This year marks an extraordinary milestone for the Newark Public Library—our 125th Anniversary
We invite you to join us for a very special Anniversary Gala on “Giving Tuesday”, December 2nd, 2025, held right here at the heart of our city: The Newark Public Library
This year’s theme honors not just our past, but our future. As we embark on our next chapter, we are more committed than ever to advancing literacy and celebrating the voices that shape Newark’s rich cultural landscape. From poets and novelists to spoken word artists and historians, Newark has long been home to powerful literary figures whose work reflects the heartbeat of our community.
Step into a night where stories come alive and generosity writes the next chapter. Our annual fundraising gala celebrates the power of literacy and the heartbeat of our city. The Newark Public Library—For 125 years, it’s been more than just shelves; it’s been a sanctuary of imagination, equity, and opportunity. Tonight, we raise our voices—and our glasses—to keep that legacy thriving.
Our 125th Gala will be a tribute to those voices and a call to action for what lies ahead. Your presence and support will help us continue our mission—to expand access to books, learning resources, and programs that uplift every corner of our city.
The Newark Public Library Milestones
Gala Honorees
We are proud to announce the distinguished honorees for this year’s Newark Public Library Annual Gala.
Each of these individuals embodies a commitment to education, innovation, civic leadership, and the advancement of cultural values, which are at the heart of our mission.
Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka
A proud Newark native and tireless advocate for social justice, Mayor Ras Baraka has led Newark through a period of transformative growth. His leadership focuses on equitable development, education reform, and community empowerment. Mayor Baraka is also a published poet whose literary work reflects his deep engagement with the cultural and political life of Newark. His poetry collections include Black Girls Learn Love Hard, What We Want, and Survivor. Through both his words and actions, Mayor Baraka continues to inspire generations.
Bob Carrigan, CEO of Audible
As CEO of Newark-based Audible, Bob Carrigan leads one of the world’s premier creators and providers of audio storytelling. Under his leadership, Audible has deepened its commitment to Newark through economic investment, local partnerships, and cultural initiatives that uplift the city’s creative voices. Carrigan is recognized for championing innovation in both business and community development.
Dr. Nell Irvin Painter, Historian and Author
A renowned historian and Princeton professor emerita, Dr. Nell Irvin Painter has made significant contributions to the understanding of American history through her groundbreaking scholarship. Her acclaimed works—including The History of White People—challenge narratives and illuminate the complex intersections of race, identity, and power. In her second act as an artist, Painter continues to explore history through visual expression.
Impact Starts with You
We invite you to make a meaningful contribution to celebrate our legacy and help shape our future. Your support fuels our mission to expand literacy and uplift the voices of Newark’s emerging storytellers. Of course, every gift—no matter the amount—makes a powerful impact. Together, we’re building a community where stories thrive and futures are transformed.
Thank you To Our Sponsors
Your support helps the library continue its proud 125-year legacy of inspiring curiosity, fostering learning, and connecting our community.
Platinum
Diamond
Dr. Nell Painter & Glenn Shafer
Robert & Rosemary Steinbaum
Prudential Financial
Gold
Silver
Newark Teachers Union
Bronze
Linda Morgan & Phil Haws
Timothy Crist, President of Newark History Society
In-Kind Donations
Thank you for contributing in-kind donations to this year’s Booked for the Evening: 125th Anniversary Gala Silent Auction. Your support helps the Library continue to educate, inspire curiosity, foster learning, and strengthen the Newark community.
To make an In-Kind Donation for this year’s Booked for the Evening Silent Auction, please see the In-Kind Donation form.
Thank you to the Gala committee!
This talented and dedicated team of volunteers has generously committed their time and expertise to help bring this year’s Annual Gala to life—a truly monumental event for our Library and the community we serve.
The Gala is more than just a celebration. It is a key part of our mission to promote literacy, expand educational access, and provide meaningful programs to the people of Newark and beyond. It also serves as a vital fundraising effort to ensure that the Library can continue offering free, high-quality programming to individuals and families of all backgrounds.
We are deeply grateful to our Gala Committee for their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to the Library’s mission. Their support helps make everything we do possible.
We are proud to introduce the incredible group of individuals who make up the 2025 Gala Committee!
Armisey Painter
Artist
Manny Antunes, Esq.
Tamara Remedios
Audible
Emily Manz
Invest Newark
Dr. Rosemary Steinbaum
VP for NPL Board of Trustees
Brooke Tippins
Ceallaigh Pender
Mahako Etta
Chief of Innovation, NJ Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority
Susan K. Schear
President, Artisan LLC.
Thyson T. Halley
Programs & Events Coordinator
Dr. Robert Austin
NPL Board of Trustees
Thank you to our Board of Trustees
Aisha Cooper, Esq.
President
Dr. Lauren Wells
Trustee
Havier Nazario
Secretary
Dr. Robert Austin
Trustee
Dr. Sharnee Brown
Trustee
Dr. Rosemary Steinbaum
Vice President
Dr. Jason Ballard
Treasurer
Deputy Mayor Jaqueline Quiles
Trustee
Miguel Rodriguez
Trustee
Thank you to our development team
Janet Mateo
Assistant Director of Development
Thyson T. Halley
Programs & Events Coordinator
Cinthya Roman-Sanchez
Administrative Assistant
NPL Leadership team
Theresa Wright
Interim Director of Human Resources
Dale Colston, Esq.
Assistant Director of Special Collections
Diego Quintero
Head of Information Technology
Jacqueline Jones
Head of Security and Safety
Scharron Little
Interim Assistant Director of Finance
Janet Mateo
Assistant Director of Development
Anna Coats
Assistant Director of Public Services
George Williams
Assistant Director of Capital Planning
Zuhare Meri
Building Superintendent
Anija Haskins
Public Information Officer
