Patchett pointed out the inarguably unequal health care services available in our society, as well as the fundamental inequalities in educational opportunities and legal services.  On the other hand, for Patchett the public library offers an ideal of equality, a sanctuary open to anyone and a repository of the broadest possible resources for learning, job-hunting help, or limitless entertainment.

Patchett also discussed the value of reading fiction in answer to folks who insist they have to “learn something” from picking up a book.  The author argued that readers of fiction are forced to empathize with and inhabit the lives of people they would never otherwise meet — in the case of her own remarkable novels, readers confront terrorists, opera singers, magicians, politicians, unwed mothers, and wayward Nebraskans.  In Patchett’s view, fiction offers a window to the human condition every bit as valid and informative as a history book or a how-to manual. 

In this podcast from the Wall Street Journal, Patchett discusses the particular value of reading in tough economic times.  In this PIF magazine interview, Patchett discusses her writing career and some of the sources of inspiration for her novels.

Patchett’s passionate advocacy for public libraries also reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, Rolling Stones guitarist and indestructable human debauchery machine Keith Richards’ thoughts about the proud institution where I work:

When you are growing up, there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully — the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equalizer.

Rock on, public libraries.

On Tuesday, April 14, at 7:00 p.m., Ms. Patchett will speak following the dinner at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club.  After her talk there will be a question-and-answer session and a book signing.  Proceeds from the event will fund library programs and equipment for all of Oklahoma County’s 17 Metropolitan Libraries.  More information can be found at the Literary Voices website or by calling 405-606-3760.

Patchett’s award-winning 2001 novel Bel Canto is a mesmerizing account of a hostage situation in the Vice Presidential mansion of an unnamed South American country.  An unlikely web of human connections is formed between hostages, guerrilla soldiers, and the world-famous opera singer at the center of the story.  Patchett’s most recent novel, Run, is another compelling tale set over a 24-hour period in the lives of a politically prominent Boston family whose bonds are tested in the wake of a seemingly random accident.

Patchett has also written acclaimed non-fiction books, including Truth and Beauty, a memoir of her friendship with fellow writer Lucy Grealy, and What Now?, an adaptation of her 2006 commencement speech at her alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College.

In last fall’s Atlantic Monthly special fiction issue, Patchett’s terrific essay “My Life in Sales” detailed the unexpected challenges and rewards of author book tours.  Her recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, “The Triumph of the Readers,” describes the inspiring power of reading and the value of public libraries.     

Each year the Library Endowment Trust also presents the Lee B. Brawner Lifetime Achievement Award at the Literary Voices dinner to honor an individual’s extraordinary contributions to Oklahoma County’s libraries.  This year’s recipient, Penny McCaleb, is a longtime member and former Chair of the Metropolitan Library Commission and a dedicated supporter of our community’s libraries.

The Literary Voices dinner has become a very special Oklahoma City book event, and it is a great way for citizens to support their library system while rubbing elbows with interesting and internationally acclaimed authors.