The literati mingled with the politicos, journalists, and society types at the 20th Annual Literacy Partners Gala, “An Evening of Readings,” at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center and later at a dinner dance on the Promenade.

The evening’s hosts included organization founders Liz Smith, Arnold Scaasi, and Parker Ladd. Tom Brokaw, Tim Russert, and Jack Welch were all honored for their efforts on behalf of education. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (Living History), Simon Winchester (Krakatoa), and Tom Wolfe (I Am Charlotte Simmons) each read from their own works. We couldn’t help but notice that Hillary, in a vintage, ruffled, full-length black chiffon Scaasi gown, nearly sprinted out of the room after her segment to return to Washington. (Brokaw quietly filled her seat.) Also onstage were two newly literate adult students, who proudly showed off their skills.

The glittering gala was well-punc-tuated with enough boldnames to .ll this page. We spotted: former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, Barbara Walters, Leslie Stahl, Marie Brenner, Maureen Orth, Dominick Dunne, Nan and Gay Talese, Kurt Vonnegut, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Susan Isaacs, Ian Williams, Barbara Goldsmith, Joni Evans, Carolyn Reidy, Casey Ribicoff, Ahmet and Mica Ertegun, Shirley Lord Rosenthal, Harvey Weinstein, Ellen Saltzman, Sir Howard Stringer, Pete Peterson and Joan Ganz Cooney, Ted Hartley and Dina Merrill, Sandra Bernhard, Tom Fallon, Kay Foster, Peter Rogers, Iris Love, Gayle King, Martin and Audrey Gruss, Hugh Bush, Carl and Barbaralee Diamonstein Spielvogel, Nan Kempner, Elaine Sargent, Helen O’Hagan, Pepe and Emilia Fanjul, and Marlene Hess and Jim Zirin.

In its 20th year, the gala raised $1.2-mil for Literacy Partners, devoted to helping New Yorkers learn basic reading, writing, math, and English-language skills. And what’s life with-out the written word?