Fifteen little girls recently gathered together for an afternoon tea party at the Columbiana Public Library. They were greeted by the Friends of the Library members, who gave the tea party to honor author and poet, Dr. Sheror Cator Moore, and her children’s books.

The girls, accompanied by their mothers, dressed in their best party dresses. A box of hats, scarves and jewelry was the first thing that greeted the girls. Huge smiles were on their faces as they dressed up in the accessories provided by the Friends.

The Library Conference Room was transformed into a Victorian tea party by the Friend members. The tables were set with linen embroidered tablecloths. Centerpieces were Tussie Mussies filled with fresh flowers from Party Chair Judy Blaylock’s garden and made by Friend Secretary Fran Sharp.

The children enjoyed a buffet of delicious food: party sandwiches, fresh fruits, sweets and punch made by Friend members Beth Strickland, Linda Gibbons and Sharp. The décor was complete with antique dolls, strollers, wagons and colorful quilts provided by Friend Sarah Atchison. Other Friend members assisting with the party were President Olivia Kalin, Treasurer Jane Keeton, Friend member Phyllis Davis, and Librarian Jane Bailey.

The young girls dressed in their finery sat at the tables with their plates filled with tea party food and enjoyed Moore read poems from her story book, “Treasures in an Alabama Attic, The Adventures of a Doll from the Past,” beautifully illustrated by Martha Fulghum. Moore explained to the girls the traditions of Victorian tea parties and inspired the children with her message, “God made you who you are.”

The children who enjoyed this special day were: Hannah Locks, Hannah Watkins, Rylee Grace Watkins, Emile Chapple, Madison Hockman, Skye Ingram, Machela and Heather Bass, Jayda and Jasmine Griffith, Jyanie Smith, Hannah and Ashlynn Jackson, Hannah Higginbotham and Laurel Pierce.

“Treasures” was inspired by the relationship of Moore and her granddaughters, Toni and Mari. “I have written all my life,” said Moore. “I would watch my grandchildren play and then I would write stories and poems about the day.”

“I call my grandmother Big Mama,” said granddaughter Mari Collins. “She has been an inspiration to me, a godly woman who has made a huge difference in my life.” For information on Moore’s award winning poems and books, see Sherorcatormoore.com. For information on joining the Friends of the Library, contact Librarian Jane Bailey at cpldirector@bellsouth.net.

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by e–mail at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.