On Wednesday, November 14th, a group of I-House Residents and staff attended the 69th National Book Awards to celebrate literature, books, and the love of reading. The event, held at Cipriani in New York City, is one of the most prestigious in the world of publishing. This is the fifth time that I-House has attended this ceremony; International House President and CEO, Calvin Sims, serves on the Board of the National Book Foundation, which administers the awards.

The Residents, many of whom are studying literature and other arts and culture disciplines, were treated to a red-carpet experience, mixing with famous writers, editors, literary agents and publishers. Luminaries included Isabelle Allende, who was honored at the event with a Lifetime Achievement Award along with Doron Weber of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. These were followed by the announcement of the Winners of National Book Awards in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature.

Learn more about the National Book Foundation and watch a recording of the ceremony here.

(Header photo by Robin Platzer/Twin Images)