Given the rich literary history of Long Island’s “Gold Coast” – stretching back to the days of Walt Whitman and F. Scott Fitzgerald – some of the region’s most prestigious literary boosters announced the creation of the very first Gold Coast Book Fair, slated for June 28, 29, and 30 in Oyster Bay.
The multi-day event will feature world-renowned authors, writers, and lecturers, and is a unique collaboration between the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, Long Island University and Theodore’s Books, a local bookstore founded by former US Representative Steve Israel. The Gold Coast Book Fair is made possible by the presenting sponsor, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
By creating a platform to connect writers and readers, the festival’s organizers hope to attract visitors from across the globe, offering a unique opportunity to showcase Long Island’s literary heritage and support the growth of local businesses and cultural institutions.
Among those scheduled to participate in the weekend activities is Erik Larson, author of six New York Times best-selling books, including Splendid and the Vile. His latest novel, The Demon of Unrest, will be out on April 30.
“Bethpage is delighted to help support this exciting, new Long Island festival,” said Linda Armyn, President and CEO, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “For years, Bethpage has helped initiate many impactful educational programs, and now is extremely pleased to help celebrate Long Island’s rich literary history through the development of this wonderful event. Thank you to the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, Long Island University and Theodore’s Books for organizing what I know will become the first of many Gold Coast Book Fairs!”
“Long Island has been both a haven and a muse for authors for centuries, and it’s about time we celebrated all that we have to offer,” said Israel, who represented parts of Long Island in Congress from 2001-2017. “Even before opening Theodore’s Books in 2021, I have always been proud of Long Island’s rich literary heritage. I want to promote the region’s literary identity, I appreciate our partners in this endeavor and hope this year’s fair will be the first to come of many in the years ahead.”
“The Gold Coast Book Fair brings to our region engaging activities and many distinguished authors this summer to the LIU campus. Our thanks to Congressman Israel and Theodore’s Books, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and The Oyster Bay Main Street Association for all of their effort in putting this together,” said Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President, Long Island University.
“We are thrilled to be able to shine a light on everything that Oyster Bay and its businesses – like Theodore’s Books – have to offer to the Town and its neighbors,” said Meredith Maus, Executive Director, Oyster Bay Main Street Association. “Oyster Bay – as one of the oldest and most vital towns in America – has so much to offer and with the addition of the Gold Coast Book Fair, we can now add a renowned experience like no other. Thanks to our friends Congressman Israel, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and Long Island University for working to bring authors and cultural experts to bear for all of the Town of Oyster Bay and making our home an even more exciting and vibrant place to live, work, and do business.”
“I am proud to announce Nassau County will sponsor the first Gold Coast Book Festival here in the beautiful community of historic Oyster Bay,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “This festival will promote literacy and will boost economic development in the region.”
Organizers are looking to attract authors, sponsors, and speakers interested in participating in the fair, which will be held in Oyster Bay and at Long Island University the last weekend in June.
Anyone interested in speaking or sponsoring a portion of the program can apply on the website: https://goldcoastbookfair.com.
A full list of participating authors is still in formation.
—Submitted by the Gold Coast Book Fair
