Tuesday, August 20, 2024. A beautiful, sunny Summer day, yesterday in New York with the high in the low 70s and into the mid-60s at night.
Heading toward the end of the season as things are beginning to quiet down, the East Hampton Library presented their 20th annual Authors Night fundraiser which was held under a grand tent on the Herrick Park field in East Hampton Village.
And it needed a Grand tent for what has become a boffo event at this beautiful summertime community: 100 authors across all genres appearing at the “Premier Literary Event of the Hamptons.” And they aren’t exaggerating, for it has become one of the most successful celebrations of books and authors in America, and also one of the largest library-author events of its kind in the country.
It has also become one of the most popular — and celebrity-studded — events on the Hamptons summer calendar attracting more than 2000 attendees!
Guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine while meeting and mingling with the authors, as well as buying their books and getting them personally inscribed at a lively cocktail party – with all proceeds benefitting the East Hampton Library. For many there were private dinner parties featuring one or more of the guest authors following the reception at nearby homes.
The notable authors attending included Neil deGrasse Tyson, Robert A. Caro, Diana Nyad, Brian Stelter, Tessa Bailey, Tom Clavin, Dr. Ramani, Maira Kalman, Barbara Butcher, Elizabeth Beller, A.M. Homes, Julia Phillips, Wilbur Ross, and Mary McCartney — along with Taylor Barton, Jennifer Belle, Howard Blum, David Brown, Maureen Callahan, Tony Caramanico, Nick Corasaniti, Stuart E. Eizenstat, Elyssa Friedland, Brad Gooch, Paul Goldberger, Alice Harris, Helen A. Harrison, Madeleine Henry, Lidey Heuck, Dave Karger, Susan Kaufman, Thomas Maier, Glynnis MacNicol, B Michael, Michelle Miller, Annabel Monaghan, Adam Nagourney, Joan Nathan, David Netto, Zibby Owens, Julia Phillips, Francine Prose, Bruce Ratner, Jane L. Rosen, Carl Safina, and Jill Santopolo, along with fifty more authors!
East Hampton Library Director Dennis Fabiszak said that the funds raised at this amazing Authors Night enable the East Hampton Library to provide the diverse community with essential programming and services throughout the year— all free of charge.
Then there were the hosts backing it up as sponsors: Barbara and Stephen Heyman, Michele Tortorelli and Thomas D. Kearns, CIBC Private Wealth, Saunders Real Estate, Patti Kenner, Jane Friedman, Alice and Stanley Harris, Sheila Rogers, Janet Ross, author Zibby Owens, Domaine Franey Wines & Spirits, Montauk Brewing Co., The Baker House 1650, Oceano Zero, Purist, Aphrodise Sparkling Rosé, and WLIW-FM.
The East Hampton Library is a not-for-profit organization providing outstanding free library services to the East Hampton community since 1897. For more, visit easthamptonlibrary.org
And while we’re on the subject of East Hampton life, two weeks before the Author’s Night, on Thursday, August 8th, the East Hampton Historical Society presented acclaimed interior designer, Alex Papachristidis, to speak at their Eighth annual Design Luncheon held at the majestic Maidstone Club.
The sold-out crowd was enthralled as Alex — who is as warmly charming and with it as a speaker — profiled a variety of his most arresting projects which can be found in his recent book, The Elegant Life: Rooms That Welcome and Inspire.
Projects included a luxe, modern beach house decorated in gold, silver, and white; a Manhattan home that has a vivid lavender-and-blue palette; and a colorful “bohemian” apartment incorporating mid-century furniture. Each project presented creative ways to makes spaces versatile and inviting to share with friends and family.
The Luncheon was made possible in part by the generous support of Wilmington Trust, and Doyle Auctioneers and Appraisers. Attendees included Doris Meister and Doyle CEO Laura Doyle, Event Co-Chair Sarah Wetenhall, as well as Host Committee members Lizzi Bickford Meadow, Catherine Carey, Brent Feigenbaum, Susan Kendall, Kathleen Kirschgaessner, Elizabeth Munder, Amy Tarr, Diane van Amerongen, and Marshall Watson, plus other patrons and notables in the design community.
Proceeds from the Design Luncheon enable the East Hampton Historical Society to preserve its nationally significant historical sites and develop innovative educational programs serving thousands of children and families.
