Sunday, November 2, 2025
Hosted by The Council of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, an evening of intimate dinners with acclaimed writers supporting the transformative work of the Los Angeles Public Library.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of conversation, community, and celebration of a cause that connects us all.
What Are the Literary Feasts?
The Literary Feasts are the highly anticipated biennial fundraiser that celebrates Los Angeles Public Library. Presented by The Council of the Library Foundation—a group of over 325 civic-minded community leaders who believe in the Library’s ability to transform lives—the Feasts are an extraordinarily unique opportunity. On one special evening, guests choose from multiple exclusive dinners, each featuring a renowned writer and hosted in a beautiful private home or a distinctive location across greater Los Angeles.
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Our hearts are with everyone affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. In times of crisis, libraries are more essential than ever—providing resources, support, and safe spaces for our community to rebuild and stay connected. As we move forward with the Literary Feasts, we remain committed to serving and standing with Angelenos during this challenging time.
While we know that this year’s Literary Feasts must be different, our mission remains unchanged: to raise vital funds for the programs and services that make the Los Angeles Public Library an essential resource for our city. Guests will still gather for a festive meal and lively conversation with a renowned writer in the company of other dedicated library supporters. To launch the Literary Feasts, a spirited Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons will take place at the prestigious California Club, adjacent to the iconic Central Library, the evening before on Saturday, November 1.
Become a Patron Now!
Secure your place at this exclusive, one-of-a-kind event by becoming a Patron today! As a Patron, you’ll be invited to a special Thank You Dinner at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in honor of Patrons, Writers, and Dinner Hosts.
The earlier you donate and the higher the level you sponsor, the better your chances to select from your top choice of dinners!*
*Dinner choices will be available in September.
Host a Literary Feasts Dinner
Open your home to an unforgettable evening of literature, conversation, and fine dining. As a host, you’ll welcome a celebrated writer and a select group of guests for cocktails, dinner, and engaging discussion.
Writers
Writers are storytellers that come in many forms. Previous Literary Feast writers have been winners of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and James Beard Award. They have included U.S. Poet Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and recipients of the National Medal of Arts and Humanities. Some of those authors include A. Scott Berg, Maureen Dowd, Michael Chabon, Jane Mayer, Michael Lewis, Ann Patchett, Scott Turow, Michael Connelly, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Nancy Silverton, and Abraham Verghese. Past writers have included novelists, screenwriters, journalists, scientists, comedians, composers, nonfiction authors, historians, showrunners, talk show hosts, celebrity chefs, podcasters, poets, and more.
"In times of trouble, libraries are sanctuaries."
— Susan Orlean, The Library Book (2018)
Our Purpose
Proceeds from the Literary Feasts will benefit the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) in support of the Los Angeles Public Library’s work to enrich the lives of every Angeleno. The Library offers transformative programs that nurture literacy, inspire imagination, and promote lifelong learning. From Read Baby Read for infants to Teens Leading Change for young learners, the Library fosters curiosity and growth. For adults, programs like Career Online High School and Cybernauts provide vital support for education, digital skills, and career advancement. Read more about the programs that LFLA funds here.
About The Council
In partnership with the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, The Council supports the Los Angeles Public Library by facilitating special programs and fundraising events. Members of The Council serve as ambassadors of the Foundation and the Library and strive to increase public awareness of programs and services available at the Richard J. Riordan Central Library and all 72 branch libraries. Since 1994, The Council has been responsible for raising more than $35 million to fund programs and services for the Los Angeles Public Library.
Become a Literary Feasts Patron
Join us as a Literary Feasts Patron* and make a meaningful impact! Explore our Patron levels below and enjoy exclusive benefits.
*Note: Patrons will be invited to select their dinners in September.
Patron Sponsorship Levels
Become a Literary Feasts Patron today! Here’s an overview of the available Patron levels:
Grand Chef De Cuisine: $250,000 ($247,700 Charitable Contribution)
- Twelve (12) tickets to a Feasts dinner on Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Exclusive access for two (2) to the Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Prominent listing in the Literary Feasts invitation and on all collateral materials sent to Feasts invitees
- Commemorative photo with the writers
Master Chef De Cuisine: $100,000 ($98,000 Charitable Contribution)
- Ten (10) tickets to a Feasts dinner on Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Exclusive access for two (2) to the Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Prominent listing in the Literary Feasts invitation and on all collateral materials sent to Feasts invitees
- Commemorative photo with the writers
Chef De Cuisine: $50,000 ($48,300 Charitable Contribution)
- Eight (8) tickets to a Feasts dinner on Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Exclusive access for two (2) to the Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Prominent listing in the Literary Feasts invitation and on all collateral materials sent to Feasts invitees
Chef De Partie: $25,000 ($23,600 Charitable Contribution)
- Six (6) tickets to a Feasts dinner on Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Exclusive access for two (2) to the Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Prominent listing in the Literary Feasts invitation and on all collateral materials sent to Feasts invitees
Banquet Patron: $12,000 ($10,900 Charitable Contribution)
- Four (4) tickets to a Feasts dinner of one of your top 3 choices on Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Exclusive access for two (2) to the Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Prominent listing in the Literary Feasts invitation and on all collateral materials sent to Feasts invitees
Feasts Patron: $6,000 ($5,200 Charitable Contribution)
- Two (2) tickets to a Feasts dinner of one of your top 4 choices on Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Exclusive access for two (2) to the Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Prominent listing in the Literary Feasts invitation and on all collateral materials sent to Feasts invitees
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Contributions
Please note that we are unable to accept sponsorship donations through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). Per IRS regulations, DAF grants cannot provide a direct benefit to the donor, including sponsorship benefits such as event tickets or other promotional recognition. To comply with these guidelines, we kindly ask that sponsorship contributions be made via personal, corporate, or foundation funds rather than through a DAF.
Giving Through Securities
Donating appreciated stock, mutual funds, or bonds is a tax-efficient way to become a Literary Feasts sponsor. To initiate a gift, please contact The Council Office at 213.228.7506 or email literaryfeasts@lfla.org. Our team will provide you with the necessary securities transfer information to share with your brokerage firm.
Support Without Attending
If you’re unable to attend but still wish to support the Library, you can contribute here.
Questions
If you have any questions about how to support our event, please contact The Council Office at (213) 228-7506 or email literaryfeasts@lfla.org.
What Does It Mean to Host a Literary Feasts Dinner?
Hosting a Literary Feasts dinner means creating an intimate and inspiring evening in your home or a unique venue. As a host, you’ll provide cocktails and a memorable dinner for at least 16 guests, including yourself, the writer, and the writer’s guest. If your space allows, larger gatherings are always welcome!
Evening Format:
6:00 PM – Guest Arrival & Cocktails
6:45 PM – Introductions & Writer’s Reading/Remarks
7:30 PM – Dinner & Dessert
Guest List & Logistics
- A list of guests and their contact information will be provided to hosts two weeks before the event.
- The Literary Feasts committee assigns writers to each dinner, though hosts with personal connections to notable authors may request approval to invite them.
Additional Host Considerations
Books for Guests – Many hosts choose to provide a copy of the writer’s book for each guest as a special keepsake. Parking & Valet – If parking is limited, hosts may choose to arrange valet service. Writer Travel & Stay – Some hosts opt to cover their writer’s travel expenses, frequent flyer miles, or accommodations, but this is not required.
Tax Information
Dinner expenses will be deductible to the extent provided by law. After the event, dinner hosts will receive a letter to be used for tax purposes.
Exclusive Thank You Dinner
As a valued host, you are invited to a special Thank You Dinner at The California Club on Saturday, November 1, celebrating our Writers, Hosts, and Patrons.
Interested in Hosting?
If you are interested in becoming a host or would like to learn more, contact literaryfeasts@lfla.org to be connected with the Host Chair.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Council?
The Council is the Library Foundation’s premier fundraising group, supporting the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library and 72 branches. This group of ambassadors are steadfast champions of the Los Angeles Public Library’s impactful work.
Who is on this year's Literary Feasts Executive Committee?
The 2025 Literary Feasts Executive Committee is made up of volunteer leaders who serve as our most dedicated Library ambassadors. The committee includes Mary Anne Roberto (Chair), Betsy Applebaum (Vice Chair and Patron Chair), Beth Michelson (Council President), Nancy Koven (Council Chair), Ela Jhaveri (Council Vice Chair), Judy Beckmen (Patron Vice Chair), Kelly Anderson (Writer Chair), Diana Allan (Writer Vice Chair), Patty Elias (Host Chair), Elizabeth Toms (Host Vice Chair), and Ames Cushing (Member at Large).
When are the Literary Feasts dinners?
Sunday, November 2, 2025.
When will the Thank You Dinner for Writers, Hosts, and Patrons take place?
Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the California Club.
How can I recommend a potential Writer?
You can contact The Council office at 213.228.7506 or email literaryfeasts@lfla.org to connect with the Writer Chair.
How can I become a Host?
You can contact The Council office at 213.228.7506 or email literaryfeasts@lfla.org to connect with the Host Chair. Learn more here.
How do I become a Patron?
Please contact The Council office at 213.228.7506 or email literaryfeasts@lfla.org to connect with the Patron Chair. Learn more here.
