Times Square Gossip

  Patricia Cornwell Literacy Partners will host its 2026 Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, bringing together New York’s literary, philanthropic, civic and business leaders for a festive black tie evening celebrating the power of literacy to change lives on Monday, June 8, 2026.  This year marks the 40th anniversary of the gala, first held in 1986, by its founder, Liz Smith. The annual gala will support Literacy Partners’ mission to advance literacy two generations at a time, helping adults, parents and caregivers build the skills and confidence they need to create stronger futures for themselves and the children in their care. This year’s gala will honor four distinguished leaders whose work reflects the organization’s commitment to education, storytelling, service and opportunity: Patricia Cornwell   Patricia Cornwell, award-winning author, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. A pioneering figure in contemporary crime fiction, Co...

  Oprah Winfrey Jean Shafiroff   Literacy Partners hosted its 2025 Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, gathering New York’s literary, philanthropic, and civic leaders to celebrate the power of literacy to change lives. The event placed the spotlight firmly on the impact of adult literacy and the role community plays in empowering families through education. Proceeds from the gala directly support Literacy Partners’ life-changing programs for adults, parents and caregivers from 30 states and Puerto Rico. focusing in particular on high-need regions such as New York City, Philadelphia, Nevada, and San Diego.   Bob Woodward With Carl Bernstein The gala began with cocktails and a waterfront welcome, followed by dinner and remarks from Literacy Partners students and honorees. The Gala also included a special tribute to the late author Barbara Taylor Bradford and welcomed Global Media Leader Oprah Winfrey as a special guest and presenter. This yea...