One of the long-time dedicated friends of Reston Regional Library is moving to South Carolina. We don’t quite understand it because as far as we can tell it is even hotter down there, but she insists it is time.
We’re very sad though. Mary Ann Braunstein has been the goodwill ambassador for the Friends of the Library for several years now. If you’ve ever attended a regular book sale and been anywhere near the Specials Room, you have met Mary Ann. If you attended the Cat’s Meow Sale a few years ago, you met Mary Ann. Holiday Sale and Open House? Yep. Reston Festival 2010? Yep. And, if you have enjoyed the selection of books we offer in our ongoing, childrens, special and regular sales, you have benefitted from Mary Ann’s dedicated sorting in the back room. Plus, she puts mylar on books that need protection in order to hold their value.
In 2008, Mary Ann was deservedly honored by Fairfax County Public Libraries and the Library Foundation for her dedication to Friends of Reston Regional Library. Rather than resting on those laurels, she upped the ante and got even more involved in helping get books ready for sale.
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Mary Ann isn’t just a team player. She is also the team cheerleader. She is one of our dear hearts and we will miss her tremendously.
Speaking of hearts, Mary Ann is also an avid and dedicated member of the rescue team for HART (Homeless Animals Rescue Team). Her particular passion is rescuing cats, but almost any animal is likely to find a welcome spot on the porch with her. One of her success stories was a cat named Brando. You can read about Brando’s story here and if you want to know how things turned out, contact the Friends and we'll get you in touch with Mary Ann. She LOVES to talk about HART!
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To honor Mary Ann’s selfless work for our community, we are releasing a Geocaching Travel Bug that we’re naming “Mary Ann” into the wild with a mission to travel wherever libraries or rescue societies are active. That way Mary Ann’s mission will continue around the world! Stay tuned for sightings.
By the way, if you're cheerful and love books, and want to get involved with your local library, call us! We can't replace Mary Ann, but we'd sure like to meet new friends! 703-829-5467
While you're here, mark your calendars for Aug. 18. That's when our Children/Young Adult/Educators' book sale will start. Tell all your teacher friends!
