The East Hampton Library hosted its 22nd annual Authors Night on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Recognized as the “Premier Literary Event of the Hamptons,” the fundraiser has evolved into one of the most prominent celebrations of literature in the United States and stands as one of the largest library-author gatherings in the country. This year’s event featured a diverse lineup of 100 authors across all genres, drawing more than 2,000 attendees to the heart of East Hampton Village.
“As we celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Authors Night, we’re excited to once again bring this beloved event to the heart of East Hampton Village,” said Dennis Fabiszak, Director of the East Hampton Library. He noted that the proceeds are vital for maintaining the library’s essential programs and services, which are provided to the community free of charge throughout the year.
The event, held annually on the second Saturday of August, kicked off at 5 p.m. with a book signing cocktail party under a large tent. Guests had the opportunity to meet authors, purchase books, and have them inscribed while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres. Following the reception, the evening continued at 8 p.m. with private dinner parties hosted at nearby residences in honor of the guest authors. The list of featured writers included Robert A. Caro, Amy Chozick, Tom Clavin, Amy DuBois Barnett, Tom Freston, Bianna Golodryga, Michael Gross, Karine Jean-Pierre, Tom Junod, Carol Leifer, Andrew Lownie, Susan Lucci, Zibby Owens, Chris Pavone, Adam Ross, Beth Stern, Michael Symon, Heather Ann Thompson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Tia Williams.
The financial model for the event relies on the generosity of publishers and authors, who donate the books, and local hosts, who underwrite the costs of the dinner parties. Consequently, 100% of the proceeds from both book sales and dinner tickets are directed toward the library’s operational budget. This funding is critical because, unlike most libraries in the U.S. that rely entirely on taxpayer funding, the East Hampton Library secures over 60% of its budget from private donations accumulated over the last decade.
The library’s history dates back to 1897, when the East Hampton Free Library was chartered and opened in a single room at Clinton Hall. It relocated to its current site at the intersection of Main Street and Buell Lane in 1912. The facility has undergone several major upgrades, including a 1997 expansion designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, the 2014 addition of the Children’s Wing and Baldwin Family Lecture Room, and the 2016 opening of a state-of-the-art Young Adult Room. Through community-driven events like Authors Night, the library continues to ensure that all residents maintain access to free library cards and services, reinforcing its status as a core community institution.
One of the most popular and celebrity-studded events of the Hamptons’ summer calendar, Authors Night features 100 authors across all genres.
The evening begins at 5 pm with the Authors Book Signing Cocktail Party under a grand tent, where guests enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine and have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the authors, buy their boo
Publishing firms and authors generously donate the books for Authors Night, with 100% of the book sale proceeds benefitting the East Hampton Library and local dinner party hosts underwrite all of their party expenses, wi
In 2014, the Library celebrated the opening of the new Children’s Addition and Baldwin Family Lecture Room, adding 6,800 square feet to the existing Library.
Virtually all other libraries in the country get 100% of funding from tax payers.
But the East Hampton Library has a different tradition: Over 60% of the money it has spent in the last 10 years comes from private donations.
That makes us a true community organization; voluntary participation makes us strong.
Everyone in the community automatically belongs to the Library, is entitled to a free library card, and everything we do is free.
Comments