Pound-for-pound, the little village of Middleburg offers more great retail stores than most places in America. Newly added to the lineup is Books & Crannies. Opening on December 3, 2004, the store proved wrong those who believed the place would never be finished in time. "It was a family affair," says proprietor Pat Daly, "it was close, but our great team all worked around the clock to make the opening deadline."

Pat and coproprietor Genie Ford realized their dream to turn their love of reading into a bookstore. Together with Cathy Magee, store manager, these three and their staff will not only sell books, but will host at least two events per month - an exciting addition to Middleburg's social calendar.

Genie Ford added, "We're so excited - our first event - on Saturday, January 22nd, a Virginia historian and author named Marc Leepson will sign his book, Saving Monticello, and like all our book signings, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served." She continued, "Another upcoming event is the Books & Crannies January 29th Store Opening Celebration. And on February 6th - Middleburg's own Ambassador Thomas Graham Jr. will be signing his book, Commonsense on Weapons of Mass Destruction."

"Next month, there's a really special event," Ford added, "On February 12th - a wonderful author named Jason Tesauro will sign his book, "The Modern Lover" and give a talk on how to make Valentine's day something really special and memorable."

An admission fee of $30 per person $50 per couple will include a signed copy of Jason's book, a champagne, cheese and chocolate tasting, and he will even demonstrate how to cleanly snap off the top of a Champagne with a precise blow of a sabre!

There are wonderful quotes on the faux-painted walls, the space is warm and inviting, and you can get a gourmet cup of coffee while you browse the selection of books. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they're happy to do special orders, gift wrap and ship your purchase.

For Middleburg's citizens and visitors, Books & Crannies promises good shopping, and a new place for friendship and the exchange of ideas, qualities for which there's always plenty of room in a small town.