The Best Hamptons, North Fork Bookstores Are a Bibliophile's Delight

Perhaps you’re in need of fresh reading material or have a longing to get your hands on the newest release from your favorite contemporary author. Whether your interest is in the realm of classic literature or light beach reads, the South and North forks are equipped with the ideal stores to get your reading fix. Dan’s Papers readers have voted for Dan’s Best of the Best bookstores to aid in the search:

Books & Books (130 Main Street, Westhampton Beach; 631-998-3260, booksandbooks.com) is the South Fork’s platinum bookstore. Located in the village of Westhampton Beach at the center of Main Street, Books & Books shelves the latest and greatest titles from best-sellers to hand-picked favorites.

The North Fork’s platinum recipient is Antiques & Old Lace (31935 Main Road, Cutchogue; 631-734-6462) in Cutchogue. This antique store holds a vast collection of unique items plus a selection of hard-to-find editions of both popular and obscure books.

BookHampton (41 Main Street, East Hampton; 631-324-4939, bookhampton.com) received the gold award for bookstores on the South Fork. Based in East Hampton Village, BookHampton has every type of book from bestsellers to classic literature and even sells an assortment of art books and cookbooks. BookHampton boasts experienced staff and booksellers who are ready and willing to help customers satisfy all their book needs.

Black Cat Books (54 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island; 631-725-8654), originally located in Sag Harbor, has since moved to Shelter Island. Silver Best of the Best bookstore for the South Fork, Black Cat Books was established in 1996 and has been buying and selling fine used books for years. The book merchants deal with vintage collectibles and signed first editions among other types of books.

The bronze recipient for the South Fork, Canio’s Books (290 Main St, Sag Harbor; 631-725-4926, caniosbooks.com), was founded in 1980 by Canio Pavone. The store offers a diverse selection of reading material and hosts writing and photography workshops. Recently, Canio’s Books held a Moby Dick reading marathon, an event many hope will become an annual tradition.