Local! We Enjoyed a Literary Tea Tasting, and Got a Special Sign

Libraries in New England are like social and learning centers in many ways. They are much more active than those we experienced in the Mid-Atlantic states. Recently, our local library had a wonderful "Literary Tea Tasting" with special teas brewed to reflect various authors (whom you will learn about in today's blog, too!), Plus we got a sign from our dog Tyler on the other side. 

(Photo: Sara of the library explains about a tea blend. Credit: R.G)

ABOUT THE EVENT:  Join us for a literary tea tasting on Wednesday, March 25th at 6pm! Berwick Public LIbrary staff member Sara will be introducing us to three teas inspired by literary characters and talking about the significance tea has played throughout the centuries.

(Photo: Rob, Lisa and Tom) 

FUN WITH A FRIEND

Tom and I love tea tastings, and have enjoyed many British afternoon tea events, so this was perfect for us. Our friend Lisa, who works at the local post office also came so we enjoyed the teas, the confections and some laughs. We also got to know a few other folks whom we had not met before, including Tyler who is an engineer. 

A SIGN FROM OUR TYLER IN SPIRIT

Meeting a guy named Tyler at the event was a sign from our Tyler the Dachshund who passed in July 2025. - It seems that our Tyler influenced the library visitor to sit near us, when he could have sat anywhere else around the table. - There's no such thing as a coincidence when it comes to spirits!) 

(Photo: L to R; Tyler, Lisa and Rob) 

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(Photo: A big thanks to Sara and Sharon the Head Librarian who put this event together)

BEATRIX POTTER TEATIME- Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), an English author and illustrator, wrote and illustrated The Tale of Peter Rabbit. First published in 1902, the story originated from an illustrated letter she sent to a friend's son in 1893. It became one of the world's best-known children's books. The Tea that was served had Chamomile and some other flowers. It was a very light-tasting tea, and it was very tasty!

(Photo: Other tea tasters around the big table at the library. Credit: R.G.)

J.R.R. TOLKIEN TEA TIME - John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, or J.R.R. Tolkien, was an English writer and philologist who is credited with creating the modern fantasy genre. His most well-known works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, are set in Middle-earth, a fictional world populated by elves, dwarves, wizards, and talking trees. Tolkien's Catholic beliefs and his faith in the truth of mythology influenced his writing. He also invented several elvish languages, including Quenya and Sinadrin. 

The Tea that was served was darker in color, and more body to it. I can't remember what was in it, but it was good! 

(Photo: Tom and Rob agreeing not to try the "Steven King" brand of tea... it could be deadly delicious!)     STEPHEN KING TEA TIME - Stephen Edwin King, born September 21, 1947, is an American author from Maine known as the "King of Horror". He's written more than 50 novels and 200 short stories, selling more than 300 million copies. His work has modernized horror themes and techniques, and brought the genre to the forefront of popular literature. King's stories have been adapted into classic films like Misery, Stand By Me, and The Shawshank Redemption.  The Tea was actually not served for this horror author, but we did get to sniff it in a jar. Sara had found this special blend on-line, and it had a heavy scent to it.

FINAL TEA! Sara had the group select three different tea blends to mix together- so there was Vanilla, Cinnamon and a Smoky flavored tea. That was really tasty!  Plus, there were little cookies that accompanied all of the tea tastings.

 It was really a fun event, and we hope they make it an annual thing!