On Monday night, the New York Public Library held their largest event of the year — its annual Library Lions dinner —at the main branch on 42nd street. Candles lined dramatic marble staircases that were strewn with rose petals as socialites and celebrity guests made their entrances. We were there rubbing elbows with Bryant Gumbel (who looks a lot meeker in person) and Henry Kissinger (who looks surprisingly vital for an old war horse). The event honored three NYPL librarians alongside Mayor Bloomberg, Hilary Knight, and Annie Proulx.

Check out our exclusive slideshow for pics of a certain Gossip Girl, infamous Harvard Professor, and Tootsie.