Canio’s Books was founded in 1980 by Canio Pavone, when Sag Harbor was still a “charming fishing village,” as described by writer Joe Hanna. Driving through Sag Harbor in the late winter of 1980, after reading Joe Pintauro’s book set in the village, Canio discovered a shop with a FOR RENT sign.

CB exterior

His dream of owning a book store began to form.On October 1, 1980 the doors of Canio’s Books opened, and the shop’s storied legend began.

Nelson Algren, a recent arrival to the village, became a regular, drinking coffee with Canio on Saturday mornings. The famous writer inaugurated Canio’s events series with a reading in April 1981. Shortly after, the marathon Moby Dick reading began every September, where the community read the classic through the night in the cozy comfort of Canio’s Books. Since then we have been serving up a diverse selection of readings, art receptions, concerts, community events, and more.

In 1999, Maryann Calendrille and Kathryn Szoka, writer and photographer, took the helm at Canio’s Books continuing and enriching the tradition with their own unique interests and talents. Kathryn brings a focus on photography and an expanded Gallery in the shop highlighting local artists.