Inside the New York Public Library’s Literary Lion’s Gala.
Literary Lion’s Gala, New York Governor Kathy Hochul gave an impassioned speech about just how much the civic institution meant to her as a child growing up in Buffalo.
Traditionally, the annual fundraiser honors writers, authors, and philanthropists with storied careers. On November 8, 2021, that was indeed true—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tina Brown, Jonathan Lethem, and Darren Walker all received the prestigious “Literary Lion” accolade for their tremendous cultural impact and legacies. Each received a thunderous round of applause when Library President Tony Marx said their names over the microphone.
Yet, as Hochul echoed, the night also served to remind just how important the library—which turns 125 this year—is for society. As New York City locked down in March 2020, the 92 locations across the five boroughs were forced to physically shut their doors. Yet, they never closed in spirit. Instead, the library amped up their e-book collection and scanned thousands upon thousands of archive pages for researchers.
Over 350 attendees, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer , David Remnick, Jay McInerney, and Sloane Crosley, attended dinner in the 42nd Street branch’s Beaux-arts style Rose Reading Room. The menu included seared tuna and braised short rib, and afterward, coffee and dessert were served in Astor Hall.
All in all, the night raised over 5.8 million dollars—nearly twice its previous record. “This library will endure for another 125 years,” Hochul said.Speaker of the New York City Council Corey Johnson and Governor Kathy Hochul