Events
May 1, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Interior Design: A Conversation on Creativity, Style and Inspiration
Join us for an inspiring talk with Robyn Lea (This Creative Life) and Joan Barzilay Freund (Defining Style) as they explore creativity, design’s impact, and the stories behind their books. Moderated by Tony Freund, Editorial Director at 1stDibs, this is a must for design lovers and creatives!
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
May 5, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Write What You Know: Memoir, Novels & Personal Essays
Have you dreamed of turning a personal experience or family story into a written work of art? What does it mean to “write what you know?” Drawing from your lived experience and emotional truth can provide powerful scaffolding for a story. We’ll cover internal and external methods of mining the truth, types of writing to create, how to overcome fears, when to reframe facts to best serve the story, as well as marketing, branding, privacy, and legal considerations. Lisa Montanaro will touch upon examples from her own experience of using her family’s story to create her award-winning novel, Everything We Thought Was True. This workshop will be interactive and include questions and answers. You’ll walk away feeling more empowered to effectively capture your personal story on the page and share it with the world.
Coffee and snacks will be served, and Lisa's novel Everything We Thought Was True will be available for sale.
May 5, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Launch Party: Christina Geist
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Before You Fly Away by New York Times bestselling author — and dear friend of the store — Christina Geist. This beautifully designed collection of simple life lessons makes the perfect sentimental gift for graduates heading off to boarding school, college, or the next chapter of their lives.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
No RSVP necessary—all are welcome!
May 8, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Moms Night In
Join us for a cozy and joy-filled evening celebrating Mother's Day and all things mom. Come as you are — elastic waistband pants, jammies, and messy buns welcome!
We’ll kick things off with a heartwarming conversation between Saumya Dave, author of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘗𝘪𝘭𝘭 (a book Fran devoured!), and Kanika Chadda Gupta, host of 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘛𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘰𝘮 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦. Saumya will be signing books, and we'll have plenty of copies on hand.
We’ll have wine, delicious treats from Graze NY, and private 5-minute aroma and grounding resets with Jody Raso.
Before you head out, we’ll send you home with a curated goody bag filled with gifts that say we see you, 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 — including a special treat from our friends at Jones Road Beauty.
Let’s celebrate motherhood, community, and the power of showing up for ourselves. We hope to see you there! XO
May 13, 2025 | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Kids Corner: Storytime & Craft
Join us for a special storytime & craft featuring everyone’s favorite storyteller Melissa Toole. She’ll be reading If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, followed by a fun activity where kids can decorate their own cookies.
Ages 4 - 7
May 15, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Nicola Kraus
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicola Kraus, author of the forthcoming The Best We Could Hope For and The Nanny Diaries. Nicola will be joined in conversation by USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Jacqueline Friedland.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
May 19, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Pivot with Purpose
At some point, we all wonder: What’s my next best step? What do I want to become? Is now the right time to make a change—professionally or personally? In her workshop, Pivot with Purpose, master-certified life and career coach Nancy Steiner helps you create your next best chapter.
Nancy will use tools from her coaching practice to help you uncover your best self. What are your true values? What are your life’s priorities right now? Where do you need the most improvement? And what do you want change to look like?
It might sound like heavy lifting, but it doesn’t have to be! Join us for an engaging conversation as we dive deep and make real progress on YOU.
Coffee and snacks will be served.
May 20, 2025 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Celebration of Rachel Simons' Debut Cookbook @ Mast Market
Join us at Mast Market for a special event celebrating Rachel Simons’ debut cookbook, Sesame! The evening will feature a lively conversation between Rachel and Fran Hauser about the inspiration behind the book, followed by a hands-on demo of a decadent chocolate and tahini recipe. You'll also learn how to assemble a stunning sweet dessert charcuterie board, perfect for entertaining. Stick around for book signing, snacking, and mingling!
May 22, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
May Book Club: The Tell
Our genre for May is memoir, and our book club pick is The Tell by Amy Griffin.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
We can't wait to see you there!
June 2, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Networking Unlocked
Building meaningful relationships is key to professional success, but networking doesn’t have to feel transactional or overwhelming. Join networking experts and authors Fran Hauser (The Myth of the Nice Girl, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career), Sara Bliss (Take the Leap), and Pat Hedley (Meet 100 People) for an engaging conversation on making networking accessible, productive, and even enjoyable—whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your connections at any stage of your career.
Ticket includes: paperback copies of Take the Leap: Change Your Career, Change Your Life by Sara Bliss and Meet 100 People by Pat Hedley, plus coffee and snacks.
June 7, 2025 | 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Meet & Greet with Martha Hall Kelly
Join us for a special Meet & Greet with Martha Hall Kelly, bestselling author of Lilac Girls.
We’re thrilled to be celebrating the release of her brand-new novel, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club, coming out May 27!
Come sip cocktails, chat with Martha, and get your book signed. It’s the perfect way to kick off your summer reading!
June 12, 2025 | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Kids Corner: Storytime & Craft
Join us for a special storytime & craft featuring everyone’s favorite storyteller Melissa Toole. She’ll be reading Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup, followed by a fun activity where kids will learn more about the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem (which inspired the writing of this book)!
Ages 4 - 7
June 16, 2025 | 10:00am - 1:00pm
Publishing Made Easy
This intimate in-person workshop, limited to just five participants, will guide you through the nonfiction publishing landscape, helping you understand what makes a book sellable and how to craft a winning pitch. With practical strategies, templates, and hands-on activities, you'll leave with a clear action plan and the confidence to move forward on your publishing journey. 📚✨
June 18, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Heather Clark
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Pulitzer Prize finalist Heather Clark, author of The Scrapbook. Heather will be joined in conversation by award-winning novelist and essayist Kristopher Jansma.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
June 25, 2025 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk @ Bedford Playhouse: James Frey
James Frey, the literary force hailed as “America’s Most Notorious Author” (TIME) and the “Bad Boy of American Literature” (The New York Times), returns with his latest tour de force: Next to Heaven, a darkly funny, razor-sharp thriller that peels back the gilded surface of America’s wealthiest enclaves. This incendiary novel delivers an addictive and voyeuristic plunge into a world where privilege, scandal, and moral decay intertwine, culminating in betrayal, chaos, and murder.
Fran Hauser will be moderating this conversation at Bedford Playhouse.
Books will be available for sale and signing.
June 26, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
June Book Club: It’s a Love Story
Our genre for June is romance, and our book club pick is It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
We can't wait to see you there!
July 8, 2025 | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Kids Corner: Storytime & Craft
Join us for a special storytime & craft featuring everyone’s favorite storyteller Melissa Toole. She’ll be reading The Princess in Black, followed by a fun sticker activity. Come dressed in your best princess costume!
Ages 4 - 7
July 9, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Haley Cohen Gilliland
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Haley Cohen Gilliland, author of A Flower Traveled in My Blood. Haley will be joined in conversation by communications strategist and journalist Jessica Rao.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
July 10, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Annabel Monaghan
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome USA Today bestselling author Annabel Monaghan, and celebrate the launch of It's a Love Story. Annabel will be joined in conversation by Good Morning America Lifestyle Contributor Lori Bergamotto.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
July 16, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Lauren Tetenbaum
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Lauren Tetenbaum and celebrate the launch of Millennial Menopause. Lauren will be joined in conversation by Andrea Lavinthal, Executive Director of PEOPLE magazine.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
July 24, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Launch Party: Katie Sise
Bedford Books is thrilled to celebrate the launch of You Must Be New Here with our dear friend — and hometown favorite — Katie Sise.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
PAST EVENTS
April 26, 2025 | 10:00am- 5:30pm
Independent Bookstore Day
Join us for a fun-filled day at the store! We’ll have mimosas, bibliotherapy, author signings, storytime & craft for kids, personalized journals, delicious treats, and more!
10:00 AM – Doors open!
11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Mimosas & Bibliotherapy with literary agent Elisabeth Weed (get your personalized book prescription!)
12:00 PM–1:00 PM – Storytime & Craft with Melissa Toole, featuring Dear Bookstore. BONUS: each child will receive a FREE copy of the Frog & Toad coloring book—originally created in 1981 and brought back exclusively for Indie Bookstore Day!
2:00 PM–4:00 PM – Personalized calligraphy journals with Kai Harashima
4:00 PM–5:30 PM – Snacks & Signing with Suzanne Lenzer, featuring her new cookbook Peckish + wine & seltzer!
Plus: Prizes, treats, and FREEBIES all day long! Bring a friend, bring the fam—there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you! 💛
No RSVP necessary, except for Storytime (limited to 10 kids) 👇
April 24, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Yellow Studio Book Club
Bedford Books is thrilled to host the Yellow Studio Book Club to discuss Before Us by Jewel E Ann.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
Note: this event is for Yellow Studio members (learn more about becoming a member here.)
April 24, 2025 | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Kids Corner: Storytime & Craft
Join us for a special storytime & craft featuring author Christina Connors. She’ll be reading her book We Can Be Kind, which she wrote with Broadway & Disney composer David Friedman.
We Can Be Kind is a heartwarming, multi-sensory picture book that teaches children the power of kindness, self-love, and emotional regulation. Through playful, engaging illustrations and rhythmic storytelling, young readers (and the adult reading with them) are introduced to simple mindfulness and self-care practices, helping them navigate their feelings and interactions with others. This beautifully crafted book encourages empathy, connection, and a positive mindset, inspiring children to embrace kindness in their everyday lives.
After storytime, kids will participate in a fun coloring activity while listening to music from the book .
Ages 4 - 7
April 22, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
April Book Club: The Secret History
Our genre for April is thrillers, and our book club pick—chosen by your votes—is The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
We can't wait to see you there!
April 10, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: John Kenney
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome John Kenney, author of I See You've Called in Dead (out April 1st). He'll be joined in conversation by Margaret Ables, comedian, writer, and co-host of the What Fresh Hell podcast.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
March 26, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
The Artist’s Journey: From Inspiration to Creation
Join us for a special Women’s History Month event—where you’ll hear from the three local artists whose work is on display at Bedford Books. Through their personal stories, we’ll explore the inspirations (including books!) that shape their art.
Whether you’re an artist, an art enthusiast, collector, or simply looking to tap into your creative side, this event is for you! This collaboration between Bedford Books & Yellow Studio features Tricia Caracappa, Jen Mullowney, and Rebecca Rivard. They'll be joined in conversation by Tina Villaveces, Founder & Director of Yellow Studio.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Each ticket includes a set of three journals designed by the artists for this event. Don't miss this inspiring evening!
March 13, 2025 | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Kids Corner: Storytime & Craft
Join us for a special storytime & craft featuring everyone’s favorite storyteller Melissa Toole. She’ll be reading Elephant & Piggie: We Are in a Book. After storytime, kids will create their own bookmark!
Ages 4 - 7.
March 12, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Sarah Gormley
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Sarah Gormley, author of The Order of Things. She’ll be joined in conversation by Nancy Steiner, network television producer and career/life coach.
Light refreshments and Sarah’s viral Martha-Stewart-Fired-Me cookies (!) will be served.
March 6, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
March Book Club: The Favorites
Our genre for March is literary fiction, and our book club pick—chosen by your votes—is The Favorites by Layne Fargo.
Attendance will be capped at 12 to ensure a cozy, intimate discussion.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
We can't wait to see you there!
March 4, 2025 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fern Hill Project: Community Dinner
Join Fern Hill Project, NY Stoneware, and Bedford Books for an evening of connection, delicious food, drinks & conversation around conscientious cooking.
Graze New York will prepare a family-style meal featuring vegetarian recipes from My Regenerative Kitchen, the new cookbook by Camilla Marcus, chef, entrepreneur, activist, and founder of Westbourne NYC's first zero waste restaurant.
Tickets: $135. The ticket price will cover the cost of the event, and any additional proceeds + sales from the cookbook will benefit California wildfire relief. Space is limited.
February 26, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Jenny Anderson & Rebecca Winthrop
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Jenny Anderson & Rebecca Winthrop, co-authors of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. They'll be joined in conversation by Vanessa Kroll Bennett, bestselling author and puberty educator.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
February 25, 2025 | 6:30m - 8:00pm
Yellow Studio Book Club
Bedford Books is thrilled to host the Yellow Studio Book Club to discuss Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff.
The author will be joining us for this discussion!
Note: this event is for Yellow Studio members (learn more about becoming a member here.)
February 18, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
BYO Book Club
This isn't your typical book club. Here's how it works: we each bring a book we love and share it with the group. It's a fun, laid-back way to discover new reads and hear what others are passionate about. Whether it's a recent find or an all-time favorite, you'll get to dive into a variety of genres and authors. Plus, it's a great opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and grow your TBR (to-be-read) list.
Wine, seltzer, and snacks will be served.
Low pressure, totally casual, and lots of bookish fun. Can't wait to see you there!
February 13, 2025 | 3:15pm - 4:45pm
Kids’ Corner: Melissa Toole
Join us for a special Valentine’s Storytime & Craft event featuring everyone’s favorite storyteller, Melissa Toole. She’ll be reading How to Catch a Loveosaurus, followed by a fun craft where kids can create their own Valentine’s card.
Perfect for ages 4-9!
February 12, 2025 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Full Moon Galentine’s Book Party
Books, besties, and all the love—celebrate Galentine’s with us! We’ll have drinks, snacks from Graze NY, a blind date with a book, and astrology readings by Ophi Edut (Astro Twins)!
February 11, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Louise Story
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Louise Story to discuss Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap (selected Best Book of the Year - 2024 by Oprah and The New Yorker). She'll be joined in conversation by Stephanie McCaine, Town of Bedford Deputy Supervisor.
February 8, 2025 | ALL DAY
Get Valentine’s Day Ready!
Join us on Saturday, February 8th, for a day filled with love, treats, and thoughtful gifting. Whether you're shopping for your Valentine, your Galentine, or yourself, we've got something sweet for everyone!
January 28, 2025 | 6:30m - 8:30pm
Yellow Studio Book Club
Bedford Books is thrilled to host the Yellow Studio Book Club to discuss The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras.
Note: this event is for Yellow Studio members (learn more about becoming a member here.)
January 27, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Author Talk: Neha Ruch
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Neha Ruch in celebration of the release of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids — And Come Back Stronger Than Ever. She'll be joined in conversation by Sarah Steinhardt, former producer for ABC’s Good Morning America and co-founder of Welcome Baby.
January 23, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Author Talk: Amy Wilson
Bedford Books is thrilled to welcome Amy Wilson in celebration of the release of Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser. She'll be joined in conversation by Margaret Ables, co-host of the Webby-honored podcast What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood.
January 15, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Fern Hill Project: Unlock Your Ideas
Do you have ideas for your business or creative pursuits that you’ve been mulling over and need a fresh perspective?
Join the Fern Hill Project for an evening dedicated to unlocking your ideas with Fran Hauser and Jenny Indig, Founder of the Fern Hill Project.
This intimate workshop is limited to 12 participants to foster a meaningful, facilitated conversation with Fran and Jenny. Together, we’ll create a supportive space to discuss your work, exchange feedback, and share valuable resources and connections.
Tickets are $25 and include beverages, snacks, and a $20 gift card for an in-store purchase.
January 9, 2025 | 3:15pm - 4:45pm
Kids’ Corner: Melissa Toole
Join us for a special storytime and craft event featuring Melissa Toole’s Time is on Your Side. Eight-year-old Emily searches for Time to stop him in his tracks. Time moves way too quickly, after all. Wasn't it just yesterday when her favorite dress still fit her? And how could she be entering a new class with new kids and a new teacher? At the end of her search, she ultimately ends up in a small, unique clock shop. After storytime, kids will create their own unique clock!
Ages 4 - 9.
January 7, 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
BYO Book Club
We’re thrilled to introduce our new BYO Book Club at Bedford Books! This isn't your typical book club. Here's how it works: we each bring a book we love and share it with the group. It's a fun, laid-back way to discover new reads and hear what others are passionate about. Whether it's a recent find or an all-time favorite, you'll get to dive into a variety of genres and authors. Plus, it's a great opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and grow your TBR (to-be-read) list. Wine, seltzer, and snacks will be served.
No monthly commitment – we'll hold these once or twice a month and welcome everyone to join. Low pressure, totally casual, and lots of bookish fun. Can't wait to see you there!
