The Tugaske Library is turning 50 in August, and to celebrate, it’s throwing a party featuring an Eyebrow-born, Montreal-based tea sommelier who has travelled the world tasting thousands of varieties.
The “library with the yellow door” — located an hour northwest of Moose Jaw — is holding its celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the Tugaske Hall on Ogema Street. Besides teas, there will be a chocolate fountain, fruit, and cake.
Admission is free, but space is limited to 60 people, so anyone interested in attending — dress in your finest outfit — should call 306-759-2215 or email [email protected].
The guest speaker will be Kelly Miller, who grew up in Eyebrow and is now a certified tea sommelier with Montreal’s DAVIDsTEA in its research and development department. She has worked for over a decade in the industry and is passionate about the liquid. She has reportedly tasted more than 10,000 teas from across the world and has 2,000 straight and blended teas in her collection.
During the party, Mill will talk about her job, what tea is, what the golden rules are for making tea, and the types of tea available.
Tugaske librarian Violet Beaudry thought it was amazing that the library was turning 50, but maybe not surprising since it was named the best rural library in the area in 2018. The book repository has become an especially important place for the community post-pandemic to congregate and acquire information.
Some activities the organization holds include making moccasins, children’s story time, knitting, book clubs and garden parties.
Many volunteers also contribute to the library’s success. For example, a retired school teacher comes in every Thursday morning to help residents with their technology problems, whether smartphones, tablets or computers.
“The library is just like the engine of a car: it just makes everything else work,” she said. “So it’s (a) really fun part of our community and really important … . We’re just going to have a fabulous, once-in-a-lifetime party. I’m so excited.”
The Village of Tugaske is home to fewer than 100 people, making the library — which also serves Eyebrow and Brownlee — the second-smallest branch in the Palliser Regional Library system. However, the branch’s size does not impede its ability to serve the area.
Research into the library’s history shows it loaned out 500 books in its first year, while during its 49th year last year, it distributed 5,000 reading materials.
“So, it’s very busy (here),” Beaudry remarked. “It’s really fun (and) it’s just a great thing for all ages.”
As to how the library convinced a Montreal-based tea sommelier to come to Tugaske, the head librarian said it’s all about networking. Beaudry — whose favourite tea is peach — explained that she used to teach Miller in Sunday school, while Miller’s father — along with her aunt, the Eyebrow storekeeper — informed her that the woman was working for DAVIDsTEA.
“And so because of our connection from so long ago, she said, ‘Yeah, I’ll fly from Montreal and I’ll come to your tea party … ,’” Beaudry added. “So you know, in Saskatchewan, it’s all about small-town connections.”
People who attend the tea party will have a chance to win a bouquet, courtesy of an Eyebrow business that a 20-year-old woman recently started.
