Bowen Yang Honored at Brooklyn Public Library Gala, Reflects on Childhood Library Visit That 'Changed My Life'
By
Carly Tagen-Dye
Best dunked in coffee. Better still, swap for a fresh one.
Summary
Bowen Yang, the Saturday Night Live alum, was honored at the 2026 Brooklyn Public Library Gala alongside actor Jeffrey Wright and Dame Louise Richardson. During his acceptance speech, Yang reflected on how visiting the library as a child was a transformative experience, noting that the library didn't judge him for not being popular, athletic, or well-adjusted. He also recalled a pivotal moment at the library — finding a Wicked CD that he says 'changed my life forever.' The event celebrated the library's role in the community.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledGrowing up, going to the library was amazing because the library didn't care if I was popular or athletic or even well-adjusted, which was great, because I was none of those things
grateful to be acknowledged by an institution so central to our community
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