The ninth annual Literary Libations Gala Fundraiser hosted by Kent District Library is happening in just over one month, but the line-up of authors has changed.
Lynne Olson, author of Empress of the Nile, will not be able to attend as originally scheduled due to an unforeseen situation. But when one beloved author exits a literary event, another one is sometimes available to fill the vacancy.
"We're excited to announce that Thao Thai will be joining the gala this year," says Josh Mosey, KDL's Digital Marketing Strategist and member of the gala planning committee. "Upon learning that Lynne had to bow out in order to care for her family, we reached out to our friends in the publishing community to help us fill the gap. We were ecstatic when Harper Collins Publishers helped us get Thao involved."
Thao Thai is the debut author of Banyan Moon, a TODAY Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick. A recipient of the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, she has also been nominated for multiple Pushcart Prizes and earned fellowships in creative writing. The Washington Post describes Banyan Moon as "An intimate account of one family’s planting of roots in American soil and the sacrifices great and small that each member makes along the way.”
"There's already a long hold list on Banyan Moon," says Randy Goble, Director of Engagement at KDL. "That means people are eager to read her book. I know I'll be excited to hear her talk about it at the gala."
Thao Thai will be joined on the stage at the JW Marriott on Tuesday, September 19 by other bestselling authors, including Susie Finkbeiner, author of The All-American, Willie Horton, author of Willie Horton: 23 and Stephen Graham Jones, author of Don’t Fear the Reaper. Each guest will receive one featured book, and books will be available for purchase at the event.
Proceeds from Literary Libations will support KDL programs and services. Tickets can be purchased at kdl.org/gala. Tickets are $175 per person.
