BOULDER LIBRARY GALA

September 18, 2025

BOULDER LIBRARY GALA

September 18, 2025

Shelby Van Pelt, world-renowned author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” will headline:

“The 2025 Boulder Library Gala: Remarkable Night Creatures”

September 18 at 6PM

Boulder Main Library

1001 Arapahoe Ave

“The 2025 Boulder Library Gala: Remarkable Night Creatures” is Boulder’s signature library fundraising event for 2025. On September 18, it will engage readers, community leaders and library supporters for an entertaining evening featuring a best-selling author, food, wine and great company to benefit an educational pillar of our community: The Boulder Public Library.

Tables of 10 are available now and cost $1,250 to $10,000. They can be purchased online, or by calling 720-551-8385, or emailing info@boulderlibraryfoundation.org. A limited number of tables are available at each level. The more you pay, the closer you’ll be to the stage, and the more visibly you or your company will be appreciated in marketing before, during and after the event. Review our Gala Sponsor Guide and purchase your table today!

Individual tickets will go on sale in May and are expected to sell out.

BUY A TABLE

Event Overview

6:00-7:30 p.m. Downstairs Reception

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres at food stations and passed, multiple open bars, gathering areas with open table seating, book signings and various activities to enjoy throughout the stacks.

7:30-8:00 p.m. Move Upstairs

Table sponsors and their guests will find their assigned tables in the transformed upstairs space. Single ticket holders will seat themselves at one of the high top tables. Enjoy wine, dessert and a special additional snack as you mingle and settle in for the evening’s program.

8:00-9:30 p.m. Upstairs Seated Program

While at your seats with continued table service wine, snacks and dessert on hand, the program will commence with Shelby Van Pelt, stories of lives forever changed by the Boulder Public Library and the fundraising portion of the evening.

Fundraising Goals

The Gala will take over both floors of the Boulder Main Library’s southern half. Last year’s sold-out event attracted 400 remarkable night creatures and raised over $125K for our library’s outreach and literacy programs.

Make a splash by helping us raise even more, for our library and community!

Can’t make it to the gala but would still like to donate?

DONATE

Other Event Info

Dress: Cocktail attire (with optional underwater inspiration)

Parking: Click here to be directed to the library website with information about parking. Considering the number of attendees, we are expecting parking to fill up so please plan accordingly.

Bring your ID if you plan on enjoying our signature cocktail or other adult beverage.

Seating: Table sponsors and their guests will have assigned 10 top tables during the upstairs portion of the event starting at 7:30pm. Individual ticket holders will seat themselves at one of the high top options during the upstairs portion of the event starting at 7:30pm. From 6:00 – 7:30pm, the event will be focused downstairs where there will be open seating options for all guests available in several locations as well as high tops to stand by.

If you are unable to sit at a high top stool during the upstairs seating portion of the evening starting at 7:30pm, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate.

Parking spaces for persons with disabilities are located by the main (Arapahoe) entrance. There is an elevator accessible from this entrance and ramp access as well.

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

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 will directly support 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.

DONATE