The Warren Public Library has announced two upcoming community events in May, offering residents opportunities to celebrate literature, creativity and hands-on learning.

On Saturday, the library will host a Mother’s Day Tea and Book Discussion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Jefferson Room. Open to girls ages 10 and up as well as adult women, the event will feature a discussion of “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. Attendance is free, though advance registration is required due to limited seating.

“We selected ‘Little Women’ because it’s a classic American novel and details the daily life of women and girls during the American Civil War,” said Jenn Knisley, the library’s reference and adult services librarian, in a press release. She added that the program is part of the library’s broader effort to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Guests will be served tea along with light refreshments, including finger sandwiches and scones provided by The Arbor Coffee House. Floral arrangements will be supplied by Bough & Bend. Attendees are invited, but not required, to dress in period attire, and accessories such as gloves, shawls, and bonnets will be available for photos.

The event will also include contributions from community members. Volunteer Kitty Hagberg will provide dishes, linens and handmade journals for attendees, while local book club member Kristen Campbell will lead the discussion.

Knisley emphasized that the gathering is open to all. “This event is not limited to just mothers and daughters. Whether you come with your grandmother, aunt, niece, friend, neighbor, mentor or on your own, you are welcome here,” she said.

Later in the month, the library will host a Melt and Pour Soap Class for adults on Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Slater Room. Participants will create two handcrafted soaps to take home. The class requires advance, in-person registration and a $15 nonrefundable fee.

The workshop will be led by Anush Dulgaryan Bruno, owner of Sealed by Nature. According to Knisley, the class typically costs $30, but the library is subsidizing half the fee thanks to donations from its annual fundraiser.

Library officials encourage early registration for both events, as space is limited. Interested participants can sign up online for the tea event or visit the reference room of the library to register for the soap-making class. For additional information, residents can contact the library directly by phone, (814) 723-4650, or email adult@warrenlibrary.org.