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The Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner presented by the Chicago Public Library Foundation in partnership with the Chicago Public Library attracted more than 700 book-loving guests, including 69 authors, to its 15th annual event held at the Forum of the University of Illinois, Chicago, on Oct. 22 — and event-goers were treated to appearances by award-winning authors and behind-the-scenes insights into their work.

Acclaimed presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and novelist/screenwriter Larry McMurtry, both Pulitzer Prize winners, were presented with the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards for Non-Fiction and Fiction, respectively, by dinner co-chairs Carlette McMullan and Mark Furlong. During a 30-minute Q&A with Goodwin and McMurtry, moderated by National Public Radio host Scott Simon, McMurtry shared his writing regimen: "I write five pages every day until I'm more or less finished and I think it's more or less a book." Goodwin spoke about her process as well as her experiences with Steven Spielberg, who acquired the rights to her book "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" and developed the feature film "Lincoln" based in part on it.

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The 21st Century Award was presented to author Veronica Roth by Rhona Frazin, Library Foundation president/CEO. While a senior at Northwestern University, Roth wrote her best-selling trilogy "Divergent" in 40 days. "For me, the library was a refuge, a place to go to feel safe among the pages," she said.

Library Board president Linda Johnson Rice presented the inaugural Carl Sandburg Award in the Arts to legendary singer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples, who danced onto the stage to accept her honor. Johnson said, "In an extraordinary career spanning seven decades, Mavis remains the voice of America's conscience."

Brian Bannon, Library Commissioner, spoke about the success of "One Book, One Chicago" and the other programs offered by the Library. He shared an update on Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Polar Plunge Challenge with Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. "Since kids read 2.7 million books last summer, Fallon will come back to Chicago to film a show." He added, "Last year, 10 million people walked through the doors of the Chicago Public Library, making us the most visited and used civic and cultural institution in Chicago by far."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel reinforced those thoughts, announcing that the Chicago Public Library was rated No. 1 in America and No. 3 in the world.

Emceed by Bill Kurtis and produced by Foundation director Donna LaPietra, the event raised more than $1.5 million to support diverse initiatives of the Chicago Public Library including Teacher in the Library, CyberNavigators and the Summer Learning Challenge.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.

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Find more photos and events at http://www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace

Visit Candid Candace's website at http://www.candidcandace.com

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