Internationally bestselling author Mitch Albom will help the Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation celebrate four decades of supporting local libraries when Vive le Livre returns next week.
The Foundation’s 40th annual signature fundraiser is set for Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Jackson Center. The evening will include a reception, seated dinner and keynote address from Albom.
Proceeds benefit all 10 branches of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, helping fund books, technology, programs and other resources.
The first Vive le Livre was held in 1987 in the auditorium of what was then the new Downtown Huntsville Public Library. Over the following four decades, the event, whose name means “Long Live the Book,” has grown into the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser.
This year, the Library Foundation has contributed more than $170,000 across the library system, supporting programs and resources including the Digital Media Zone, hoopla, Summer Reading, a new transit van and additional materials for branch collections.
The fundraising comes as use of the library system continues to grow. HMCPL’s 10 branches welcomed approximately 1.45 million visitors last year, with checkouts approaching 3 million items. According to the Foundation, library visits have increased 17% over the past three years.
“We hope you join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating books, authors and the roles libraries play in our community,” Library Foundation Board Chair Mae Adams said.
Albom’s books have sold more than 42 million copies worldwide and have been published in 48 languages. He is perhaps best known for “Tuesdays with Morrie,” the memoir chronicling his conversations with his former college professor Morrie Schwartz.
In addition to his work as an author, journalist, screenwriter and broadcaster, Albom founded SAY Detroit, a nonprofit supporting health, housing and education initiatives, and operates Have Faith Haiti, a home and school for children in Port-au-Prince.
Tickets and additional information for the 40th annual Vive le Livre are available through the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Foundation.
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