Help Canio’s Books and its Cultural Cafe thrive!

Canio’s Books has kept a light on for the literary community of the East End since 1980. 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. “Eclectic,” “a treasure,” “wonderful assortment of new and used books,” “selections like fine wines,” “friendly, helpful owners,” say Yelp reviewers. One avid reader pronounced it “a perfect bookstore.”

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. 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.

See the front-page article about Canio’s in the March 21st edition of The Sag Harbor Express and a profile in the East Hampton Star on May 29.

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 bookstore and cultural cafe are labors of love and in a new space it can “think forward” and expand its cultural contributions. But a refresh is startlingly costly, given legal, administrative, and moving fees, increased expenses, and the need to repurpose and market a new space. The owners hope to raise $45,000 prior to their move, some of it earmarked for the move, some of it for new acquisitions and innovative local activities.

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.