Guest of Honor: Ruth Reichl
2026 Annual Fundraising Gala with Guest of Honor Ruth Reichl
Monday, February 23, 2026
Interview with Ruth Reichl: 6–7 PM
Magical Party in the Library’s Palm Garden: 7–9 PM
Discounted tickets for members of the Friends for the author interview and party are available through KeysTix here. Buy your tickets early. This event always sells out.
Tickets for the talk and gala for non-members and tickets to attend the free talk-only portion of the evening go on sale for members and non-members on January 1.
Not a member? Consider joining. This event has sold out for four years in a row.
The Friends of the Key West Library are delighted to welcome Ruth Reichl—beloved writer, editor, and culinary icon—as our Gala Guest of Honor. Former restaurant critic for The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, and longtime Editor in Chief of Gourmet magazine, Ruth has transformed the way Americans think about food. She is the author of five bestselling memoirs, including Tender at the Bone and Save Me the Plums, and the winner of seven James Beard Awards, including the 2024 Lifetime Achievement honor. Her newest projects include The Paris Novel and the acclaimed documentary Food and Country, both released in 2024.
After her interview, join us for a magical evening in the Palm Garden—with delectable nibbles, island-inspired drinks, twinkling lights, and the chance to rub shoulders with Ruth Reichl herself. It’s a celebration of great books, great food, and the joyful spirit of our little pink library.
Past Galas
2025
The 2025 Friends Annual Author Talk and Fundraising Gala is in the books! We sold out for the fourth year in a row. Thank you to all who participated, members, guests, library staff, our board, Books & Books, our sponsors, and especially Lucy Burdette and our fabulous guest author Ann Cleeves.
With mystery writer Ann Cleeves as guest speaker and honoree, the Friends of the Library’s fourth annual Gala, held on February 3, was a glittering success. The evening began with Ann greeting her audience for the talk portion of the evening at the library’s entrance. In answer to Friends president Roberta Isleib’s interview questions, Ann spoke of her many writing years toiling in obscurity. Her first Vera book, The Crow Trap, was discovered in a thrift store bin by a television producer, looking for something to read on holiday.
Ann Cleeves would, of course, become the New York Times bestselling author behind two hit television series — the BBC’s Shetland, starring Douglas Henshall, and ITV’s Vera, staring Brenda Blethyn. Recently, to her long list of awards, she added an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours List, bestowed by the Queen, after cheekily insisting that the recognition go “for services to Reading and Libraries.”
Following the talk, the celebrated Gala honoree, our wonderful sponsors, and audience members stepped into the Library’s Palm Garden, which had been transformed into a fairyland. Plentiful hors d’oeuvres and libations were passed, while Ann charmed Friends who had gathered to celebrate their little pink library.
For their support of the event, we thank our sponsors: Preferred Properties, Local Guy Design, Truman & Company, Fautos Food Palace, The Mansion on the Sea, Publix Supermarkets Charities, Blue Marlin Jewelry, It’s Social Time Somewhere, Hands On Gallery, droneandphoto.com, and Ambrosia Inn, as well as the following individuals: Tom & Kitty Clements, John & Carolyn Sangston, Kathleen Bratton & Brian Wruble, Dennis & Judy Dutterer, Roberta Isleib & John Brady, Susan & Kevin McGreevy, and Pat Kennedy. Proceeds from the Gala support the library’s collections and services.
2024
2022 & 2023
Our 2023 guest was Carl Hiaasen and it was an incredible evening in Key West. In 2022, we hosted Sam Sifton, the founding editor of New York Times Cooking for a fabulous evening of talk and food and talk about food.
