Story hour this morning at the Hampton Library celebrated the birthday of prolific children's author Eric Carle.  Carle has written and illustrated more than 70 books which have been translated into 45+ languages. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is his most famous title.

As we patiently waited for story hour to begin, a cheerful father arrived, two children in tow, and inquired with the librarian about Mr. Carle's whereabouts, just assuming that Carle would be reading at Saturday morning story hour in Bridgehampton. 

Only in Bridgehampton do we just assume that a famous author is coming to 10am story hour.  While Dad's naivety may seem funny, it's not when you consider our community. Writers and artists outnumber phragmites in Sagg Pond. Bestselling authors routinely swing by Fridays at Five to read from their latest works. We are lucky that Tom Wolfe, Pete Hamill, Don Hewitt, Dominick Dunne, Ken Auletta and the beloved Kurt Vonnegut have all been regular guests the popular backyard gathering.

This July, as the library embarks on a year-long expansion and moves to temporary quarters in the old Marder's barn on Montauk Highway, Fridays at Five will pop up at various locations including the Community House.  The author lineup is always impressive; but maybe not to your four year old.