You Can See Awkwafina At The Free Queens Public Library Gala

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — One of Queens’ preeminent public institutions will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a free virtual gala, which is set to feature some borough-wide celebrities — one of whom is from Forest Hills.

The Queens Public Library (QPL) virtual gala will be streamed live at 6 p.m. on Tuesday June 8, free of charge for all.

A group of celebrities — all of whom are from Queens — are set to headline the event, including actor Awkwafina, “Shark Tank” star Daymond John, comedian Hari Kondabolu, and author Min Jin Lee.

“Before I was on ABC’s “Shark Tank” I grew up in Hollis Queens,” says John in the gala’s promotional video, which features all four celebrities sending birthday wishes to the library.

Like John, the other celebrities who are set to headline the event, all grew up in Queens.

Kondabolu used to live in Jackson Heights and Floral Park, Lee was raised in Elmhurst, and Awkwafina was born-and-raised in Forest Hills — an upbringing that she satirizes in her award-winning scripted comedy “Nora is From Queens.”

While library leaders didn’t give more details about what the celebrities would do at the gala, they did stress the importance of this year’s event — which is the first gala, albeit virtual, since the start of the pandemic.

“This past year has only reinforced the value of Queens Public Library,” said Carl S. Koerner, president of the Queens Public Library Foundation.

Koerner described the library as “a lifeline for individuals and communities across Queens during the COVID-19 pandemic” alluding to the many services — including remote printing, a business incubator series, COVID testing, and to-go book check out — that helped support the public during the pandemic, prior to the now-gradual reopening of QPL branches.

Both Koerner and QPL president and CEO, Dennis M. Walcott, implored those who can to give to the library, in honor of its gala and 125-year history.

“Our virtual gala will go a long way towards ensuring the Library not only continues to deliver essential resources and services that sustain us, but also deepens and broadens its offerings,” said Koerner.

Those who are able to can make a gala gift here, and anyone can register to attend this year’s free virtual gala here.