NEW YORK

By HILLEL ITALIEAP National Writer

B.J. Novak will host the upcoming PEN America gala at the American Museum of Natural History. Hundreds from the publishing community and beyond are expected to gather on May 14 for the organization’s signature fundraising event. Novak is known for his role as Ryan Howard on “The Office” and for his bestselling books. PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf says his wide-ranging artistry makes him ideal to celebrate the written word and free expression. Honorees will include author Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum.

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor, filmmaker and author B.J. Novak will host next month's PEN America gala at the American Museum of Natural History.

Hundreds in the publishing community and beyond are expected to gather May 14 for the free expression organization's signature fundraising event. Novak is known for his role as Ryan Howard on “The Office” and for such bestsellers as “One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories” and “The Book with No Pictures.”

“His exceptional and wide-ranging artistry on screen, on the page, and in writing rooms makes him ideal to celebrate the written word and free expression at a moment when governments want to censor and deny both at alarming levels,” PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf said in a statement released Thursday.

Honorees will include author-bookseller Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum.