BOULDER LIBRARY GALA

BOULDER LIBRARY GALA

Thank you to all of our gala guests & sponsors, our featured author, Shelby Van Pelt, and the numerous library staff members and library volunteers who made the 2025 Library Gala on September 18 in the Main Library such a resounding success. Together we’ve created an event that will provide more than $150,000 to our library’s outreach and literacy programs.

Thanks to Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Bear Gutierrez, we have a gallery of fantastic photos to share with you. Relive the magic of the 2025 Library Gala here.

We have also added the video debuted at the gala, “Lindsey and David’s Library Story: Transforming Lives and Building Community”, to the Boulder Library Foundation’s YouTube channel. Thank you to videographer Eli Millner for his work on this year’s gala video.

Make sure to tune into the Radio Book Club Podcast on KGNU Community Radio, 88.5 FM, on Oct. 23 to hear the live interview with Shelby Van Pelt and Q&A with guests, recorded at the Boulder Library Gala!

To fulfill your paddle pledge or make an additional donation, use the button below, OR direct your donor-advised fund grant / send your personal check to: Boulder Library Foundation | 1001 Arapahoe Ave | Boulder, CO 80302

Contact Chris Barge if you’d like to make a gift of stock.

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About the Book

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” was one of the top three digital titles borrowed from the Boulder Public Library in 2024. The exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope traces a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus. The novel is being turned into a Netflix film starring two-time Academy Award winner Sally Field. Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. Her book, appearance and empowering message provides a perfect backdrop to celebrate a library and foundation on the rise.

Thank you gala sponsors

Event Sponsors

Author Sponsors

Nancy & Larry Wojcik

Book Sponsors

Dee Andrews • Alice Brown • Kitty L. deKieffer • Doug Hamilton

Chapter Sponsors

Chris Barge & Erin Koenig • Jennifer Donath & Karen McClellan • Adriana Farmer • Pati Frey • Hannon-Todd Family • Jim Hooton • MJ Koenig • Lori Lucas • Andy Sayler • Jenny Slade • Judy Underwood • Julie Yates & Tim Breen

In-Kind Sponsors

Additional support from

Looking back at our 50 Year Gala

Thank you to everyone that took part in our 50 Year Gala on September 26, 2024 featuring Bonnie Garmus and stories of lives transformed by the Boulder Public Library. Together, we NETTED more than $125K, after expenses! These proceeds will directly support our library’s outreach and literacy programs.

Our Pulitzer Prize-winning event photographer, Bear Gutierrez, has curated a gallery of his best shots from the evening. Be sure to view the photos here.

Click here to listen to the Radio Book Club interview conducted live at the gala between Bonnie Garmus and Maeve Conran, brought to you by KGNU and the Boulder Bookstore.

Chef Dina Paz

(Pictured on right)

Original recipes for the food and signature drink served at the gala were developed exclusively for this event by chef Dina Paz.

Chef Dina is a self-described food nerd! For over 20 years, she has been a driving force in the food and beverage industry. Her passion lies in creating innovative and delicious food experiences informed by both deep culinary knowledge and cutting-edge insights. Chef Dina’s approach blends artistry with science, resulting in experiences that tantalize taste buds while fostering connection.

She collaborated with our caterers, Community Table Kitchen, to design bites and sips in keeping with the 1950s and ‘60s, when “Lessons In Chemistry” takes place and created a Transformation Lab during the event – exploring and showcasing the chemistry of food.

Bonnie Garmus

(Pictured on left)

“Lessons in Chemistry” was the #1 digital title borrowed from the Boulder Public Library in 2023. Many of you know the story: Set in the early 1960s, Elizabeth Zotts’ dream of being a scientist is put on hold when she finds herself pregnant, alone and fired from her lab. The novel was also turned into a popular mini-series starring Academy Award-winner Brie Larson.

Garmus’ book, appearance and empowering message provided a perfect backdrop to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Boulder Library Foundation.

Last year, the 50 Year Gala took over both floors of the Boulder Main Library’s southern half – on a grander scale than ever – in celebration of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary. We welcomed close to 400 people and exceeded our fundraising expectations, netting more than $125K, after expenses! These proceeds directly supported our library’s outreach and literacy programs. If you missed the opportunity to donate at the event, or want to make an additional contribution, please give today.

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