The first annual Gold Coast Book Fair took place the weekend of June 28-30 in Oyster Bay, N.Y. The fair--a collaboration between Theodore's Books, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, and Long Island University--drew 3,000 attendees and hosted more than 70 regional and national authors.
The fair featured keynote speaker Erik Larson (The Demon of Unrest) in conversation with former Congressman Steve Israel, owner of Theodore's Books; and headlining novelist Alice McDermott (Absolution) in conversation with Susan Isaacs. The fair also included author panels for adults and children, book signings, a vendor marketplace, and a street fair.
The fair closed with a conversation with (pictured, from right) Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, historian Alexis Coe, and Steve Israel about the role that libraries and librarians play in ensuring our democracy’s freedom of speech, and why libraries are important to the future of American civic life.
“It was truly amazing to see the very first Gold Coast Book Fair come to life and enjoyed by so many interested readers, families, Long Islanders, and so many others,” said Israel. "I look forward to making this an annual event.”