PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — An event celebrating books and tea will bring the joy of reading to local children in foster care.
The second annual Literacy Tea, sponsored by the Presque Isle Rotary Club, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Aroostook Shrine Club. Proceeds will buy books for foster kids.
After its first run in 2019, COVID-19 put the tea on hold for a couple of years, but the Rotary Club and host Laura Hale will welcome readers of all ages on Saturday. For Hale and the club’s literacy chairperson, Jordyn Madore, the chance to put books in the hands of young readers is not just about education, but a lifetime of enjoyment.
“I got the reading bug at such a young age, so I love being a part of programs and events that help share that love for reading with emerging readers,” Madore said.
“Reading was always such an enjoyable way for me to pass the time, a way to escape into a new fun world with so many possibilities,” Hale said.
Hale hosted the first tea when she worked as a book company consultant, before opening Neighborhood Books in Presque Isle. She knew the Bangor area had a similar event, and thought there was no better benefit for children in foster care than being able to read books with their foster parents to create bonds and improve their abilities.
All ages are welcome to attend the Literacy Tea, which will feature about 25 tables centered around children’s books, with some elements geared toward teens and adults. Volunteers will craft decorations, snacks and activities on each book’s theme.
Tickets are $15 and purchasers will choose their tables. Sarah Hatt from Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine will join Hale and Madore to talk about the importance of reading and literacy.
All funds raised will go directly toward the purchase of books for the children, Hale said. The partnership with Rotary will cover the cost to rent the building.
Promoting literacy has long been a Presque Isle Rotary mission. The club hosts an annual Thesaurus Day for SAD 1, Ashland and Easton third-graders, and members have volunteered at book sales and coordinated book giveaways.
As part of its 99th birthday event in April and a fundraiser for the Literacy Tea, club members collected more than 125 books they will donate along with those purchased from the tea proceeds.
“The Literacy Tea was a perfect addition to our lineup, and being able to sponsor the event and ensure more funds are available to purchase books for children who need them was very important to us,” Madore said.
Kids of nearly any interest will be able to find a table they can immerse themselves in, she said.
Once teased for reading so much, Hale wants to show children how much fun reading can be.
When she speaks about the importance of reading with children, Hale often refers to “The Read-Aloud Family” by Sarah Mackenzie, which states that reading with the youngest children helps them associate books with warmth and love, making them feel cared for and safe.
“There is nothing more I would want to give to children in foster care [than] to feel warmth and love from those around them,” Hale said. “If I can help do that tiny bit through donating books and creating a fun event for our community, it’s a win-win for me.”
