Scene Last Night: LeClerc, Marron, Steiner, de la Renta, Wolfe

Slim and elegant, Paul LeClerc stood just inside the heavy bronze doors of the New York Public Library, beside a giant bouquet of yellow and pink peonies, extending his hands to Annette and Oscar de la Renta, Tom Wolfe, in his white suit, and other guests.

The occasion, marking his retirement, was a celebration of LeClerc’s 17 years as president of the library. During this time, its endowment has risen to $820 million from $260 million; the papers of Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou and Arthur Schlesinger Jr. have come into its collection; new light-filled branches have opened; and old branches have been restored.