For more than two decades, the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Literary Award Weekend has celebrated some of the most influential voices in literature while raising critical funds to power programming at NPL. At the heart of the celebration is the Literary Award Gala. The event comes to life after months of planning and design work led by Ginny Warren of Ginny Warren Design and Lacey Fuson in collaboration with the NPLF team.  

This year the Gala brings an exciting opportunity to reimagine the event in a new location while honoring New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles. Due to the ongoing library closure, the Literary Award Gala will be hosted by Montgomery Bell Academy.  

Ginny, an award-winning graphic designer and business owner, has partnered with NPLF on Literary Award Weekend for the past five years. “The NPLF Gala is one of my most creative, collaborative endeavors, and I look forward to it every year,” she shares. Lacey, event planner and owner of Local Event Co., has helped bring the Gala to life for nearly a decade. “After months of planning, endless spreadsheets, and constant order editing, there is nothing better than watching all this hard work and creative passion come to life on the event day,” she reflects.  

The journey begins each spring when the honoree is announced. From that moment, Ginny and Lacey dive headfirst into the creative process of capturing an author’s essence in design. For Ginny, this means immersing herself in the honoree’s world. “I read books, watch lectures, read interviews, and learn about the author’s background. I gather quotes, make notes about common themes, then employ mind-mapping, conceptualization, and sketch ideas with pencil and paper,” she explains.  

Once Ginny’s vision takes shape, it guides every element of the event. Lacey explains that she wants the entire experience, from the initial save-the-date to the final cocktail, to feel cohesive and immersive. Every detail, from the florals and lighting to the linens and music, is chosen to reflect the overarching theme. “The goal is for the entire experience to feel elegant, intentional, and clearly reflective of the honoree,” she says.  

This year’s creative process is inspired by what Ginny calls “the tone of Towles,” which she describes as jazzy, dramatic, and sophisticated. She notes influences from 1920s and 1930s New York City Art Deco as well as Towles’ dynamic narrative style. “Through my designs, I explore his ideas of self-discovery, adventure, the drama of history, socio-economic contrasts, cultural change, adaptation, jazz, Bach, multi-layered eclectic characters, and the pursuit of new causes for happiness and a new sense of purpose,” she adds. Lacey shares how these ideas have influenced her event design. Guests will enjoy color-washed spaces with bold florals and thematic cocktails, while modern touches such as LED screens and innovative lighting bring the design into the present. Together, their work blends art deco glamour with contemporary flair.  

Reflected in their collaboration is the mutual respect Ginny and Lacey have for one another and the love of the Foundation’s mission. Although each Gala brings new challenges, both women find great reward in the work. They are fulfilled not only by the creativity but also by knowing their efforts inspire people to support the library. The Literary Award Gala helps power programs for all ages across Nashville Public Library and ultimately strengthens our city.  

Tickets for the 2025 Literary Award Gala are on sale now. The Gala offers a unique opportunity to celebrate some of the most influential voices in American literature while supporting the programs that enrich the lives of Davidson County residents. Special thanks go to everyone who makes Literary Award Weekend possible, to Montgomery Bell Academy for hosting this year’s Gala, and to Board Chair Lucy Haynes for making the connection.