Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry will be the featured speaker at a banquet this spring, officials with the Metropolitan Library System's Library Endowment Trust announced today.

Barry, whose column is syndicated nationwide, including in the Daily Oklahoman, will deliver the keynote address during a banquet April 12 at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Petroleum Club in downtown Oklahoma City. Tickets are $75, and proceeds benefit the Metropolitan Library System.

"Dave Barry is one of the funniest writers in America today," said Karleen Krywucki, Endowment Trust president. "He won the Putlizer. In addition, a television show, "Dave's World," was based on his life. He should be a delight."

Krywucki said one of the highlights of the evening will include the presentation of the first Lee B. Brawner Lifetime Achievement Award.

"Along with Mr. Barry's speech, we're honoring someone who has spent a good portion of his life creating and supporting outstanding library services," Krywucki said. We encourage everyone to attend."

Additional information and advanced tickets are available by calling Ernestine Clark, MLS development director, at 405-231-8631.