The Friends of the Library celebrated the 50^thAnniversary of its Annual Richard Dodge Whittemore Book & Author Luncheon on May 10 at the North Hills Country Club. The sell-out audience of 340 enjoyed presentations by featured authors novelist Meg Wolitzer and New York Times classical music critic Anthony Tommasini.  Port’s own best-selling novelist Susan Isaacs once again graced the event as moderator.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth presented FOL President Amy Bass with a proclamation marking the Golden Anniversary. In the past five decades, 105 authors have been featured at the luncheon, which has become one of the premier literary events on the North Shore. The list includes many award winners, best-selling authors, and local luminaries such as Susan Isaacs, Dan Paisner and George Vecsey. Reed Whittemore spoke touchingly about his father Richard, the first President of the FOL, for whom the luncheon is named.

Enjoy these photos from the event. PHOTOS:  Rob Salzbank.