On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the East Hampton Library hosted its 22nd Annual Authors Night, a high-profile fundraiser that has become a staple of the Hamptons’ summer social calendar. Recognized as the “Premier Literary Event of the Hamptons,” the gathering has evolved into one of the most significant celebrations of literature in the United States and stands as one of the largest library-author events nationwide. This year’s edition featured 100 authors representing a wide array of genres, drawing a crowd of more than 2,000 attendees.
“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 emphasized that the proceeds are vital for sustaining the library’s diverse range of 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, commenced at 5 p.m. with a book signing cocktail party hosted 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 held at local homes, each honoring one or more of the guest authors. Notable participants this year 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 of the event relies on the generosity of publishers and authors, who donate the books, and local hosts, who underwrite the dinner parties. Consequently, 100% of the proceeds from both book sales and dinner tickets are directed toward the library’s operational needs. This funding is critical for the East Hampton Library, which operates differently than most public institutions in the country. While many libraries rely entirely on taxpayer funding, the East Hampton Library has maintained a tradition where over 60% of its expenditures over the last decade have been covered by private donations.
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. Over the decades, the facility has undergone significant expansions, including a 1997 renovation designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, the 2014 addition of the Children’s Wing and the Baldwin Family Lecture Room, and the 2016 opening of a dedicated Young Adult Room. Through the continued support of the community and events like Authors Night, the library remains a robust, independent organization that ensures all residents have access to free library cards and services.
One of the most popular and celebrity-studded events of the Hamptons’ summer calendar, Authors Night features 100 authors across all genres.
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
Founded in 1897, the East Hampton Free Library was granted a charter by New York State and opened in one room of Clinton Hall on Main Street.
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.
In 2016, the Library held a community celebration and ribbon-cutting for its new state-of-the-art Young Adult Room.
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.
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