Chris Randall photos
West Hills Alder Honda Smith on her way Tuesday night to accept the Library Champion Award for Community Service.
The New Haven Free Public Library’s annual Mardi Gras fundraiser was filled with vibrant energy, heartfelt tributes, and lively entertainment. The Tuesday night event at the Ives Main Library brought together a passionate crowd to celebrate literacy, community service, and the power of public libraries.
The night’s honorees, West Hills Alder Honda Smith and Brad Gallant, were recognized for their unwavering dedication — Smith for her impactful community service through The Shack and Gallant for his lifelong contributions to the NHFPL as a longtime former library board member and president.
The atmosphere was electric as a soul performance by vocalist Timmy Maia filled the room, capping off an unforgettable evening of celebration and support for the library’s mission. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous spread by Ricky D’s Rib Shack and crafted drinks from Archie Moore’s.
Deb Abibou and Djichbrihou Abibou possibly would have won king and queen on Mardi Gras if there were such an award.
Attendees included Clerk of the Court Dinah Kinney; Jeanette Morrison, Dixwell’s Ward 22 alder; and library Public Service Administrator Robert Kinney.
Geoff Hotz of Avast Audio Visual (pictured at left), who provided the evening’s sound equipment, met up with former city economic development chief Matthew Nemerson.
Maria Seranna (pictured with Alice Kustenbauder) wore beads from Mardi Gras in New Orleans, given to her by a friend.
Major Justin Elicker spoke about the importance of public libraries, especially now, and the lawsuit that New Haven has filed with other cities against the Trump administration to protect its sanctuary status for immigrants.
Timmy Maia and his band delivered an electrifying mix of soul, funk, and R&B.
Groovin’: Attendees dance to Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September,” covered by Maia.
Babz to the Bone: Babz Rawls Ivy (center) hung out with NHFPL board member Lauren Anderson and artist Chris Barnard.
Pictured: “Book lover” Rachel Chmiel; Brooke Jones, Stetson librarian; “book lover” Jennifer Mellon; and NHFPL board President Andrew Giering.
Shelley Quiala, former head of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas and former Connecticut resident, was back in town for Mardi Gras and catching up with friends like Madeline Ravich, pictured to her right.
Following is a list of the event’s sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor Anonymous Royal Court Sponsor Comcast, Yale Office of New Haven Affairs Krewe of Rex Sponsor Yale New Haven Health, Dr. Mary Ellen Savage (President, NHFPL Foundation Board) Krewe of Orpheus Sponsor Amour Propre Fund, City of New Haven Parking Authority, Long Wharf Theatre, NPower Construction & Electrical, Performance Environmental Services, Shubert Theatre, The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Town Green District, Yale School of Art, Yale Schwarzman Centre, Mr. Sean Koehler (Vice President, NHFPL Foundation Board) Gold Bead Sponsor Arrow Security, Baker&Taylor, City of New Haven — Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Elm Campus Partners, Foote School, Gateway Community College, Hadley, Inc., International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Iovanne Funeral Home, NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. Silver Bead Sponsor New Haven Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus, CBIZ, City of New Haven ‑Community Services Administration, CONNCorp, Dr. Mark Pethick, Hoopla Digital, Hopkins School, New Haven Bank, NewAlliance Foundation, Next Level Empowerment, Wojtek Borowski — Pearce Real Estate, Yale China Association