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The Fairmont Royal York hotel was packed with well-clad literature aficionados on Feb. 6 for the highly anticipated ninth annual Book Lover’s Ball. Over 550 VIPs sampled sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and mingled with literary greats from across the country, including Neil Pasricha (The Book of Awesome), Kevin Kwan (Crazy Rich Asians), and celebrity authors, such as Dragons’ Den’s Kevin O’Leary (Cold Hard Truth on Men, Women & Money) and NDP MP Olivia Chow (My Journey.) As Cityline host Tracy Moore orchestrated the night, a three-course meal crafted by chef Lynn Crawford was savoured while featured novels, including Empress of the Night and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, were brought to life through fashion shows, interpretive dance and acting. Featuring a digital “Almost Live” auction, which included trips to Whistler, B.C. and Hawaii, an autographed Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers jersey and more, the event raised over $500,000 to benefit the Toronto Public Library Foundation.

www.bookloversball.ca