There’s always something brewing at the Bay St. Louis Little Tea Library
When patrons first walk in to the Bay St. Louis Library, a 6-foot-tall, almond brown piece of library history stands out. This is the very same Card Catalog estimated to be from the 1960s that was used by patrons and librarians long before the digital age of the online catalog sent it to be stored in a back room. With inspiration from Ocean Springs Public Library, staff here at HCLS found a way to breathe new life into the catalog while appealing to patrons’ desires for a cafe-like atmosphere, as such is part of our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
During all BSL Library operating hours, a hot water dispenser runs all day and the cabinets of the Card Catalog are full of everything one would need to make themselves a cup of tea. Cups and lids up top, followed by an assortment of 10+ different teas, as well as sugars, creamer, and honey. There’s often even instant coffee packs and hot chocolate. At no cost to them, patrons are encouraged to help themselves and take what they need. Whether they’re here for a program, working or studying, or simply hanging out- everyone is welcome to fill their cup.
Youth Services Coordinator, Brooke Bourgeois, loves how the Tea Library seems to have brought patrons together. Whether they’re fawning over the beauty of the piece, or excited to try a new tea flavor, there is always a buzz around it. “Its a conversation starter,” Bourgeois says, “They help each other reach for something, or point out a new flavor we put out, or they’re just mixing their tea and talking to a complete stranger about their day. Its been such a beautiful way to watch people connect.”
Since its launch in February of this year, the Tea Library serves roughly 300+ cups of tea or other each month. The majority of funds that make the Tea Library possible are directly from the Library Foundation. Regular patron and library volunteer, Madeline Miller, also donates a new and different tea regularly, which often gets branded “Special-Tea of the Week.”
While the Tea Library takes a majority of the space in the Card Catalog, there is more to be found in the lower sets of drawers. The middle section serves as a free seed library, with seasonal packets of seeds from flowers to vegetables. The bottom set is a “Take What You Need” Drawer, which often includes hygiene kits and feminine care products. The idea behind the expanded usage of the Card Catalog is that it acts as a silent beacon of provision for the community; nestled inside the library and waiting for its community to stop by.
Next time you’re at the library for whatever your needs are, check out the Little Tea Library. Open its drawers, admire the quality of its build, and see what it has to offer you. Help yourself to a cup of tea!
