While the benefit season is beginning to wind down, one of its most illustrious fund-raisers, the East Hampton Library's Authors Night, will return for its 20th iteration on Saturday, under a tent in the village's Herrick Park.
Over the years it has grown into one of the most successful celebrations of books and authors in the country. This year it will welcome 100 writers working across all genres and draw more than 2,000 guests.
"As we mark the 20th anniversary of Authors Night, we're thrilled to present the event once again in the heart of East Hampton Village," Dennis Fabiszak, the library's director, said. "The funds raised at Authors Night enable the East Hampton Library to provide our diverse community with essential programming and services throughout the year — all free of charge."
The evening will begin at 5 with a reception featuring hors d'oeuvres, wine, and, most important, 100 writers seated at tables with their books, which they are only too willing to inscribe and sell. Tickets to the reception are $150.
Five hundred dollars entitles the buyer not only to attend the reception but also a dinner party with one or more authors at a private home. Among the dinner party luminaries are Francine Prose with her memoir "1974," Brad Gooch with "Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring," Paul Goldberger with "Blue Dream and the Legacy of Modernism in the Hamptons," and Diana Nyad with her memoir "Find a Way."
At this year's Signature Dinner Party, guests can talk astrophysics with Neil deGrasse Tyson, the author of "To Infinity and Beyond" and director of the Hayden Planetarium, for $1,500. The dinners begin at 8.
Among the other writers are John Avlon, Taylor Barton, Robert A. Caro, Nelson DeMille, A.M. Homes, Mary McCartney, David Netto, Julia Phillips, and Carl Safina. The complete list can be found at authorsnight.org.
Publishers and writers donate the books for Authors Night, with 100 percent of the book sale proceeds benefiting the library to support its free programs and services throughout the year.