic charm. The recent space use study conducted by ReThinking Libraries has been instrumental in guiding these conversations.

Adrienne explains, "We’re at a crossroads where we have to decide: Do we continue making small, incremental changes, or do we undertake another large-scale renovation? That’s the next big decision."

Working with consultants has provided the library with fresh insights and data-driven recommendations. It’s clear that HRLS is committed to staying relevant and responsive to its residents, all while preserving the architectural beauty that makes it such a unique part of the community.

The Handley Regional Library System, and the Handley Branch in particular, exemplify the delicate balancing act that many libraries face today: how do you honor the past while preparing for the future? For Adrienne Davis and her team, the answer lies in community-focused planning, continuous adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to serving every resident.

As libraries continue to evolve, the Handley Branch stands as a reminder that innovation and tradition can coexist—and that a beautiful building is only as valuable as the welcoming community it supports. "At the end of the day, it’s not just about the books or the building," Adrienne says. "It’s about the people we serve, and making sure they feel at home here."