The NYPL's Library Lions Gala Turned Into a Mini Bruce Springsteen Concert

The aesthetic inspiration for this year’s gala set-up was the celestial ceiling of the Rose Main Reading Room itself. David Stark Design and Production was on hand to echo the artistry of muralist James Wall Finn by evoking a dream-like environment. The long desks were transformed into light blue velvet-topped tables, embellished with 10,000 garden roses, hydrangeas, ranunculus, and forget-me-nots in sunset hues. Thousands of illuminating candles encased in glass holders bathed the venue in a dusk-worthy glow. The room s famed reading lamps were even given an ephemeral cloud-like makeover with new upholstery, while light projections beamed and bounced across the walls.

The program began with remarks from the NYPL s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Abby Milstein. A short video of the Lions describing how libraries had influenced them and their creative pursuits also regaled the room. “My town only had about 10,000 people, but there in the center of it was the library, and it was this place where the rest of the world was waiting,” Springsteen recalled in the footage. “It gave me this greater sense of possibility… it was a sanctuary.”

“As far as my own writing, what I did was put on my father’s clothes and I wrote in his voice—a very working class voice suffering through the post-industrialization over the past half century,” the New Jersey native continued. “The writer is always at his best when he has something to push up against. And these days there’s a lot for an American writer to push up against in this country, so that’s what I’m inspired to do in the future.”

Before the Lions were welcomed on stage to receive their medals, Anthony Marx, President of the New York Public Library, thanked guests and patrons for their support of the 125-year-old institution—which is more vital than ever. Much to the audience s delight, Springsteen had also agreed to a surprise concert. Before launching into Thunder Road, The Boss paused to acknowledge that while he has played at fireman s fairs, weddings, and bar mitzvahs, and in bowling alleys, pizza parlors, hockey rinks, and football stadiums during his five-decade-long career, this was a career first. “I have never played a f*cking library!”

By 10 p.m., the night was just getting started for some, as the Young Lions after-party took over Astor Hall for dessert and dancing. As others departed the gala, Springsteen s words were still ringing in their ears: “Every time you read a book that has an impact on you, there’s some sense of redefining yourself, your hunger, principles, morals, ethics, and desires. Have a good night—and go read a book!”