The Friends sold-out Annual Fundraising Gala on February 23, was an enormous success. In conversation with local author Lucy Burdette, Guest of Honor Ruth Reichl was endlessly interesting as she told us about her life and work. She spoke about how she came to have such an adventurous palate, the thrill of creation and renewal when she was editor of Gourmet, and the many hilarious disguises she wore — and personas she adopted — as the food critic for The New York Times. 

The audience could have listened forever, but then Gala guests were invited outside, where they enjoyed drinks, appetizers, desserts, and music under twinkling lights in the beautiful Palm Garden. The weather was a little uncooperative, but guests clustered around the patio heaters and stayed to the end.

Thank you to our patron members, our business sponsors, the musicians, our board members, the fabulous staff of the Key West Branch. And thank you especially to those of you who came and supported our work. It means so much to the Friends, the library and the community.