Well, this is lovely — I’ve been invited to be an honored guest at the Chicago Public Library’s 18th annual Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner, on October 9th. I’ll be one of 85 authors and creatives with ties to Chicago — each of us is seated at a table with a dozen attendees, so they get a little ‘taste’ of Chicago’s literary scene.
“This year’s Carl Sandburg Literary Award will be presented to beloved author Judy Blume and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Author and poet Erika L. Sanchez will receive the 21st Century Award, presented for recent achievements by a Chicago writer. The evening is produced by Library Foundation board member Donna LaPietra and emceed by Bill Kurtis, and will feature a conversation with Blume and Tyson moderated by National Public Radio host Scott Simon.”
It’s the major fundraising event for the library, with ticket sales beginning at $1250. Eep. It raises almost $2 million for library learning initiatives. Ticket sales open in August.
The real question — anniversary party formal dress, or fancy sari? They apparently introduce each of us on stage. I think I have to go with fancy sari — but which one? (I will probably poll you all closer to the date. 
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