The stately Handley Library, often described as the best example of Beaux-Arts architecture in Virginia, features a copper dome, a three story rotunda, topped by an interior stained-glass dome, historic light fixtures and glass stack floors. A picture depicting a group of Winchester citizens appealing to George Washington for protection hangs over a fireplace in the periodicals room.
The Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, located in the basement, houses an extensive collection of materials on the people, places, and events of lower Shenandoah Valley from 1732 to present. Highlights of the collection include family genealogies, rare maps, books, manuscripts and more. The archives are open Tuesday and Wednesday 1-8 pm and Thursday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.