"Tonight, Tuesday, October 21, The Chicago Public Library Foundation is celebrating storytelling at its annual awards gala. Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author Percival Everett will be honored with the Carl Sandburg Literary Award; Poet Jose' Olivarez will receive the 21st Century Award, and the Civic Award will go to Mary Dempsey, the innovative Former Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library. This is an event that should be on everyone's calendar at least once. Chicago has such a rich, deep and varied literary tradition."
"The reception will be preceded by a parade of 50 Chicago authors, and I am happy to say, that this year I am included in the parade. My book, " It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness " became an indie bestseller. And next April 4, 2026, Chicago will host the Inaugural FECK Awards to shine a light on people living these principles."
"Thursday, October 23, I will be the Keynote Speaker at the Cleveland Public Library Golden Gala. The Gala celebrates the library's commitment to literacy, community engagement and cultural enrichment. The "Golden" signifies that learning is a life-long pursuit. The event also highlights the opportunity to empower older citizens through technology and digital literacy. As my late mother Mrs. Johnnie Mae Hammel used to tell me, "Honey, age is nothing but a number.""
Two public library events occur this week. The Chicago Public Library Foundation annual awards gala on Tuesday, October 21 honors Percival Everett, José Olivarez, and Mary Dempsey. A reception will be preceded by a parade of 50 Chicago authors that includes a participant whose book It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness became an indie bestseller. Chicago will host the Inaugural FECK Awards on April 4, 2026 to recognize people embodying those principles. On Thursday, October 23 the Cleveland Public Library Golden Gala spotlights lifelong learning, community engagement, cultural enrichment, and empowering older citizens through technology and digital literacy.
Read at Roger Ebert
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