Complex sentence: A succession of American librarians directed the Library through the difficult years of the Depression, when the first evening author programs drew such French literary luminaries as André Gide, André Maurois, Princess Bonaparte, and Colette for readings.
Split into simpler sentences: A succession of American librarians directed the Library through the difficult years of the Depression. It was at this time that the first evening author programs took place at the library, drawing prominent French literary luminaries including André Gide, André Maurois, Princess Bonaparte, and Colette for readings.