Last night we had the first of a series of Monday evening crafts. Each Monday until Christmas, Mary Fordon is conducting a holiday craft project in the basement of the library for adults. The projects shouldn’t take much more than a half hour, so you can drop by any time between 6 and 8pm. All programs are free, but you must be 18 and older to attend. Please call the reference desk at 878-9383 ext. 3 to reserve your place.

Next week Nov. 10, we have invited Carolyn Hollon back to help us create a floral centerpiece. This class is the only one that requires participants to arrive at 6:30 and will last until 8pm. Unfortunately for those of you reading this blog, the class and its waiting list are full, but Carolyn’s programs are very popular, so keep your eyes open in the next year for others.

On Monday, Nov. 17, Mary will be hosting a rolled beeswax candle program. Come create long lasting, sweet-smelling beeswax candles. We have examples displayed at the front of the library if you want to stop by and check them out!

On Nov. 24 we will be making chenille stem ornaments. Try your hand at creating the cutest reindeer ornament out of pipe cleaners. As with all the programs, the library is providing all the materials; just bring your enthusiasm and imagination.

More programs will follow in December. Just keep watching the blog and I’ll let you know all about them.

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”

–Henry James

It’s unfortunate that afternoon tea never really caught on in America; it’s so much more civilized—and probably healthier—than grabbing a soft drink and a candy bar from a vending machine, and, since tea and scones are hard to eat on the run, it allows you time for a proper break from your daily routine.

The Fairborn Library is hosting a High Tea on Monday, May 19^th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (which is quite late for tea, but we wanted to allow as many people as possible to come). Members of the various Library book clubs will be present to answer questions and sign up new members. Please call to register at 878-9383, ext.4312.

In case you are not able to come, but are inspired to add a little tea time to your life, here are some books on the subject:

Loving Tea: A Tea Lover’s Guide to Types of Tea, Brewing & Preparation, Herbal Teas & Health, Ceremonies & Parties, by Jane Resnick
The Book of Tea & Coffee, by Sarah Jane Evans and Giles Hilton

If you want to know more about tea as ceremony, you might want to read:

The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea: The Art & Pleasures of Taking Tea, by Helen Simpson

The Afternoon Tea Book, by Michael Smith. Rock Cakes with rose petal jam, anyone?

If rock cakes aren’t your cup of tea (sorry, couldn’t resist), we have lots of books with recipes for biscuits, muffins, quick breads, etc.Two you might consider are:
Scones, Muffins & Teacakes: Breakfast Breads and Teatime Spread

Totally Teabreads: Quick and Easy Recipes for More Than 60 Delicious Quick Breads and Spreads, by Barbara Albright and Leslie Weiner

There are those who love tea so much that they enjoy collecting teapots. If you are among that number, you might take a look at
Collectible Teapots: A Reference & Price Guide, by Tina M. Carter

Many of us had our first tea party as little girls. If you know a little person who would love to have a tea party, perhaps inviting some friends, perhaps only a few stuffed animals, here are some books:

Teatime with Emma Buttersnap, by Lindsey Tate

Winnie the Pooh’s Teatime Cookbook, inspired by A.A. Milne

Let’s Have a Tea Party: Special Celebrations for Little Girls, by Emilie Barnes