For the fourth year in a row, the Gladys Kelly Library in Webster will host its annual fundraising event showcasing the talents of the area’s local florists and creative artists. 

Elaine Davies, chair of the Bites, Books and Blooms planning committee, was instrumental in beginning this event three years ago. After admiring the Art in Bloom displays at the Worcester Art Museum and elsewhere, Davies thought, “Why not invite people to apply floral representation to favorite books or poems and display them at the library for the community to admire?” 

That is how Books and Blooms began, but what about Bites? “If you want to have a fundraiser, of course you have to have good food,” continued Davies. Just like last year, that means delicious hot and chilled hors d’oeuvres from Eighty Ates of Webster. In fact, one could keep the alliteration going with Beverages (cash bar also from Eighty Ates) and live Band (the smooth sounds of Rio Flow, formerly the Carlos Odria Trio).

It will be a delightful evening wandering through the displays, sitting down with friends for a bite and a drink, and just relaxing to light jazz. We asked Elaine a few more questions, specifically about the 2026 event.

Do you have anything special this year for Bites, Books and Blooms?

“Yes. To kick off Bites Books and Blooms week, Diana Hart Smith, a Sogetsu Master of Ikebana—the art of Japanese floral design— is coming from Washington, D.C. on Monday, September 21, to explain and demonstrate the art from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Sogetsu School is interesting because its creed is ‘Any time anywhere, by anyone, with anything.’ Sogetsu designers use flowers, fruits, vegetables, and assemblages of unconventional things - clock parts, metal tubes, electronic components, etc. - to construct designs. The arrangements will stay in the library for public viewing through the BB&B event and there will be a door prize of one of the arrangements. 

“Second, thanks to the Szczepanski family, the Community Room will be full of the beautiful floral paintings of the late local artist and former art teacher Francis Szczepanski. Last year his paintings of historical Webster were exhibited and were quite the hit with a large gathering of locals at a presentation featuring the history of Webster as portrayed by Mr. Szczepanski. 

“And of course, as our normal warmup — in the library there will be a display of books recommended by our town and state leaders during the month of September.”

What can we expect from the 2026 crop of Books in Bloom?

“When we started the process this year, we suggested that people honor the richness of American literature since it was the 250th Anniversary of America. And we will have some American classics like Little Women, Casey at the Bat, and The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. As in every past year, we will honor our namesake, Gladys E. Kelly, with one of her favorite poems, ‘Summer Shower’ by Emily Dickinson. There will be an American take-off on Sherlock Holmes introducing his wife. But there will also be other favorites like Pride and Prejudice and Lord of the Flies.”

Anything else to add?

“The Friends of the Library want to keep the excellent programs offered by the library to all generations free. This is a fundraiser. So buy your ticket now! Most of the floral books in bloom will be raffled. Thanks to many local businesses and Friends of the Library there will be plenteous raffle baskets available and a door prize.

“And since our intent is also to encourage reading and creativity — especially in our youth — the Books in Bloom will remain on site in the library for one day after the event—Thursday, September 24 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Grateful thanks go to our Planning Committee members, faithful volunteers, and all who support this effort.”

Tickets for the Bites, Books & Bloom gala, at $50 each, may be purchased on the library’s website, gladyskellylibrary.org or in person at the library, 2 Lake Street, Webster. While the Ikebana demonstration is free, please register to attend on the library’s website.