The Lincoln County Public Library will host the inaugural Vernon Tea Party, Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. in the Vernon Room of the library, 100 S Jackson St.

The event was created to celebrate the contributions of Eva Vernon, who served as one of the original board members of the library, and later established the Eva Vernon Library Foundation for the purpose of keeping, maintaining, and improving a free public library system in Lincoln County. Vernon also donated her silver tea service, which served as the inspiration for the program. Her portrait and tea service are on display in the library meeting room named in her honor.

Though library services have been available in Brookhaven since 1906, these services were not always free. The library began as a $2-per-year subscription service. It was not until 1948 that the Lincoln County Public Library had its first board meeting, signaling the change to a tax-supported public library. Initial board members were Nellie Perkins, W.L. White, Vernon, and “Mrs. Roy King” and “Mrs. W.B. Hobbs.”

Each year the Eva Vernon Library Foundation provides funds for programming such as the annual First Achiever’s Black History Month celebration, and 2024’s Bob Coke photography exhibit and reception; improving the appearance and customer experience of the library; and aid in adding to the library’s permanent art collection, serving to introduce the community to art and culture.

The inaugural tea party will feature a tea tasting by The Great Mississippi Tea Company, located in Lincoln County, followed by traditional tea party refreshments.

The event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required, as space is limited. For more information or to register, visit www.llf.lib.ms.us/event/tea-party-2905.