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LIBRARY CELEBRATES WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WITH HISTORICAL TEA PARTY
By Kim Fink
 | | --Photo By Kim Fink The young ladies looked like they jumped right out of a history book at the library's recent Historical Tea Party. For more photos from this event, visit our photo galleries at www.micromediapubs.com. |
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Local children got to mingle with their favorite historical figures on Wednesday, March 25 when the Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library celebrated Women's History Month with a magical tea party hosted by none other than Cleopatra.
Under the direction of librarian Sabrina La Sparta, aka Cleopatra, staff members and volunteers dressed as famous women in history and presented a wonderful afternoon of tea and stories to children ages 4 to 10. Among the guests were actors playing the roles of Jackie Onassis, Sally Ride, Amelia Earhart, Pocahontas and Shirley Temple.
La Sparta and fellow librarian Christina Estlow feel it's their job as youth program directors to make sure that the children experience history in a fun yet educational environment.
"We just wanted to make this enjoyable for the kids and introduce them to the important role women have played in world history." said Estlow, who chose Susan B. Anthony as her historic costume. "A tea party seemed to be the right setting for this event."
Children began the day by making their own "High Tea" hat complete with pearls and embellishments. They were then seated by the butler in anticipation for their tea and cookies.
"This is like a grown up tea party," said 7-year-old Abigail McCoy of Manchester. "We are even drinking hot tea from real glass tea cups!"
The tea, in appealing flavors such as bubble gum and caramel cream, was donated by Jeanette Liput of Toms River, who is a representative of Tealightful Treasures, an at-home tea party franchise. Liput's 4-yearold granddaughter, Angelina, attended the event and had some things to say about her grandmother's business.
"I've tried all the different flavors and I think the chocolate is the best. We have tea parties all the time at home," said Angelina. "This party was fun because we got to have tea and learn about Dolly Madison. She was the first woman to serve ice cream at the White House."
Many library employees joined in the fun as they stopped in periodically to talk about their historical character of choice.
"The staff really had a good time with this program. Everyone dressed up and got involved. It's always fun to do something a little different," said Estlow.
One local mom said she was happy to have something to bring the kids to during spring break.
"I'm always very impressed with this library. The children's events are inventive and exciting and my daughter enjoys herself. This was a nice way to spend a day off from school."
For more information on upcoming events at the Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library, go to http://oceancounty. lib.nj.us/
To schedule a Tealightful Tea Party, contact Jeanette Liput at 732-341-0870.
For more photos from this event, visit our galleries at www.micromediapubs.com.
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