The 15th annual Los Angeles Public Library Awards Dinner was held Wednesday, May 19th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Close to 400 people attended the literary affair, which raised funds to assist the Los Angeles Public Library in providing literacy programs, books, materials, activities and public access to the latest electronic information resources.

Jeff Brown, Chairman of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles gave The Ahmanson Foundation the Light of Learning Award for its outstanding contribution to reading, libraries, and learning. In accepting the award, William Ahmanson, president of the Foundation, pointed out that libraries are changing with the times—providing access to public computers, online homework help, valuable databases, emedia of all kinds, historical photos and more.

Martín Gómez, City Librarian, presented Stephen King, one of the most successful authors in the world, with the prestigious Los Angeles Public Library Literary Award for his tremendous contribution to literature. “Libraries are the reason I am here”, the famous novelist stated. He fondly remembered reading musty, dog-eared detective book club trilogies, Ellery Queen, Raymond Chandler and Earl Stanley Gardner from the small library in his rural Maine town. “These books opened a whole new world to me”. After reading the Frank Norris thriller, McTeague, King thought to himself, “I want to do this!” It was a life changing experience for him.

For more information on the Library Awards Dinner, please contact Charie Laugharn, Executive Assistant to The Council and Special Events Coordinator, at (213) 228-7506.

Past Awards Dinner Honorees:

Support for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles is direct support for the Los Angeles Public Library. Every dollar counts. Your gift to the Library Foundation helps the Los Angeles Public Library grow stronger.