Madison Public Library Foundation: Food journalist & author Ruth Reichl to headline library fundraiser June 2

MADISON, Wis. (Wednesday, January 28, 2015) – Madison Public Library Foundation has booked acclaimed chef, food writer and six-time James Beard Award winner Ruth Reichl to speak at the organization’s annual Lunch for Libraries fundraiser on Tuesday, June 2, with Reichl leading a free public program later that day.

Reichl has been writing about food for more than 40 years. She was editor of the former Gourmet magazine from 1999 to 2009, and was a food critic at The New York Times (1993-1999) and Los Angeles Times (1984-1993). She has published several best-selling memoirs, and her latest work, “Delicious!: A Novel,” is a coming-of-age tale that weaves together themes of food, history and self-discovery.

“We’re honored to be hosting Ruth this spring and know she will draw a captive audience here in Madison, where we have such a dynamic local food movement,” said foundation Executive Director Jenni Collins.

Lunch for Libraries: Relish With Ruth will take place at Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon and a book signing at 1:15 p.m. A free, public event presented as part of the Wisconsin Book Festival’s year-round programming will take place at 7:30 that evening in Central’s Community Room, where Reichl will read an excerpt from “Delicious!” followed by a question-and-answer session.

Lunch for Libraries tickets are $100 each. Proceeds go toward supporting Madison Public Library’s programs, collections and facilities, as well as the Wisconsin Book Festival. Tickets are limited and will be available in March; you must email events@mplfoundation.org to receive ticket information.

Library cardholders can reserve a copy of “Delicious!: A Novel” at any Madison Public Library or on LINKcat, accessible through the library website at madisonpubliclibrary.org .

About Madison Public Library Foundation: Madison Public Library Foundation promotes and supports Madison’s library facilities, services and programs. Established in 1993, the foundation provides annual project grants, raises funds for capital projects, and promotes awareness of the libraries and their programs. Learn how to support Madison’s libraries at mplfoundation.org, on the foundation’s Facebook page, and on Twitter (@mplfoundation).