Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library.

Held on Saturday, October 2nd, Novel Night 2021 was a roaring success with the first-ever al fresco After Party since the biennial fundraiser started in 1994. Hosts held 20 dinner parties with over 700 attendees. Funds raised through ticket sales benefited the Town of Pelham Public Library.

As is tradition, hosts held book-themed dinners in private homes or other venues, followed by a party for all attendees at the New York Athletic Club for drinks, dancing, dessert and other light fare. This year, many hosts chose to throw parties outside, in backyards, under tents, and at outdoor local venues. Parties ranged from a 100-person Brat Pack themed 80’s bash to A Walk in the Woods outdoorsy affair featuring axe-throwing demonstrations to an elegant Bridgerton ball. Guest s played games of chance at a Peaky Blinders dinner, while others rocked out to a classic rock band at a Daisy Jones & the Six themed party. Hosts pulled out all the stops for parties this year, amazing guests with creative decor, like a psychedelic candy bar at the Willy Wonka party, and thematic entertainment, such as bowling at the Big Lebowski party.

For the first time in Novel Night history, the entire After Party at the New York Athletic Club was held outdoors. The After Party featured two enormous tents, one for dancing and one for mingling, with hundreds of twinkling luminary lights lighting a path from one party location to the next. It was a gorgeous, mild evening, and there was a feeling of joy in the air as Pelham friends and neighbors danced to music from D.J. Stephen Byfield and reconnected over drinks and desserts.

Planning for a large, in-person event in 2021 took much preparation and calculations on the part of the Friends of the Pelham Public Library and those who generously hosted dinners and arranged for corporate donations. “The Friends of the Library thank everyone who participated in Novel Night this year. We could not have raised these funds for our local gem of a library without everyone’s participation. From our dinner hosts, to our business partners, to our attendees – we needed you all and you all came together in support of the library. The result was a magical evening,” said Debbie Winstead, The Friends of the Pelham Public Library President.

Professional photographers took pictures of dinners and the After Party, and guests can download the photos for free at www.pelhamnovelnight.com or purchase prints.