Spring Tea will benefit the Florida Public Library

FLORIDA — Honor an important woman in your life by bringing her to tea - and support the Florida Public Library while you do it.

On Saturday, May 3, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the Florida Public Library is hosting a Spring Tea at the Seward Senior Center next to the library. The traditional tea for adults will feature savory finger sandwiches, scones with lemon curd and clotted cream, and an assortment of fine cakes and treats. Come enjoy a little bit of Downton Abbey elegance with cozy tables set with antique china and linens. Take a tea cup home with you as a souvenir of a delicious and leisurely afternoon.

Tickets are available now for $12 each or two for $20 at the library's Circulation Desk. You may register online, at www.floridapubliclibrary.org, or call 651-7659. Seating is limited.

The event is a fundraiser to benefit the library and is hosted by the Board of Trustees. Favorite library presenter Clare Kaczmierczak will preside over the tea table with her trademark attention to culinary detail.

All refreshments will be freshly made and generously provided by a host of local businesses, including Janet's Quality Baked Goods, Katie Cooks Catering and Down2Earth. Tricky tray baskets are donated by Amity Arts Pottery, Chumley's BBQ, Florida Flowers and Gifts, Dessert by Dawn and others. A special prize will be awarded for the best hat.

Library director Madelyn Folino, a founding member of the Black Dirt Storytelling Guild, will present a story in tribute to mothers, and Florida children will entertain with a brief recital.

The library will hold a simultaneous children's tea for kids in grades kindergarten through 5. Readings of Ann Dyckman's picture books "Tea Party Rules" and "Boy and Bot," as well as goodie bags provided by the author, will be provided. Tea and cookies, a spring craft and a little etiquette are also included for free.

No time for tea? Join the Spring Tea in spirit and donate $1 for your very own individual tea bag in a pretty, petite envelope imprinted with a memorable quote from a favorite book.

For more information, see the selection of fine teas in the library and the display of tea cups, embroidered and antique linens in the library show case.

The Florida Library is located at 4 Cohen Circle, behind the village hall.