St. Louis, MO — St. Louis, MO — Like so many across the region, the St. Louis Public Library was deeply impacted by the May 2025 tornado. As recovery and rebuilding continue, the Library—together with its community—remains committed to coming back stronger than ever.
One way supporters can help is by attending Stranger Than Fiction: Gets a Clue, a signature fundraising gala benefiting the St. Louis Public Library, to be held from 7:30–10 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Central Library, 1301 Olive Street.
Tickets are $160 per person and can be purchased online at slpl.org/foundation_events.
Held every other year, Stranger Than Fiction is the Library’s premier fundraising event, this year transforming Central Library into an evening of mystery, music and literary-inspired entertainment. Guests will enjoy complimentary valet service, food and drinks, live music and immersive experiences set within the iconic downtown landmark.
Proceeds from the gala will directly support the St. Louis Public Library as it recovers from tornado damage sustained at its Cabanne and Julia Davis locations.
“Our libraries are more than buildings—they are essential neighborhood gathering places where people learn, connect and find many kinds of support,” said Waller McGuire, Chief Executive Officer of St. Louis Public Library. “The May 2025 tornado caused severe damage to our Cabanne and Julia Davis locations, but at the same time it reinforced how deeply our community values their libraries. Stranger Than Fiction gives supporters a meaningful way to help us restore these libraries and ensure they continue serving St. Louis for generations to come.”
The 2026 event is chaired by a dedicated group of civic and community leaders: Christopher Lintz, Ngoc Ngo, Ali Rand, Justin Rand, Rebekah Moore Murphy and Greg Murphy.
These chairs are supported by an extensive host committee and generous sponsors: Ameren, Tom and Ulrike Schlafly, Stifel, Wells Fargo, Alison and John Ferring, The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation, BSI Constructors Inc., Dowd Bennett LLP, John & Yvette Dubinsky, Edward Jones, Lashly and Baer, P.C., Lewis Rice LLC, Spire, Audacy, Scott Bensinger, Commerce Bank, Jenni and Richard Gemberling, Husch Blackwell, J. Russell Jackson, Esq., Christopher Lintz and Ngoc Ngo, Marcia Matthews and Al Caiazzo, Ali and Justin Rand, Pedro Soares and Alex Fisher, St. Louis Magazine, St. Louis Public Radio, U.S. Bank, John and Elizabeth Backus, Thad & Cassidy Blenke, Carmody McDonald, Ida and Gerald Early, Sheila Greenbaum and Dr. Gary M. Wasserman, Mark and Patricia Hillis, Marian and Brett Markwort, Kimberly and Michael Landers, Schroeder Foundation, Rebekah Moore Murphy and Greg Murphy, Kiku Obata, The ELPH Group, Villa Lighting and Ted Wight.
A special thanks to Assassin Vintage, Faith Berger, Amy Brown, Castle Design, Extra Wavy, Jennifer Halla-Sindelar, immerse, Michael Kahn, KDR Designer Showrooms, Revel and Hearten, Sarah Jane and the Blue Notes, Schlafly Beer, Abigail Stahlschmidt, The Modern Social, Thurmond Group, TSV Sound & Vision.
Visit slpl.org/foundation_events for tickets and additional information about Stranger Than Fiction: Gets a Clue.
About St. Louis Public Library Foundation
The St. Louis Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing private-sector support for the St. Louis Public Library. Its mission is to support Library programs and services through advocacy, fundraising and relationship-building with those who share a passion for the Library’s work.
About St. Louis Public Library
The St. Louis Public Library’s mission is to provide learning resources and information services that support and improve individual, family and community life through a wide range of services, programs and initiatives. Visit slpl.org for more information.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The media is welcome to use STF gala assets below.
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VIDEOS
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