Library Spotlight: Nevins Memorial Library Afternoon & Tea 2004

(Editor's Note: If you have a program to share that you would like to "spotlight", please send along to Susan Babb for the next Newsletter!)

Our second season of Afternoon Tea & Tour 2004 at the Nevins Memorial Library was again a huge success. The program began in June 2003 in the hopes of renewing interest in the grounds of the library. We had recently completed our addition and renovation in April of 2002 and were overwhelmed by the positive support and visits from the community to the inside our new library. The outside now needed attention.

The idea for an outside activity developed from Director Krista McLeod's wish for the grounds of the library to be appreciated and used as they were in the time of the Nevins Family in 1880's. During that time, a trolley would travel up Broadway and carry hundreds of people every weekend to the Nevins Memorial Library grounds and the adjacent Nevins Estate. There they would enjoy the beautiful rare trees and ornamental plantings procured by Henry Coffin Nevins on his travels to Europe. They would bring picnic lunches and stay all day under the protection of the pavilions that were erected for their use by the Nevins Family. With this vision in mind, Krista McLeod endeavored to make the library an inviting environment both inside and outside. Her plan to bring both together can be seen in the use of color, theme and design throughout the library. What better way to have patrons enjoy the beauty of the grounds, than have an English Tea under the portico on the front lawn?

The second season began in June and there were some concerns about attendance since this year we were asking an $8.00 donation. Last year the program was free. The first two weeks were slow but by July 6th, the Teas were totally sold out and we began a waiting list. We stopped at 50 but have received over 100 additional reservation requests.

Our program consists of a live piano concert, a delightful light lunch consisting of a variety of tea sandwiches, a fruit and cheese platter, several hot and ice beverages and desserts provided by local restaurants. Lunch is followed by a guest speaker and the Tea is concluded with a history of the Nevins Memorial Library grounds and a guided tour. Digital photographs are taken and added to our web page so our guests have a memento of their pleasant afternoon. www.nevinslibrary.org/afternoon_tea_photos.htm

We have been honored to have librarians from across the state to be our guests. Their first question is always "Is this a good fund raiser?" At this stage, it is not. Last year we did not charge and this year we needed to purchase china, table cloths, serving ware, etc. Maureen Abraham, Reference Librarian and her husband George purchased many of our fine china tea cups at yard sales and donated them to the library. We borrow several serving pieces but most have been purchased over a year. Off-season clearance and final sales are very helpful. Borrowing items from staff and friends is fine for a one-time tea but if you plan on numerous events, it is best to purchase these items for the library. There is always breakage and most family treasures cannot be replaced. Even when people say they don't care if it gets broken, they do. The cost of food every week must also be considered. We prepare everything ourselves, except for the one dessert we receive from a local restaurant. A dependable core group of volunteers and staff is imperative for the success of this program. There is a lot of work involved from scheduling volunteers, purchasing food, cleaning and ironing 30 napkins, 12 tablecloths, dishtowels, requesting desserts and arranging for pick up, reservations, payment and tickets, preparing teas, making 6 cheese & fruit trays, dessert for 36 and 268 tea sandwiches, washing 30 tea cups and saucers, 105 pieces of silverware, 60 glasses, 60 plates, 12 teapots, 12 pitchers, arranging for music and speakers, tour guides, photos, legends of the grounds, and anything else you could possibly think of. Twenty-four to thirty guest plus volunteers and staff can be seated at a Tea. They are held every other Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-3PM. Although our Teas ended on August 24th, we are planning on a "Spooky Tea" to be held in October.

This year we were very fortunate to have The Friends of the Nevins Memorial Library fund our efforts and hopefully next year there will be some profit. Profit or not, the Teas have been very successful in fulfilling its mission of bringing patrons together to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Nevins Memorial Library.

Janis H. Tunstall, Head of Reference Services
Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen