Nearly 400 guests gathered at the Main Library on Saturday, November 9, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Nashville Public Library Literary Award and honor acclaimed author James McBride. Co-chaired by Margaret Riley King and Casey King, Joelle and Brant Phillips, and Marie and Charles Sueing, the event raised over $825,000 to support Nashville Public Library’s education and literacy programs. 

For 20 years, the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s signature event has celebrated distinguished authors, sparked enriching conversations about literature, culture, and the human experience, and raised essential funds to support our city’s library. 

This year, stained glass-inspired elements transformed the library, paying homage to the gospel themes in Mr. McBride’s works. The evening featured a performance by Mr. McBride and his six-piece band, bringing the Grand Reading Room to life. The program included readings from Mr. McBride’s latest novel, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, paired with music inspired by the book’s characters. Among the band members was Sophie Meinel, a recent Berklee College of Music graduate, who sang vocals alongside Mr. McBride. 

Carol Yochem, President of First Horizon, unveiled a portrait of James McBride, created by renowned artist Michael Shane Neal, during the evening’s remarks. In 2025, this painting will be added to the collection displayed alongside portraits of all past honorees in the Main Library Conference Center. 

Mr. McBride concluded the evening with an inspiring call to support the Nashville Public Library, emphasizing the vital role of access to information and the need to protect spaces that provide it. This milestone celebrated two decades of fulfilling that mission by raising crucial funds through the Literary Award Gala, symbolizing Nashville’s commitment to preserving our library as a treasured community resource. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2024 Literary Award Gala. Your generosity ensures that the Nashville Public Library has the critical funds necessary to power life skills, literacy, and connection for all.