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!” created by Friends of Canio's.
“Canio's Books has kept a light on for the East End literary community 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 thrives and thrives in a vibrant new location.”
Located at the southern gateway to Sag Harbor “and with many layers of history, Canio's is known for its personalized book collection that blends fiction and non-fiction, spanning classics to contemporary,” the GoFundMe wrote.
More than just a very welcoming place for books, Canio's is also a community gathering place, sponsoring events not available anywhere else on Long Island through Canio's Cultural Cafe, the page said.
“Here, ideas are discussed and literary talents share their work — from bestselling Colson Whitehead, acclaimed poet Scott Chaskey, and Mary Norris, the New Yorker's famed 'Comma Queen'; to emerging local writers. Here, popular marathon readings and literary readings bring great works of literature to life for countless locals and visitors each year. Here, workshops led by Canio co-owners Kathryn Szoka (pictured) and Maryann Calendrille (in creative writing) help creatives nurture 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 bookshop and cultural café are labors of love and in a new space it can 'think bigger' and expand its cultural contributions. But a renewal is surprisingly expensive, given the legal, administrative and moving fees, increased costs and cost of repurposing and marketing a new space The owners hope to raise $45,000 by the end of July, some of it for the move, some of it for new acquisitions and innovative local operations.
And, organizers added: “Let's return the love that Canio's has long brought to the East End so it can continue to bring the community together to listen, learn and be inspired. Any level of support for its next chapter of his historical life will be greatly appreciated.”
