by Chris Randall The New Haven independent
Shamain McAllister (center) receives one of two Library Champion Awards during the Mardi Gras fundraiser at the New Haven Free Public Library, joined by City Librarian Maria Bernhey (left) and IfeMichelle Gardin, who presented the award.
Claire Criscuolo accepts her award and reflects on growing up without money for books, describing the library as her gateway to learning, dreaming, and discovering the world.
Guests gather beneath colorful lights as the New Haven Free Public Library was transformed for a night of celebration during its Mardi Gras fundraiser.
Masked revelers filled the Ives Main Library Tuesday evening for the public library’s annual Fat Tuesday fundraiser.
New Haven Independent photographer Chris Randall was on the scene. See above and below to experience the festive event through his camera lens.
Seven-year-old Joseph Ramos launches the evening with confident opening remarks, noting that reading nearly 200 books last year helped sharpen his pronunciation.
NHFPL Board member and local bookseller Lauren Anderson rallies the crowd while auctioning off books to benefit the library.
Lou Mangini reacts with surprise as he becomes the first guest to be served food catered by Archie Moore’s.
Seeing Sounds fills the room with jazz.
Drag artists Valeryan, Kiki Lucia, and Midnight.
Former New Haven Free Public Library Board Chair Elsie Chapman (center) stands with Mayor Justin Elicker (left) and City Historian Mike Morand.
Emcee Ruben Ortiz leads a jubilant second line through the rotunda.