The New York Public Library’s annual Library Lions Gala brought guests to its Fifth Avenue landmark on the eve of Election Day for an evening honoring six figures from literature and the arts: Joy Harjo, Stephen King, George Packer, Aaron Sorkin, Martha Stewart and Jesmyn Ward.
The black-tie event raises funds for the library’s work across its 92 locations, including supporting lifelong learning. For the occasion, the Rose Main Reading Room was set for dinner, while the celebration continued in Astor Hall.
Library leaders connected the gala’s mission with the importance of civic participation and democracy. Board of Trustees chair Abby Milstein said the library could embrace new technology while remaining a place for free expression, knowledge and learning, with access and opportunity for all. President Anthony Marx described trustworthy information as a public good and a foundation for an informed democracy.
The six honorees appeared in a video during the program. Aaron Sorkin said libraries are essential to both a literate society and a democracy, warning that reduced investment and political efforts to control library collections weaken democratic institutions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also spoke, criticizing attempts to censor teachers and ban books.
The evening celebrated the personal and communal value of libraries as well. George Packer described the shared experience of reading alongside strangers, while Stephen King recalled meeting his wife at the Fogler Library in Maine. Jesmyn Ward remembered being struck by the Rose Main Reading Room and its sense of safety and wonder.
The gala also paid tribute to Dolly Parton for her work promoting access to books. Her Imagination Library has distributed more than 300 million books, according to the event’s account. A string quartet performed arrangements of Parton’s songs before guests moved from the Reading Room to an after-party hosted by the Young Lions.
Joy Harjo reflected on the library as a place where stories, history and cultures come together, calling for a shared account that includes everyone and tells the truth.
Sources: Vogue.