Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Arts District Mansion
A Joyous Celebration of Libraries, Literature & 75 Years
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
Keynote Speaker, Author Ben Fountain
Literary Lions Luncheon: Photo Gallery
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.
Literary Lions Luncheon Video Segments
Guest Speaker Ben Fountain's Remarks
What makes a library a cornerstone of freedom and imagination? Hear it from award-winning author Ben Fountain himself! At our 75th Anniversary Literary Lions Luncheon, acclaimed author Ben Fountain (“Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”) delivered an unforgettable keynote address. His remarks celebrated the power of libraries to inspire, educate, and uphold the freedom to read and explore. His words are a reminder of why supporting our libraries matters more than ever.
RABBI STERN'S REMARKS & INVOCATION
During our 75th Anniversary Literary Lions Luncheon, Rabbi David Stern of Temple Emanu-El delivered a powerful invocation, sharing why libraries matter now more than ever. His inspiring words remind us how libraries open doors, build bridges, and enrich lives across Dallas.
MY LIBRARY & WHY I GIVE
Our Dallas Public Library system provides invaluable resources to our community. From children's events to tax help for adults, there are numerous reasons to invest in our libraries.
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