The 2015 edition of the Beyond the Book Bash at the Throckmorton Theatre continued the tradition of readings, performances, and film clips, woven together by way of a literary theme, from nationally acclaimed authors, poets and musicians, all from the Bay Area.
Produced by Tom Corwin and hosted by award-winning writer, performer, and creative activist Josh Healey, the show included contributors such as musician Frances England, filmmakers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine, illustrator Wendy MacNaughton, author Adam Mansbach, and poet Dean Rader. NPR digital culture correspondent Laura Sydell led brief on-stage conversations about library memories with each artist.
Food, wine and spirits were provided by Jennifer Carvaly Catering, CC Made, Garnet and Picket Fence Vineyards, Hall Wines, Hanson of Sonoma Organic Vodka, Harvey Cohen Doughnuts, Mill Valley Market, Piazza D’Angelo, Lagunitas Brewing Co., and Signal Ridge Sparkling Wines.
Sponsors mingled with performers before the show at Seager Gray Gallery and enjoyed an exhibition by sculptor Andrew Hayes, whose work is made of steel with perfectly aligned sections of book pages.
The Mill Valley Library Foundation has raised more than $1.5M for an endowment and financial support of programs such as First Fridays and After Hours events, children and teen programming, and digital entertainment, all free to the public.
“Programs like these make the library more relevant than ever,” said Anji Brenner, city librarian. Mill Valley Library ranks near the top in program attendance amongst libraries serving similar-sized populations.