Sag Harbor Books

Sag Harbor Books has been the literary anchor of this charming whaling village since 1987, occupying a prime spot on Main Street just steps from the harbor. The store draws an extraordinary roster of authors to its readings and signings, thanks to the concentration of major writers who summer in the Hamptons. Its maritime history section is a treasure trove of whaling narratives, naval histories, and Long Island seafaring lore, including a small rare books collection with nineteenth-century first editions. Summer weekends see the shop packed with beachgoers browsing for vacation reads, but the store truly comes alive in the quieter months when the year-round literary community gathers for intimate book clubs and fireside discussions. Owner Nancy Aldrich, a former literary agent, brings an insider's eye to the store's curation, ensuring that the shelves always feature the most talked-about titles of the season alongside hidden gems.