We are thrilled to announce Library Laureates 2025, an evening of celebration, renewal, and growth that honors both the San Francisco Public Library and the vibrant literary world of San Francisco. The Library is a steadfast presence in uncertain times and a guiding light for our community. As it blossoms with new possibilities to meet the ever-changing needs of our time, the Library continues to foster curiosity, equity, and opportunity for all, serving as a cornerstone of democracy and lifelong learning. 

Library Laureates 2025 will recognize 30 Bay Area writers and creatives who illuminate our world through their books, poetry, and other creative work. These Laureates inspire us to reflect on our experiences, understand diverse perspectives, and envision a brighter future built on empathy, knowledge, and connection. 

Since 1961, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library has worked to support one of the world’s most successful library systems by advocating for the institution and raising funds for vital programs and infrastructure. Proceeds from this year’s event will support key Library initiatives, including children and youth programs, lifelong learning, arts and culture, and continued renovations of Library branches. 

As a sponsor, you’ll enjoy the signature experience of dining at a table with a Laureate—one of the Bay Area’s most esteemed writers and creatives. The evening will begin with an exclusive Sponsor Reception featuring the Laureates, Event Co-Chairs, the Board of Directors of Friends, City Librarian Michael Lambert, and Library Commissioners. 
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Corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are available now. Additional details about the programs funded by event proceeds can be found at FriendsSFPL.org/WhatWeFund. 
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Spring Awakening
A Tribute to San Francisco
Libraries in Bloom
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Saturday, May 3, 2025
San Francisco Main Library
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM 

Co-Chairs 
Roselyne Chroman Swig
Susan Swig
Adam Swig 
San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim

Honorary Committee
(as of March 18, 2025)
Juana Alicia
Robert Mailer Anderson
Lisa Brown
William & Ruth Eisenberg
Kate Goldstein-Breyer
Daniel Handler
Luis Herrera
Michael Lambert
Daphne Li
Nicola Miner
Sarah Smith Jones
Kristi Yamaguchi
Connie Wolf
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Sponsor Packet

Sponsor Form

From left: Former City Librarian Luis Herrera, Event Chair Roselyne Chroman Swig, and Friends' Director of Finance Bob Daffeh

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Friends of the SF Public Library
Library Laureates 2025

Kevin Adler – When We Walk By

Robert Mailer Anderson – My Fairy Godfather

Katy Hays – Saltwater

Leticia Hernández-Linares – Alejandria Fights Back! / ¡La Lucha de Alejandria!

E. Hughes – Ankle Deep in Pacific Water

R. O. Kwon – Exhibit

Dorothy Lazard – What You Don't Know Will Make a Whole New World

Genny Lim – Window glimpses of our storied past

Alexis Madrigal – The Pacific Circuit

Lauren Markham – A Map of Future Ruins: On Borders and Belonging

Abi Maxwell – One Day I'll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman: A Mother's Memoir

Tomas Moniz – All Friends Are Necessary

Hieu Minh Nguyen – Not Here

Kenard Pak – Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer

Beverly Parayno – Wildflowers

Samantha Rajaram – The Company Daughters

Cathy Park Hong – Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning

Ingrid Rojas Contreras – The Man Who Could Move Clouds: A Memoir

Sam Sax – Yr Dead

Rebecca Solnit – Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility

Lava Thomas – Homecoming and Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman (the Dr. Maya Angelou Monument at San Francisco Public Library)

Jim Van Buskirk – There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network

Hetal Vasavada – Desi Bakes: 85 Recipes Bringing the Best of Indian Flavors to Western-Style Desserts

Steve Wasserman – Tell Me Something, Tell Me Anything, Even If It's a Lie

Colin Winnette – Gainesville

Alice Wong – Disability Intimacy: Essays on Love, Care, and Desire

​(as of March 18, 2025)

Library Laureates 2025 Sponsorship Benefits & Tickets

All sponsors who commit by Monday, March 17, 2025, will be listed in the event invitation. 

• Call or email Sharon Chen, Development Associate at 415-477-5232 or [email protected], including questions about paying for sponsorships through a DAF or foundation. (The fair market value of goods and services exchanged is $309 per sponsor attending the event.) ​
• Make a convenient online payment here.​

Sponsor Form

Sponsor Packet

Online Payment

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$50,000 
​LEAD EVENT SPONSOR  

• Top billing as event sponsor 
• Full-page acknowledgment in program and event website 
• Acknowledgment from the podium 
• First choice of Laureate at your table 
• Invitation for 8 guests to the Sponsor Reception with Laureates 
• Table of 10 for dinner, with 8 seats for you and your guests, a Laureate, and their guest 
• Complimentary signed copy of your chosen Laureate’s book or creative work for each guest ​

$25,000 
​LIBRARY SALON SPONSOR

• Salon room where dinners take place named for you  
• Half-page acknowledgment in program and event website  
• Acknowledgment from the podium  
• Ability to request a specific Laureate at your table  
• Invitation for 8 guests to the Sponsor Reception with Laureates  
• Table of 10 for dinner, with 8 seats for you and your guests, a Laureate, and their guest 
• Complimentary signed copy of your chosen Laureate’s book or creative work for each guest ​

$15,000 
​LEADERSHIP SPONSOR

• Placement of name/logo on a table  
• Quarter-page acknowledgment in program and event website  
• Acknowledgment from the podium  
• Ability to request a specific Laureate at your table  
• Table of 10 for dinner, with 8 seats for you and your guests, a Laureate, and their guest
• Complimentary signed copy of your chosen Laureate’s book or creative work for each guest ​

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$10,000 
PARTNER SPONSOR

• Acknowledgment from the podium 
• Placement of name/logo in the program and acknowledgment on the event website 
• Table of 10 for dinner, with 8 seats for you and your guests, a Laureate, and their guest 
• Complimentary signed copy of your chosen Laureate’s book or creative work for each guest ​

$5,000 
​INNOVATION SPONSOR

• Placement of name/logo in the program and acknowledgment on the event website 
• Half-table for dinner, with 4 seats for you and your guests, a Laureate, and their guest 
• Complimentary signed copy of your chosen Laureate’s book or creative work for each guest ​

$2,500 
ACTIVATION SPONSOR

• Placement of name/logo in the program and acknowledgment on the event website 
• Two tickets for dinner
• Complimentary signed copy of your chosen Laureate’s book or creative work for you and your guest​