LITERARY LIONS LUNCHEON

THANK YOU!

Thank you for joining us on Wednesday at the Literary Lions Luncheon, where we celebrated National Library Week and 75 years of Friends of the Dallas Public Library!

Nearly 300 library advocates gathered at the stunning Arts District Mansion for an inspiring afternoon featuring a special guest speaker and Dallasite, Ben Fountain. His inspiring words reminded us of the importance of our work—advocating for the Dallas Public Library and ensuring it remains a thriving, equitable resource for all. Ben spoke passionately about how libraries empower individuals, strengthen communities, and preserve democracy. It was a powerful reminder of why your support—and our mission—matters more than ever.

We’re incredibly grateful to all who attended, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and donors who made this momentous event possible.

We’d also like to recognize an Anonymous Donor whose generosity gifted everyone in attendance a one-year Friends Membership, immediately increasing our community of library advocates and supporters. Check out photos from the event below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling author Ben Fountain is the event's keynote speaker. with a message about the importance of libraries.

Fountain , a PEN/Hemingway Award winning author is an advocate for libraries and values the importance of reading and literature. In 2024,

Fountain was nominated for Texan of the Year by the Dallas Morning News and his most recent book, the novel Devil Makes Three, was a national bestseller, a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice, and named one of the best books of the year by the Washington Post and Atlanta Constitution-Journal.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Arts District Mansion

A Joyous Celebration of Libraries, Literature & 75 Years of

Filling potholes in the streets is important. Filling potholes in our brains is even more important, which makes Dallas Public Library one of the most essential