Brooklyn Public Library Hosts 14th Annual Gala 11/18

On November 18, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) will break from tradition as it hosts its 14th Annual Gala, "Reading the Future" at the trendy Brooklyn Bowl, located on Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg. The event will mark the first time BPL has hosted its Annual Gala at a place other than Central Library's Grand Lobby, which is being prepped to undergo a transformation to a new state-of-the-art Information Commons.

Emmy-nominated actress Hope Davis will host the evening's cocktail party and dinner, beginning at 6 PM. Sharon Jones & The Dap- Kings will keep the crowd entertained with their music as guests enjoy food from Blue Ribbon. Performance artists, "The Bumbys," will captivate guests with their quick- witted personalized poems dashed off from a manual typewriter.

"Brooklyn Public Library is a place on the move: serving more people and helping to change more lives than ever before in its history," said Anthony W. Crowell, Chair, Brooklyn Public Library Board of Trustees. "This is going to be a fun evening at an exciting venue with people who share a passion and commitment to support the Library and promote its fundamental role for our many communities, now and in the future."

"I am looking forward to my first Brooklyn Public Library Gala. Our largest fundraiser of the year, the gala draws guests from throughout the borough and citywide, including our most loyal patrons, community and corporate leaders, government officials, and members of the civic and philanthropic communities," said Linda E. Johnson, Interim Executive Director of Brooklyn Public Library.

The night will also celebrate the literary and creative spirit of the Library as BPL honors two Brooklyn writers: Brooklyn's Poet Laureate, Tina Chang and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Lynn Nottage.

"The Library has served as a personal space for reflection, inspiration, and it is now a source of education for my growing family. It has solidified and expanded my immense love for words and literature and, in this way, it has guided me to my chosen vocation. I am who I am because of the Library's existence," says Chang.

The evening will also include a silent auction featuring:
• A Set visit for two to the hit television show Gossip Girl
• Premium seats to a Knicks home game and a jersey signed by Amare Stoudemire
• A Personal charter on the New York Water Taxi for 50 guests
• Dinner for four at New York's iconic River Café
• A Baking lesson in your home for you and 20 guests with Matt Lewis owner of Red Hook's acclaimed Baked
• Dinner with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and orchestra seats to her new play By the Way, Meet Vera Stark.

This year's After-Party will be co-hosted by the Desk Set, an informal group of librarians, archivists, Library Science students and other individuals who love books, and will begin at 9PM to keep the fun going and include even more library supporters. The After-Party will offer an open bar until 10PM and an additional performance at 9:30PM by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Tickets are available in advance on Brooklyn Public Library's website for $35 or at the door for $40. After Party guests are invited to stay for the whole night and join the regularly occurring Thursday night party at Brooklyn Bowl, featuring music by DJ Questlove.

100 percent of gala proceeds will support free educational and cultural programs and the purchase of books and materials at all 60 BPL locations.