The New York Public Library is delighted to recognize Harry Belafonte, Hilary Mantel, Javier Marías, Peggy Noonan, and Colm Tóibín as our 2016 Library Lions.
Each fall at its Library Lions gala, The New York Public Library celebrates the exceptional men and women who have forever changed the fields of arts, letters, and scholarship. This display features the remarkable talents of those we are honored to call this year’s Library Lions. This display highlights their work—from early drafts to final realizations—alongside items from the Library’s collections by great luminaries who have influenced their careers. Together, these objects represent a legacy of creativity and inspiration that will continue to influence generations to come.
The Library has been hosting the Library Lions gala—held in our iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building—for 35 years. Renowned artists and wordsmiths such as Gloria Steinem, Kazuo Ishiguro, Junot Díaz, Martin Scorsese, and Zadie Smith are among the notable talents we have honored during this annual tradition. We are proud to continue celebrating these cultural icons who enrich our daily lives through their extraordinary work.