Author Amor Towles to appear at Vive le Livre gala

MADISON – Vive le Livre, or “Long Live the Book,” returns on Sept. 27 as Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s end-of-the-year gala celebrating libraries, books and literacy.

Having reached its 30th anniversary milestone, Vive le Livre is the library’s largest annual fundraiser. “Vive le Livre returns for its 31st year of supporting library programs and initiatives,” director of public relations Melanie Thornton said.”

“Huntsville Library Foundation’s goal is to share with the community the literary world’s best and brightest as we support the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library,” she said.

Amor Towles, world-renowned author of “A Gentleman in Moscow” and “Rules of Civility,” will be guest of honor and keynote speaker. The gala includes a cocktail reception with the author, a gourmet dinner, Towles’ keynote address and a book signing.

Born and raised in the Boston area, Towles graduated from Yale College and received a master’s degree in English from Stanford University. He writes full time and lives with his wife and two children in Manhattan. For more information, visit amortowles.com.

Vive le Livre will be held on Sept. 27 at Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Drive in Cummings Research Park. The evening will begin with an author reception at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a seated dinner at 7 p.m. Towles will speak at 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $125 per person. All proceeds will benefit the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library. The James Cecil and Margaret G. Ashburn Foundation is presenting this year’s event. Linda Akenhead and Marcie Wingo are co-chairpersons.

To buy tickets, visit the downtown Huntsville library or visit huntsvillelibraryfoundation.org/events/vive_ticketsvia.

RSVP deadline is Sept. 15.

In addition, the foundation will reprise the special prize drawing that was so successful in 2016. When buying event tickets, an individual also can purchase a chance to win an item in a prize array. Chances cost $20 each, or six for $100. Organizers also will sell chances at the event.

Event proceeds will pay for the Digital Media Zone, along with programs and resources at all 13 library locations across Madison County. For more information, visit huntsvillelibraryfoundation.org.