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Become a PEN America Young Patron

Young patrons attending the literary event browse displays of books on tables. Guests are smiling, interacting, and posing; some hold books, one dressed as Clifford the Big Red Dog. The background features PEN America signage, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Young Patrons are supporters in their 20s and 30s who care deeply about PEN America’s mission and are interested in participating in networking events, fundraising, and PEN’s flagship literary events with like-minded peers.

As budding philanthropists, the PEN Young Patrons host a series of events and writer-centric programs that help identify, support, and elevate emerging creative voices whose work stands at the intersection of literary freedom and political engagement.

Young Patrons will gain early access and invitations to PEN America’s most exciting events, including the Literary Gala Afterparty, a special Young Patrons networking event at the end of the year, and other opportunities to network with passionate readers, writers, creatives, and defenders of free expression.

Check out photos from our 2025 Young Patrons fall fundraising event, Who’s Afraid of Fiction?, which took place during Banned Books Week on October 8, 2025.

A group of people, including a young patron, socializing inside a bar with a bright red and yellow sign reading Book Club BAR above the entrance at night. Two people stand talking near the window.

A woman holds a copy of And Tango Makes Three in a bookstore beside a man, as colorful bookshelves fill the background and a young patron appears out of focus behind them.

A young patron stands in front of a bookshelf in a bookstore, holding a plate with a pastry and a fork. She is wearing a black top and has a red ribbon in her hair, appearing to enjoy the scent or taste of her food.

A young patron in a black suit holding a cocktail stands in front of bookshelves at a crowded bookstore event. Several people, including a woman with a red bag, are nearby, and colorful books fill the background.

Two people, including a young patron, smile and pose together in front of bookshelves filled with colorful books. One wears a white shirt, while the other has long dark hair and a black outfit with sparkly details.

Two men, including a young patron, are talking and laughing at a lively indoor social gathering. One gestures with his hand while the other smiles widely, with people and warm lighting visible in the blurred background.

Check out photos from our inaugural fundraising event, A Night at the Book Fair, which took place on January 11, 2024.

Benefits include:

Early and exclusive invitations to Young Patrons events
Opportunity to engage with other members
Young Patrons Newsletter
All benefits of PEN America Reader Membership

To join the PEN America Young Patrons, a minimum tax-deductible donation of $110 is required.

If you have any questions or are interested in joining the Young Patrons Leadership Committee or Advisory Council, please contact Renee Lamarque at [email protected]

If you’re interested in hearing from the Young Patrons about future events and PEN America’s mission, sign up for the Young Patrons newsletter.

Current Young Patrons Leadership Committee

Joshua T. Bennett, Olivia Dame, Alexis Galfas, Maggie Gilbride, LilyClaire Hedley, Arthur Herskowitz, Melissa Lee, Olivia Leong Sulkowicz, Nayeema Raza, Sydney Rose, Alexandra Thompson, Linzee Troubh, Gillian Vernick, Ellen Yang

Young Patrons Advisory Council

Martina Cavard Blanco, Matthew Dalton, Skylar Davis, Teri Dormer, Maris Endres, Kendall Glavan, Marissa Heringer, Abby Li, Aviva Musicus, Nadia Neusypina, Val Odreman, Tanvi Purohit, Stephanie Schwartz, Sarah Kate Thomas, Brandon Trice, Lex Wang