Library System Begins Black History Month With Tea

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – The Westchester Library System is already gearing up for Black History Month.

The library system recently announced its 14th annual African-American Writers & Readers Literary Tea will be held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16 at Abigail Kirsch's Tappan Hill.

The event is the beginning of a “month-long celebration of African-American history, literature and culture throughout the county's 38 public libraries.” Tickets for the Literary Tea are $75.

“WLS’ annual Literary Tea affords us the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the significant literary contributions made by the African American community,” said Terry Kirchner, Westchester Library System executive director.

Author, musician and screenwriter James McBride will be featured at this year's event, which begins at 3:30 p.m. McBride has published several books, including his memoir “The Color of Water.” He also tours with a jazz band and writes music for musicians and television shows.

McBride is a distinguished writer-in-residence at New York University.

In addition to McBride, the tea will also feature a raffle benefiting African-American programs in the library system.

“The enthusiasm of the authors, sponsors, and committee members, coupled with the importance of the topic, makes this a truly special event in Westchester,” Kirchner said.

The Westchester County Chapter of The Links, Inc. is co-sponsoring the event. For more information on tickets, please call 914-231-3226 or visit www.westchesterlibraries.org.

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