Some people say bookstores are going out of style, but out across the Hamptons and North Fork, folks make sure to keep them in business with a cup of coffee and a few good books.
BookHampton has been the favorite bookstore of locals and visitors for generations. They have a great variety of books that come from over ten booksellers that all offer personalized recommendations. They even have a few fuzzy cats lying around the bookstore. They often have author’s come to the store to speak and do book signings, and at 11 a.m. every day, a story hour for children where a classic is read aloud. (41 Main Street, East Hampton; 16 Hampton Road, Southampton; 50 Love Lane, Mattituck, www.bookhampton.com)
Canio’s Books in Sag Harbor has been “A Literary Harbor for the Arts Since 1980,” and their slogan reads, “Canio’s, Where Good Books, Ideas, and Community Meet.” They strive for a cozy atmosphere with a creaky wooden floor and oversized chairs. They have quite the selection of genres, and an entire wall devoted to poetry. The owners, Kathryn and Maryann also run workshops on photography and writing. (290 Main Street, Sag Harbor, www.caniosbooks.com)
Harper’s Books of East Hampton welcomes you with a variety of books as well as an espresso or prosecco. Not only is it a bookshop, but also a gallery. They specialize in rare photography, art and books with a particular stress on association copies, landmark books in excellent condition, and postwar Japanese photobooks. Harper’s also exhibits their work year round in international art and book fairs such as, Paris Photo, AIPAD and the New York Book Fair. (87 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, www.harpersbooks.com)
Books & Books is the local bookstore on Main Street in Westhampton Beach. Their sleek black and white look invites the book searcher in and their organized system allows you to find whatever book you are in need of quickly. They host many impressive author events including Lily Koppel and Elsie Mae Jones. They offer staff picks with handwritten notes, stationery, and large impressive coffee table books in the back of the store. (130 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, www.booksandbookswhb.com)
Burton’s Bookstore of Greenport is a family-run business on the North Fork. Established in 1979, Burton’s offers customers very personalized service. They stock bestsellers, and specialize in children’s books, nautical and local history books. There are also reading lists and recommendations provided to customers. The store is open year-round. (43 Front Street, Greenport, www.burtonsbookstore.com)
