Local Artists Supporting Neighborhood Resources

by Jessica Burko

Photograph courtesy of Maegan Beishline

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, though usually not simultaneously. Knitting has been a passion of mine since I learned how to do it in 2008 at a Boston Handmade skill-share workshop, and reading has always been a joy in my life. I'm happy to say I've already passed along the reading bug to my children, both of whom (at only 2 and 4 years old) can sit for unusually long periods of time while being read to, or while looking through books on their own. My 4-year-old and I go to our local library every Friday afternoon to return the previous weeks books and select a new stack for the week to come and the trip is a highlight of the week for both of us.

Page from the book Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Last year I saw a connection between knitting and reading as I read a book to my children called Extra Yarn and have found knitting repeatedly represented in children's books ever since. Obviously I'm not the only one to make this connection and I'm delighted that our new neighborhood library is hosting a fundraiser based on this very premise.

The Gee-Burko family reading at the Roslindale Public Library

The Friends of the Roslindale Branch Library have organized a Yarn and Book Sale scheduled for March 6 - 8. There is an opening reception for this fundraiser on Thursday, March 6th from 5:30-8pm. Speaking at this reception at 6:30pm will be Stephanie Griego, owner of the local yarn company, Dirty Water DyeWorks. During the three-day event you can stock up on yarn, buy a cookbook, or learn a new stitch. There's also chances to win craft-related prizes from several local craft businesses who are supporting this neighborhood resource including our very own Stephanie Cave Design Studio and Lady Dye Fiber Arts. Prizes are also being donated by The Eliot School,  JP Knit & Stitch, Stitch House, Dirty Water DyeWorks and Sip Dip and Dabble. Raffle tickets for these prizes are available throughout the sale.

The Friends of the Roslindale Branch Library group supports, promotes and enriches the services and programs the library offers to the public and I encourage you to help their efforts by enriching your own home library and yarn collection this weekend.

Roslindale Public Library
Yarn and Book Sale
4246 Washington St.
Roslindale, MA 02131
Thursday, March 6, 5:30 - 8pm, Opening Reception
Friday, March 7, 10am - 5pm
Saturday, March 8, 10am - 1pm