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Abby Milstein, Chair of the New York Public Library, opens the annual Literary Lions Benefit

November 18th, 2025
Abby Milstein, Chair of the New York Public Library
Abby Milstein, Chair of the New York Public Library

On November 3, 2025, the New York Public Library held its annual Literary Lions Benefit, raising $3.4 million for this vital New York institution.  Those honored included Louise Erdrich, Daniel Kehlmann, James McBride, James Patterson, Shonda Rhimes, and Bruce Springsteen.  Mr. Springsteen surprised the guests with a solo acoustic performance of “Thunder Road.”

The annual benefit often falls on the same week as Election Day and, in her opening remarks, Chair Abby Milstein noted, “We’re all gathered at the library on the eve of a very consequential election, but whatever the outcome, the new mayor will lead a city that loves its libraries.”

New York Times – A Room Springsteen Had Never Played Before: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/style/nypl-gala-bruce-springsteen.html

 

From left to right: Tony Marx, Daniel Kehlmann, Bruce Springsteen, Shonda Rhimes, James McBride, Abby Milstein, Sylvain Costof
From left to right: Tony Marx, Daniel Kehlmann, Bruce Springsteen, Shonda Rhimes, James McBride, Abby Milstein, Sylvain Costof

 

Abby and Howard Milstein
Abby and Howard Milstein

 

Bruce Springsteen performance of “Thunder Road”
Bruce Springsteen performance of “Thunder Road”
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