 LITERARY LIONS A ROARING SUCCESS!
The Literary Lions Gala set a new record for attendance at the March 7 event, with more than 325 guests enjoying good books and great conversation. “It’s always fun being around book-lovers,” said “Literary Lion” Kirby Larson. “I want to be invited back for next year.”
Author Dia Calhoun, one of 30 guest “Lions” at the gala, said “It is such and honor to be a ‘Literary Lion’ and be feted and feasted so marvelously!” A benefit book sale featuring titles by all 30 authors was hosted by Third Place Books before and after dinner. A silent auction with a literary theme included tickets to author events, theater productions of classic books, and art pieces inspired by Banned Book Week.
Everyone’s favorite librarian, Nancy Pearl, emceed the event and regaled the audience with tales from the reading life. Keynote speaker Garth Stein, author of the best-selling novel “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” told guests that his book got published because of connections he made at a previous Literary Lions Gala. “I had just fired my agent because he said this book would never get published. I was chatting with fellow authors at Literary Lions and told them about my book narrated by a dog when author Layne Maheu said, ‘Oh, you should talk to my agent. He sold my book and it’s narrated by a crow!’”
More than $100,000 was raised at Literary Lions, providing vital funding for literacy and learning outreach programs and services for patrons of the King County Library System. Proceeds for Literary Lions enhance the programs and services of the Library System through special projects that respond to community needs. In 2009, the Foundation is sponsoring a variety of activities including:
- Ready to Read, Fiestas de Alfabetización, and Books for Babies deliver reading materials to parents and help them to teach their children important Early Literacy skills.
- Ready-Set-Read! and Global Reading Challenge inspire elementary and middle school students to set reading goals, read for fun, and enhance their skills through friendly competition.
- Study Zones connect tutors in local libraries with students and provide kids valuable mentoring and homework help.
- Read Three, Get One Free rewards busy teens with free prize books when they read and review three books, providing incentives for students to keep reading for fun.
Check back this Fall for information about the 2010 Literary Lions Gala!
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