The Westchester Library System will host its 10th annual African American Writers & Readers Literary Tea on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, the official celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The tea is from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Abigail Kirsch’s Tappan Hill in Tarrytown and if past experience is any indication there will be small sandwiches, many tea selections and divine sweets. A very civilized way to note the day and hear authors talk about their books.

The Literary Tea kicks off a month-long celebration of African American history, literature, and culture throughout Westchester’s 38 public libraries and is co-sponsored by the Westchester County Chapter of The Links, Inc.

“We feel that it’s important to recognize the significant literary contributions made in the African American community. The enthusiasm of the authors, sponsors, and committee members, coupled with the importance of the topic, makes this a truly special event in Westchester,� WLS Director Siobhan A. Reardon said in a prepared statement.

This year’s event will be hosted by Elise Finch, meteorologist for WCBS-TV and chaired by Barbara Edwards, Chair of the Westchester County African American Advisory Board.

Authors to be honored:

•Dominic Carter, a veteran newsman and political reporter, has been with NY1 since the channel was launched in 1992. His book about his life, “No Momma’s Boy,” chronicles his triumphant struggle to overcome his mother’s mental illness while growing up in a Bronx Housing Project.

•Rene Syler, media personality and author, has interviewed First Lady Laura Bush, Sen. John Mc Cain and a host of celebrities. As a current ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and frequent guest on NBC’s Today Show, Syler, is focused on creating a community for moms to discuss the challenges of motherhood and share information, stories, and resources.

•Terrie Williams, publicist and former clinical social worker, uses her therapeutic training to take us into the heart of African American suffering — the heart of “Black Pain.”

•Beverly Jenkins, an African-American historical romance writer, has written 16 books and has received numerous awards for her works, including the Detroit Free Press Book of the Year, three Waldenbooks Best Sellers Awards; two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine; a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer’s Guild, and in 1999, Jenkins was voted one of the top 50 favorite African-American writers of the 20th Century by AABLC, the nation’s largest online African-American book club.

Ticket prices for the tea are $75 for general admission and $100 for Tea Friend, which includes an author reception and a contribution for African American library materials and programs. To purchase tickets, call (914) 231-3226 or online go to www.westchesterlibraries.org