On Monday, November 8th, The New York Public Library hosted its Library Lions Gala.
The annual event raises critical funds to support the Library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen communities within their 92 neighborhood branches.
Over 350 attendees, including New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, gathered at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building for dinner and a program.
The evening – which celebrated last year’s 125th anniversary of the Library – raised nearly $5.8 million, more than twice its previous record.
On Monday, November 8th, The New York Public Library hosted its Library Lions Gala. The annual event raises critical funds to support the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen communities within their 92 neighborhood branches
Prior to dinner, a lovely cocktail hour was held on the first level of the library, complete with passed hors d’oeuvres and a live string quartet
This year’s Lions honored at the Gala included philanthropic leader Darren Walker (far left), journalist Tina Brown (left) , author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (center), novelist Jonathan Lethem (right). Also pictured Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library (far right)
After 18+ months of dressing from the waist up and very little on the social calendar, New York notables were more than happy to honor the black-tie dress code.
Vogue’s Elise Taylor and founder of The Untitled Space art gallery, Indira Cesarine, stunned in floor-length ballgowns.
Founder/CEO of Magrino Public Relations, Susan Magrino, turned heads as she walked down the famed Library halls wearing a black and white high-low dress, accented with a soft bow tie.
For the very special event, the breathtaking Beaux-Arts space was transformed into an elegant botanical oasis
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the Library for adjusting its approach during the pandemic and thanked his wife, Iris, who serves as the Library’s Chief Operating Officer
Prior to dinner a lovely cocktail hour was held on the the first level of the library, complete with passed hors d’oeuvres and a live string quartet.
Guests were then led up three flights of stairs to one of New York’s most iconic locations: The Rose Main Reading Room.
For the very special event, the breathtaking Beaux-Arts space was transformed into an elegant botanical oasis.
The table settings including a sea of lush bouquets, candles and fruits, decorated to perfection and arranged like a vision, under the room’s 52-foot-tall ceilings featuring murals of vibrant skies and billowing clouds.
Projected images of wild greenery bounced off the lofty walls of the book-lined room.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul spoke to the enduring quality of the library, stating that, ‘this library will endure for another 125 years’
The table settings including a sea of lush bouquets, candles and fruits, decorated to perfection and arranged like a vision, under the room’s 52-foot-tall ceilings featuring murals of vibrant skies and billowing clouds
This year’s Lions honored at the Gala included author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, journalist Tina Brown, novelist Jonathan Lethem, and philanthropic leader Darren Walker.
After the event was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library, started off the evening saying, ‘it’s so wonderful to be gathered again together.’
Marx then introduced Chuck Schumer, who gave personal remarks on his own experience having grown up in Brooklyn and taking out books from the Kings Highway branch.
Schumer praised the Library for adjusting its approach during the pandemic (offering digital services) and thanked his wife, Iris, who serves as the Library’s Chief Operating Officer.
While Founder/CEO of Magrino Public Relations, Susan Magrino, turned heads in the famed library halls wearing a black and white high-low hem dress, accented with a soft bow tie
It was a fashionable crowd with Ted Himler and Elise Taylor (left), and Oliver Smiles and Indira Cesarine
Tony Yoseloff and Nanar Yoseloff looked smashing while honoring the black tie dress code
After 18+ months of dressing from the waist up and very little on the social calendar, New York notables, including Travis Ekmark, Sloan Crosley, Andrew Sean Greer and Enrico Rotelli were happy to honor the black tie dress code
Tony went on to reveal that nearly 20 million have used the digital services in addition to almost 10 million e-book check-outs.
The evening also honored former New York Public Library President Vartan Gregorian, who passed away in April 2021.
A moving video tribute highlighted Gregorian’s tremendous work on behalf of the Library. Following, a short film highlighting each of this year’s Library Lions.
The brilliant event concluded with a live band, dessert and cocktails in Astor Hall.
New York is back!