As might be clear from our previous post on Essential Nantucket Books, this island is a haven for bookworms and writers alike. Each June for the past eight years, The Nantucket Book Foundation has hosted The Nantucket Book Festival to “celebrate and promote the joys and rewards of reading, writing, and literacy.” 

This annual festival hosts an eclectic group of authors each year, who engage attendees with conversations, readings, and talks. Given Nantucket’s rich community of local authors, it’s no wonder our little island attracts some big names.  Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the in-person format of the event has been altered this year.

What’s Happening This Year

While it is sad that the island is no longer physically host these incredible authors, the show must go on! The festival will become At Home with Authors™ a series of “memorable conversations and time-sensitive takeaways” with their 2020 authors. Even if you’re not a huge bookworm, this series will be a great source of inspiration to start the summer off right. Here is the latest At Home with Authors™ with Skip Finley discussing Whaling Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy.

And here is Nathanial Philbrick with Historians on Speed Dial

Better yet, it could be a good reason to start a summer book club! Although the island’s event might look a little different this summer, they can and should be a way to connect our community around our shared interests and causes. Based on the few conversations that are already on the website, it should feel like the real thing. 

Support The Nantucket Book Foundation

The Nantucket Book Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, relying on donations to fund their literacy initiatives on the island. Their work extends beyond the festival and needs our community support. With our support, they can build a rich community of readers and writers on Nantucket. Your donation could help the next great American novelist!