The New York Public Library hosts annual Library Lions Gala, complete with star-studded crowd 

On Monday, November 7th, 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 locations.

Over 450 attendees, including New York State Mayor Eric Adams, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and actress Jennifer Morrison, gathered at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building for dinner and a program.

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 locations

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 by a small orchestra up the library’s marble stairs to gather in The Rose Main Reading Room for dinner and a program.

The majestic Beaux-Arts style space was transformed into a breathtaking dining room for the elegant affair.

Tables were lined with textured table clothes decorated to perfection with lush bouquets and fine china, under the room’s 52-foot-tall ceilings.

Caen stone walls were brought to life with dreamy green light reflections.

Mayor Eric Adams declared November 7, 2022 as The New York Public Library Day in the City of New York

The evening included a powerful short film highlighting each of this year’s Library Lions: artist  Laurie Anderson, English scholar Mary Beard, journalist Charles M. Blow, playwright Lynn Nottage, and economist and philosopher Amartya Sen

In true New York fashion, attendees like Italian journalist and Co-founder of George Magazine Stefano Tonchi and art advisor Kim Heirston, were dressed to impress

The program opened with a few words from New York Public Library’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Evan Chesler who then introduced Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer gave remarks on his own experience using libraries as a child growing up in Brooklyn, followed by Mayor Eric Adams who spoke to the incredible opportunities available at the Library.

The politician then declared November 7, 2022 as The New York Public Library Day in the City of New York.

The evening included a powerful short film highlighting each of this year’s Library Lions: artist Laurie Anderson, English scholar Mary Beard, journalist Charles M. Blow, playwright Lynn Nottage, and economist and philosopher Amartya Sen.

Previous honorees include Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Francis Ford Coppola,  Steve Martin, and Martin Scorsese.

Stephen and Christine Schwarzman were black-tie ready for the elegant affair

Actress Jennifer Morrison went for a sleek and chic appearance in a white suit and polka-dot blouse, while Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of online fashion retailer Moda Operandi, Lauren Santo Domingo, donned a ladylike color block evening dress

In addition to raising critical funds for each of the Library’s 92 branches, the annual gala helps support educational programming, and world-renowned research collections used by scholars, writers, artists and students every day.

Support of this event ensures that the Library’s collections, programs, and services remain freely available to all. 

To donate, click here. 

Vogue contributor, Elise Taylor,  wore a white floor-length sequin gown featuring spaghetti straps and a V neckline, accessorized with diamond drop earrings

The guys were also looking dapper, with Real estate developer and art philanthropist Alexander Hankin (left), and clothing designer and breakout star of ‘RHOSLC’ Brooks Marks (right) in sleek suits. American media executive Eric Kuhn (center) donned a tuxedo

Library Lion recipient Charles M. Blow looked sharp in a crisp tuxedos to receive his award

Socialite Danielle Hankin (left) , Philanthropist Lizzie Asher (center) and Strategy consultant Mercedes de Guardiola (right) dazzled in The Rose Main Reading Room

In true New York fashion, attendees like Elise Taylor were dressed to impress.

The Vogue contributor wore a white floor-length sequin gown featuring spaghetti straps and a V neckline. She completed the elegant ensemble with large drop earrings and a swipe of red lipstick.

Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of online fashion retailer Moda Operandi, Lauren Santo Domingo, looked incredible in a color block evening dress boasting an A-line silhouette.

Actress Jennifer Morrison went for a sleek and chic appearance as she swooped her hair up in a white suit and polka-dot blouse for the special occasion.

The guys were also looking dapper, with Real estate developer and art philanthropist Alexander Hankin, and clothing designer and breakout star of ‘RHOSLC’ Brooks Marks in smart suits.

Library Lion recipient Charles M. Blow and American media executive Eric Kuhn opted for sharp tuxedos.

Pictured: Eleanor Morgan, Howard Morgan, Tony Marx, Abby Milstein and Paul Goldberger

The glamorous evening concluded with the Young Lions afterparty in Astor Hall

The glamorous evening concluded with an afterparty in Astor Hall. 

Guests enjoyed dessert and cocktails, alongside music and dancing to DJ Color Love.

This year’s Host-Chairs include Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, Howard and Eleanor Morgan and Mr. James S. Tisch and The Honorable Merryl H. Tisch.  

This year’s Co-Chairs include Abby and Howard Milstein, Katharine J. Rayner, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Schwarzman and Nanar and Tony Yoseloff.