PEN America Gala Raises $2M Amid Rising Book Bans, Ann Patchett Highlights Free Expression
At the PEN America annual gala held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, author Ann Patchett emphasized the importance of free expression amidst a surge in book bans across the United States. The event, which raised over $2 million, featured notable speakers including Patchett and film producer Jason Blum. The gala highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by writers and journalists globally, as well as the increasing number of books being banned in U.S. schools and libraries. PEN co-CEO Summer Lopez addressed the gathering, underscoring the critical role of free expression in safeguarding other rights. The event also honored Iranian writer-dissidents Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee and Ali Asadollahi, who were unable to attend due to government harassment. The Tennessee-based Rutherford County Library Alliance received the PEN/Benenson Courage Award for their efforts against censorship. 
