Ann Patchett Honored for Library Advocacy with National Awards

The Rutherford County Library Alliance, along with Nashville author Ann Patchett, were honored with prestigious awards for their local literary activism on May 14 at a national literary gala in New York. The event, organized by PEN America, one of the nation’s leading literary advocacy groups, celebrated its 16th year by recognizing individuals and organizations that defend the freedoms to read, write, and speak.

PEN America's annual Literary Gala honors those who take risks to protect these fundamental rights. This year, the Rutherford County Library Alliance (RCLA) and award-winning author Ann Patchett received notable accolades. The RCLA, a local literary advocacy group, has been at the center of a significant conflict within the county regarding the library board's efforts to remove books with transgender topics and the recent battle over thousands of books flagged by a state-instigated review, which led to the firing of the county's library director.

The RCLA was awarded the PEN/Benenson Courage Award for their unwavering advocacy. Keri Lambert, vice president of the all-volunteer group, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. She emphasized the quiet yet impactful work of the group, stating, "Individually, the work (our group does) often happens quietly and without fanfare, but together, its impact reaches every corner of our community." Lambert highlighted the importance of libraries as institutions that belong to everyone, regardless of age, income, background, or beliefs.

She also stressed that defending libraries is about defending democracy itself. "A healthy community depends on informed citizens, open dialogue, and the freedom to explore ideas. Libraries make all of that possible," she said.

Tatiana Silvas, a local high school English teacher and member of the RCLA, dedicated the award to Luanne James, the fired library director. James was dismissed in March after refusing to remove over 100 books from the children’s section due to First Amendment concerns. Silvas praised James for her courage and integrity, saying, "Luanne’s mild-mannered nature and kind presence conceal the fighter within her."

Silvas explained that she joined the organization out of a desire to ensure her community was a safe place for her students. "I couldn’t guarantee that when they walked outside my classroom they would be welcomed, loved, or accepted," she said. "I wanted to do everything in my power to help build a community that deserved them."

Patchett received the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award for her "singular humane voice" as both a novelist and for her dedication to independent bookselling through Parnassus Books. In her remarks, she humorously referenced the 94-foot long whale model suspended from the ceiling of the American Museum of Natural History, where the gala was held. "If you think these are the darkest times, take a walk around this museum. The darkness and light cycle through every day, and right now we are here, alive and together, and for this I am enormously grateful," she said.

Other honorees this year included Oscar-nominated film producer Jason Blum and Iranian writers Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee and Ali Asadollahi, who were prosecuted and jailed for their literary work.