Author to help fill ‘potholes in our brains’

By Hailey Francis

The Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL) announces its upcoming Literary Lions Luncheon on Wednesday, April 9, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the organization and honoring the founding individuals and families of FoDPL. 

The event falls during National Library Week, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role of libraries, librarians and library workers in our lives and communities organized by the American Library Association. 

The luncheon will take place at the Arts District Mansion at 2101 Ross Avenue in Dallas from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will feature a keynote address from PEN/Hemingway Award winning author Ben Fountain. 

Fountain, a North Carolina native who lived in Dallas for several decades, is an advocate for libraries and values the importance of reading and literature. In 2024, Fountain was named a finalist for Texan of the Year by The Dallas Morning News Editorial Board, and his most recent book, the novel “Devil Makes Three,” was a national bestseller, a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice, and named one of the best books of the year by the Washington Post and Atlanta Constitution-Journal.

“Filling potholes in the streets is important. Filling potholes in our brains is even more important, which makes Dallas Public Library one of the most essential institutions in our city,” Fountain said. “It’s my great pleasure to work with the Friends of the Dallas Public Library to help ensure that this essential civic enterprise continues to survive and thrive.”

Proceeds from the Literary Lions Luncheon will benefit the city’s 29 branch libraries, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, and its nearly 450 staff members. Sponsorships are available. Visit bit.ly/literarylions for more information on underwriting and donations. The funds raised will also contribute to the many educational programs offered by DPL, helping to elevate literacy and education throughout the Dallas community.

Tickets for this event are available for purchase now, and community members are encouraged to attend and show their support for Dallas Public Library. For more information or to secure your tickets and sponsorships, please contact Friends of the Dallas Public Library at 214-670-1458, email [email protected], or visit www.supportdpl.org/literary-lions-luncheon-1.

“Relaunching the Friends of the Dallas Public Library’s Literary Lions Luncheon during National Library Week is the perfect way to celebrate our 75th year of supporting Dallas Public Library,” said Mary Wilonsky, executive director of FODPL. “With acclaimed author Ben Fountain as our keynote speaker, we’re excited to bring together advocates, donors and library lovers to honor the library’s past and rally for its future.”

Founded in 1950 by prominent Dallasites, including Stanley Marcus, Leon Harris, Everette DeGolyer, and Rabbi Levi Olan, Friends of the Dallas Public Library is dedicated to advocating for the vital role of libraries in the community. Through fundraising and grant acquisition, the organization provides essential support for programming, staff development and other critical needs. Visit supportdpl.org.