Iconic Sag Harbor Bookstore Needs Help To Move To New Location

SAG HARBOR, NY — The community has come together to help a beloved bookstore in its time of need.

A GoFundMe, "Help Canio’s Books and Its Cultural Cafe Thrive!" was created by Friends of Canio's.

"Canio’s Books has kept a light on for the literary community of the East End since 1980," the page read. "But after 44 years, it must leave its beloved Sag Harbor home on Main Street by September 2024. Donate now to ensure it will thrive and grow in a vibrant new location."

Located at the southern gateway to Sag Harbor "and layered with history, Canio’s is well known for its tailored book collection that blends fiction and non-fiction, stretching from classic to contemporary," the GoFundMe read.

More than a very welcoming place for books, Canio’s is also a community gathering spot, sponsoring events available nowhere else on Long Island through Canio’s Cultural Cafe, the page said.

"Here, ideas are discussed and literary talents share their work — from bestseller Colson Whitehead; acclaimed poet Scott Chaskey; and Mary Norris, the celebrated 'Comma Queen' of the New Yorker; to first-time local authors just coming into their own. Here, popular marathon readings and literary read-ins bring great works of literature alive to countless locals and visitors every year. Here, workshops led by Canio’s co-owners Kathryn Szoka (in photography) and Maryann Calendrille (in creative writing) help creatives cultivate their craft."

Long the stewards of so much of the East End’s literary heritage, Canio’s now needs support from the community it has served so well, the page said.

"The bookstore and cultural cafe are labors of love and in a new space it can 'think bigger' and expand its cultural contributions. But a refresh is startlingly expensive, given legal, administrative, and moving fees, increased expenses, and the costs of repurposing and marketing a new space. The owners hope to raise $45,000 by the end of July, some of it earmarked for the move, some of it for new acquisitions and innovative local activities."

And, organizers added: "Let’s return the love Canio’s has long offered the East End so it can keep bringing the community together to listen, learn and be inspired. Any level of support for the next chapter of its storied life will be greatly appreciated."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.