Toni Morrison at Rutgers University, Newark

On April 26, 2011, Toni Morrison read from a work-in-progress to a packed house at the Paul Robeson Student Center. She was the finale to the 2010-11 Writers at Newark reading series hosted by the MFA program and the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker introduced Toni Morrison as one of his "living heroes" and told the audience that he considered it a great early birthday present to be able to meet her. Below, a snapshot from what looks like a very animated conversation with her in the green room before her reading. Don't they both look happy to meet each other?

Toni Morrison announced to gasps in the audience that she would read from a work-in-progress.

After the reading, Toni Morrison (right) answers questions from MFA director Jayne Anne Phillips.

Despite the large crowd, the night was relaxed and intimate. At one point during the Q&A, Toni Morrison even interrupted herself to acknowledge Amiri Baraka in the crowd with an "Amiri! You finally got here?"

After the reading she signed books for a half hour.

You can read more about the event at NJ.com and view the complete photo gallery on the Rutgers University, Newark Facebook page