On November 2, we will be recognizing five outstanding individuals for their achievements in the fields of art, culture, scholarship, and letters by naming them Library Lions at The New York Public Library's annual Library Lions gala.

This year, we are proud to recognize as our 2015 Library Lions:

• Alan Bennett, award-winning author and playwright
• Judith A. Jamison, heralded dancer and choreographer
• Maira Kalman, celebrated author and illustrator
• Karl Ove Knausgaard, groundbreaking novelist
• Gloria Steinem, world-renowned activist and author

​For over 30 years, the Library has honored those who have made significant contributions to New York City and to the creative community at large by naming them Library Lions, with previous honorees including South African President Nelson Mandela, author Elie Weisel, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and director Martin Scorcese. Margaret Atwood, Dave Eggers, Kazuo Ishiguro, Robert B. Silvers and Anna Deavere Smith were last year’s Library Lions.

Congratulations to all five 2015 Library Lions honorees.

Learn more about our Library Lions gala, to be held November 2, 2015.

There is also an exhibition in the McGraw Rotunda on the third floor of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This display highlights the extraordinary talents of our 2015 Library Lions. As guest curators, each Lion selected two items: one that is directly connected to their own body of work—from early drafts to final realizations—and one that inspires them from the Library's renowned collections. Together, these objects represent a legacy of creativity and inspiration that will continue to influence generations to come. Learn more here.