Literature Lovers on the Lawn: The Annual Sharon Summer Book Signing

Amy Krzanik reports from Sharon. On Friday, August 2, under the tent on the lawn of the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, a slew of eager volunteers of all ages slipped into their new roles as greeters, cashiers, bartenders, and purveyors of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Hannah’s of Litchfield. The Annual Sharon Summer Book Signing had once again descended on the town, and more than 30 authors came from far and near to sign their recent tomes and visit with local literature lovers. The event offers the rare chance to discuss current happenings with camera-shy Janet Malcolm, writer and journalist at The New Yorker magazine, and then, at the very next table, to talk with Maxine Paetro about what it was like to pen a thriller with James Patterson. This year, the Book Signing kicked off an evening of Dinners with Authors, and a Gently Used Book Sale over the following two days. Proceeds from these go to the Library. (Shown above L to R: President of the Board Barclay Collins, Children's Librarian Emily Bartram, Dick Roberts, and Don Brandt).

Authors Julie Phillipps, Giselle Potter, and Barbara McClintock; Volunteer Charles Tomlinson and co-chair of Dinners with Authors Laurie Dunham.

Authors Larry Lederman and Todd Forrest; Authors Wendell Minor, Leonard Marcus, and Florence Minor.

Al Golden, Andrea Lyle, and Matt Hartzog of Matt Hartzog Design; Authors Ben Schrank and Roxana Robinson.

Sebastian and Sanja show off their signed books; Authors Katherine Bouton and Sarah Kilborne.

Peter Wertheim and Ben Loehnen; Sok Nam and Harold Kuplesky, Tina Pitcher, and Betsy and Paul Clark.

Library Director Louise Manteuffel and Co-chair Birgitt Pajanola; Martha Goupit and Patrick Goupit.

Authors Bruce Weinstein, Mark Scarbrough, and Nava Atlas; Linda Amerighi and Kathleen Fuhr.

David S. Traub and Joy Behr; Library Trustee Richard Vietor and volunteer Malcolm Brown.