Farewell and Thank You

The long-time branch manager of the Reston Regional Library, Nadia Taran, is retiring next week. She has been a great friend to the Friends and to this community, and we will miss her. Her gracious treatment of all patrons, from the smallest to the most senior was a hallmark of her tenure. So much that she did behind the scenes in trying to keep the rickety old building as high-functioning as possible went unnoticed. If she had not done those things though, the results would have been obvious and our library community would have been the poorer for it. 

We wish her great happiness and success in her post-FCPL life. If you see her next week before she retires, be sure to say thank you and best wishes.

Photo by Darlene

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Knit One, Purl Two

Unfortunately, the title of today's blog encompasses the extent of the blogger's knowledge of knitting.  As I watch some of the ladies I know creating all kinds of wonderful garments, I am fascinated by the seemingly effortless rhythm that guides them. Rationally, I know that it is years of practice that has enabled them to do it so smoothly. Still, a part of me yearns to be as . . . talented!

The books we're featuring today are all available on our Amazon1 site. Although only these four are shown here, there are a number of them on the site including one on how to make your own Bilum. If you are a knitter or love a knitter, these books are worth investigating! And remember, if you're a local current Friend of Reston Regional Library, we'll allow you to purchase books directly from us, and save the shipping. It never hurts to ask for a quantity discount if you're purchasing three or more books. No promises, but it never hurts to ask.

Vintage Style: 30 Styles from Rowan by Kim Hargreaves appears to never have been used. It is $42 at Amazon1.

Classic & Inexpensive Knitwear from Sally Milner publishing is clean and tight and $28 at Amazon1.

The Creators Exclusive Hand Knits From International Designers is published by the Australian Wool Corporation.  The text is tight and mostly unmarked. There are a few pencil marks on one of the patterns. The cover shows mild wear and has a creased lower corner. It is $18 at Amazon1.

The "Elle" Book of Knitting, Book 1, is published by the magazine. The text is tight and unmarked. There is a crease in the cover and a sticker has been removed from inside the front cover. It is $42 at Amazon1.

Not shown, but available also at Amazon1 are:

• Sasha Kagan's Big & Little Sweaters, $36
  
• Aussie Originals: Creative & Colorful Handknits, $24
  
• Make Your Own Bilum, $70

Any one of these will keep you busy through the winter! Purchase multiples and you'll be ready to set up your own workshop.  As always, you can contact us here, or at restonfriendspr@gmail.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!

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Hard Boiled Reading

Hard core detective fans will be thrilled to see these three first editions by Mickey Spillane available for sale.  The Snake, is the eighth book in the Mike Hammer series. In it Hammer investigates a thirty-year old murder and the reappearance of woman he loved (naturally) and thought was dead (naturally) seven years earlier.  This copy is  a clean and tight first edition.  The dust jacket has a small tear, top back edge, and shelf-wear.  The binding shows very minor wear at the spine and has a small white spot on the back cover. It is $32 at Amazon1.

Kiss Me, Deadly was Mike Hammer's 6th appearance. In it, Spillane has Hammer up against a Mafia conspiracy.  The movie made from this book departed sharply from the story, especially in its portrayal of Mike Hammer as a much darker, narcissistic character than Spillane drew him. Spillane was not happy with the movie. This copy, also a first edition, is clean and tight.  The cover shows very mild wear. The dust jacket has some tears and edge wear but is now protected by mylar. It is $32 at Amazon1.

The Deep is a Mickey Spillane departure from Mike Hammer.  The character, Deep, is called back to the old neighborhood to investigate the murder of a childhood friend who just happened to grow up to be a crime boss.  The people who like this book particularly like the surprise twist ending...you'll have to read it to find out what it is. This first edition is $20 at Amazon1.

All of the books offered here, at our semi-annual book sales, at our on-going sales, at our special sales (Mystery Sale coming up soon!) and on Amazon1 and Amazon2 are donations to the library not needed for the collection. We try to cull the gems and highlight them for you to purchase, but if you come to our on-site sales you will undoubtedly find something we missed! That works to your advantage!  And if the potential joy of finding a diamond in the rough isn't enough, we have very friendly workers, a great selection, high quality control, and superior prices. Come see us February 6-11 in the New Books area of Reston Regional Library and fill your mystery square!

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