On March 1, the Friends of the Key West Library’s most generous supporters gathered for a cocktail party at the home of Friends board member Elise Hart Kipness and her husband Rob Kipness (top right) for a glorious evening that was as memorable as it was meaningful.

The highlight of the night was a live ceviche demonstration by Sam Sifton — founder of New York Times Cooking and current host of the Times’ The Morning newsletter — who brought his legendary warmth and culinary expertise to the occasion. Working with the freshest local ingredients, Sifton (in checked shirt) prepared ceviche tableside for the assembled guests, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly captured the spirit of Key West. “This is not a fisherman’s ceviche made right on the dock,” said Sam, “but a recipe that’s a little more nuanced.” Wingman Brendan McCarthy (in pink shirt) filled shot glasses with ceviche that were passed to each guest.

The evening was a testament to the extraordinary community that continues to rally around the Key West Library. Surrounded by fellow readers, thinkers, and champions of literacy, donors were reminded of exactly what their generosity makes possible — a library that serves as the cultural and intellectual heart of this remarkable island. “We have you all to thank for so much,” said Friends President Barbara Ross, who enumerated the many achievements of the year, including staggeringly high usage figures at the library, as well record-breaking book sales and a return to pre-Covid audience numbers at the Friends popular Speaker Series.