Check out highlights from the 2013 Book Lover's Ball

UNCOVER: An evening of literary discovery in support of Toronto’s Library

Literally one of Toronto’s best events!

Fifty two celebrity authors. Over five hundred book lovers. An evening of literary discovery in support of Toronto’s Library. On February 7th, the Toronto Public Library Foundation hosted the eighth annual Book Lover’s Ball at the Fairmont Royal York.

Presented by Sun Life Financial, the black-tie gala brought together book lovers and Canada’s top literary talents including Conrad Black (A Matter of Principle); New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project); author of the upcoming Universal Pictures adaptation The Demonologist, Andrew Pyper; #1 international bestseller Neil Pasricha (The Book of Awesome); Bomb Girls actress Meg Tilly (A Taste of Heaven); “Q” radio personality Jian Ghomeshi (1982); Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson (Persuasion); and The Lang and O’Leary Exchange host Amanda Lang (The Power of Why).

Hosted by Cityline personality Tracy Moore, The Book Lover’s Ball included spectacular novel-inspired entertainment featuring a performance by internationally acclaimed pipa virtuoso Liu Fang and dance, burlesque and live art interpretations of five literary works of authors attending the ball. The evening included a cocktail reception and a dinner menu including delectable hors d’oeuvres inspired by Chatelaine recipes.

The 2013 Book Lover’s Ball raised over $525,000 to help Toronto’s Library – the world’s busiest urban public library system – to enrich the city by making Torontonians more resourceful, more connected and more successful every day. Guests participated in the almost live and silent auctions to bid on items including trips to China, Bermuda, Banff and Las Vegas. Book lovers showed their support of Toronto Public Library by adopting a library branch, program or book in the Adopt A Branch fundraiser, where donations were matched by TD Bank Group (up to $25,000) and raised over $73,000 this year! Foundation funding enables enhanced collections and services, up-to-date technology and revitalized community spaces.