Book inspires Met Gala-like bash at Arlington Heights library

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library will roll out the red carpet in between the book stacks for an unconventional Saturday night gala as part of this year’s One Book, One Village communitywide reading program.

The after-hours event highlighting author Fiona Davis’ “The Stolen Queen” will transform the library into a mini Met Gala, with attendees donning semi-formal wear, noshing on hors d’oeuvres and desserts, sipping on cocktails and mocktails, and enjoying live music and art.

Touted as an evening celebrating art, culture and fashion, the library’s One Book, One Gala is set from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

“This is big for us,” said Neal Parker, the library’s programs and exhibits specialist. “Our One Book, One Village programming is designed to go beyond the page, giving our community a richer cultural, historical and literary context to this book.”

Library staff will curate art galleries and a mini costume exhibit, while an all-Arlington Heights lineup of artists and business owners will help set the tone: a live art demonstration by Mine Anil of Blue Fern Ceramics, music from Nahum Smith of El Rey Music Center, signature cocktails and mocktails available for purchase from Bitter & Sweet Cocktails, and a dessert table from Soha’s Sweet Treats.

Semi-formal wear is encouraged but not required for the free event, which is intended for library patrons ages 16 and up. To register, visit ahml.info/onebook.

The gala is among the featured programming being held in conjunction with the library’s 12th annual villagewide reading initiative. Also planned are book discussions, expert lectures, hands-on crafting, and an Egyptian culinary demo.

This year’s selection is the latest from New York Times bestselling author Davis, who is known for works of historical fiction centered around New York City landmarks.

Set in dual timelines in 1936 Egypt and 1978 New York, “The Stolen Queen” follows an aspiring archaeologist whose career is derailed by tragedy during a dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Decades later, an assistant to a fashion icon is entangled in mystery when an ancient Egyptian artifact disappears during preparations for the famous Met Gala in New York.

Her search leads her to the old archaeologist — now, a reclusive associate curator at the Met’s Department of Egyptian Art — and together they return to Egypt to uncover the truth.

The story of art, identity and legacy will resonate with the community, said Sherri Tader, the library’s information services adviser coordinator, who noted the book has already been checked out more than 2,300 times and been requested by 25 book clubs.

Tader also said the library’s free passes for museums and attractions are widely popular; the library recently doubled its allotment from four to eight.

One Book, One Village culminates with the author’s visit on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Forest View Educational Center auditorium. Davis will be interviewed from 7 to 9 p.m. by moderator Alison Cuddy, a one-time artistic director of the Chicago Humanities Festival and WBEZ radio host.