The New York Public Library’s 2009 Library Lions gala pays tribute to its own homegrown “lions” this year, the true treasures of the Library. Three members of the accomplished staff, whose dedication and expertise have made an impact on innumerable lives, will be honored on Monday, November 2, 2009.

This year’s gala recognizes David Smith, reference librarian at the Library for 31 years, honored alongside renowned writer Annie Proulx, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Shipping News and “Brokeback Mountain”; Julia Chang, Supervising Librarian for Children’s Programs, honored with writer and illustrator Hilary Knight, best known for illustrating the Eloise series; and career specialist Janice Moore-Smith, honored by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

The black-tie gala will be held at the Stephen A. Schwarzman building, located at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. The evening also features “A Bright Future,” a benefit party hosted by the Young Lions, a membership group of New Yorkers in their 20s and 30s who support the work of the Library. Music will be provided by DJ Cassidy, who has manned the turntables all over the world at high profile functions, including the inaugural ball for President Obama.

“The staff members we honor at this year’s Library Lions benefit have immeasurably affected the lives of countless library users,” said Paul LeClerc, President of The New York Public Library. “David Smith has provided invaluable help to researchers in our Stephen A. Schwarzman building, including a loyal cadre of authors who have relied on his expertise. Julia Chang has enlightened the lives of thousands of children throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island with innovative programming that she has planned. And Janice Moore-Smith has been a savior to job seekers in the Bronx. These staff members represent the wide range of New York Public Library employees who are dedicated to providing stellar library service.”

The event’s co-chairs are Mr. and Mrs. Oscar de la Renta; Mr. and Mrs. John B. Hess; Ms. Jurate P. Kazickas and Mr. Roger Altman; Mr. and Mrs. John Paulson; Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Schwarzman; Mr. and Mrs. Felix Rohatyn; and The Honorable Merryl H. Tisch and Mr. James S. Tisch.

The Young Lions benefit party co-chairs are Ms. Emma Bloomberg, Mr. Nick Brown, Mr. Aaron Eckhart, Mr. Michael Hess, Ms. Scarlett Johansson, Mr. Hudson Morgan, Ms. Andrea L. Olshan, and Ms. Jessica Tisch. Vice Chairmen are Ms. Daphne Beal, Ms. Fabiola Beracasa, Mr. Jonathan Groff, Ms. Mamie Gummer, Ms. January Jones, Ms. Zoe Kazan, Mr. Hunter Parrish, Mr. Pablo Schreiber, Mr. John Wray, and Mr. Sean Wilsey.

Décor for the evening will be designed by David Monn. Catering will be provided by Glorious Food.

Cocktails for Library Lions begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Edna Barnes Salomon Room, followed by a dinner and program at 8:00 p.m. in the Deborah, Jonathan F.P., Samuel Priest, and Adam Raphael Rose Main Reading Room. The evening continues with the Young Lions annual benefit party. Cocktails, dessert, and dancing will commence in the Celeste Bartos Forum at 9:00 p.m.

The benefit is expected to raise $2.4 million for the Library’s acquisitions budget. For further information on the Library Lions gala, please call 212.930.0671 or email librarylions@nypl.org.

For information on the Young Lions Benefit Party, please contact 212.930.0856 or younglionsdance@nypl.org.

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Contact:Jennifer Lam 212.592.7700