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Canio’s Books was founded in 1980 by Canio Pavone, when Sag Harbor was still described as a “charming fishing village,” long before mega yachts replaced trawlers on Long Wharf. Driving through Sag Harbor after reading Joe Pintauro’s novel set there, Canio discovered a FOR RENT sign in the darkened window of an empty shop.
His dream of owning a bookstore was realized on October 1, 1980 when Canio’s Books welcomed its first weekend customers. Chicago novelist Nelson Algren, a recent arrival to the village, quickly became a regular, sharing coffee and conversation with Canio Saturday mornings. Algren inaugurated Canio’s reading series in May 1981. Later, the Moby-Dick marathon readings brought crowds to the tiny shop in celebration of this gargantuan book that name checks Sag Harbor several times. Readings, art shows, receptions, concerts, community events, and more continued for over four decades year-round.
In 1999, Maryann Calendrille, a writer, and Kathryn Szoka, photographer, took over Canio’s Books continuing the tradition including their interests and talents giving workshops in the space. Kathryn expanded Canio’s Gallery to highlight local artists and photographers. The book collection focused on new and used literature, fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, art, poetry, and history, plus cookery, environment, nature and spirituality. Books well written and worth reading.
In 2009 Maryann & Kathryn created the 501c3 not-for-profit Canio’s Cultural Cafe. The CCC hosts lectures, workshops, seminars and other public forums that include a diversity of artists, writers, educators, independent scholars, students, and community members who might not otherwise be heard. Writing and photography workshops, environmental and spiritual community courses are part of the mix.
In 2015, the Moby-Dick Marathon, expanded to partner with village institutions creating a moveable feast. The now three-day event, held in odd years, welcomes ever more readers and audience members to experience this great American masterpiece. Learn more about it and other marathons at Canio’s Cultural Cafe.
2019 marked Maryann & Kathryn’s 20th anniversary at Canio’s. Our 20/20 Celebration included the 40th anniversary of the bookshop in 2020. We held a a Literary Costume Party (Nov, 2019), Essential Emily Marathon (Dec 2019), created a Commemorartive 2020 Calendar, and a Tribute to Toni Morrison – including documentary film screening, panel discussion, and a community discussion (on Zoom) of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye (May, 2020) marking the publication’s 50th anniversary. At the end of September 2024, we lost our lease at what was the bookshop’s home for 44 years.
Our educational non-profit, Canio’s Cultural Cafe continues to host literary events bringing community together around good books, creativity and conversation. The Cafe office within the Old Whalers Church provides a quiet reading room and small gathering place for book discussions, writing and photography workshops and more. Learn more about the Cafe at Canio’s Cultural Cafe.
Canio’s Books
34 Bay Street , Suite 255 * Sag Harbor, NY 11963 * 631.725.4926
The Canio's Books Blog 
Thanks for letting us know about your book, Michael. We’ll look into it. Best of luck!