A Nobel laureate, a Jeopardy! champion and pioneer, two celebrated chefs, two Emmy-winning journalists, and the author of what Vogue called “the sexiest novel of the year” — these are among the 20 honored authors at this much-anticipated annual event! Completing the list are naturalists, storytellers, activists, scholars, and commentators on the wildly diverse world around us.

On Sunday, March 3 over 250 guests gathered after-hours at the Central Library for a glamorous gala featuring a lively meet-the-authors reception, an epicurean meal seated with authors and celebrity hosts. Brian Watt, KQED’s award-winning Morning News Radio anchor, led the festive program that benefitted the Berkeley Public Library.