What Is Novel Night?
Join us for Novel Night 2026 - an iconic biannual fundraiser to benefit the Rye Free Reading Room.
For over 20 years, this treasured Rye tradition has brought residents together in a unique and exciting way – all dedicated to supporting children’s library programming. Every dollar raised at Novel Night is critical to making the Rye library a special educational and community space for children.
Chapter One: The Dinner Party, 6 - 8pm
To kick off the evening, homes across Rye are transformed for unforgettable themed dinner parties. Guests arrive in costumes inspired by their assigned novel. Cocktails flow, dinner is served, and instant classic friendships are made.
Chapter Two: The After Party, 8pm - 12am Mamaroneck Yacht Club
But the night doesn’t end there - when the dinner plates are cleared, everyone reunites at "Icons After Dark" for an iconic after party at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. Endless dancing, food, and cocktails make it a truly unforgettable evening.
What Does Novel Night Support?
Your ticket purchase supports various children’s programming, enjoyed by children of all ages in the community – from the Children’s Room and Discovery Zone to beloved programs like Wiggle Giggle Time and Robert The Guitar Guy, and so much more! New this year, you are also supporting the new enrichment programming powered by Learnique. This iconic event makes it all possible!
How Do I Get Tickets?
Dinner Party invitations are on a first-come basis, and both sponsorship levels and general admission tickets are limited - so don’t wait to purchase!
• Tuesday, July 21: Sponsorship-level tickets available for purchase
• Thursday, July 30: General Admission tickets available for purchase
Make sure to have your top 5 party rankings in mind since you will be asked to rank them when purchasing!
Sponsorship-level tickets:
• In addition to your generous contribution to the library, sponsorship-level tickets increase your chance of being assigned your preferred dinner-party selection!
• New this year, select ticket packages guarantee you can attend the dinner party of your choice with your friends.
• For an even more iconic experience, sponsorship-level tickets also include access to the exclusive VIP Bar at the Icons After Dark after party!
Before You Purchase Tickets
IMPORTANT: In order for you to be ready for an ICONIC night, you’ll need to be a Friend of the Rye Free Reading Room. Tickets for Novel Night are exclusively available to Friends at any level. Being a Friend of the library means you have donated to the Annual Campaign within the past year.
If you will be purchasing Sponsorship packages, this will automatically include a Friend membership.
Please click here to confirm your Friend status. Friends will have an active membership in one of the following categories: Bibliophile, Curator, Scholar, Sponsor, Patron, Reader, or Supporter. If you have trouble logging in, or have questions about your Friend status, please email us at friends@ryelibrary.org. If you are NOT a Friend, you can become a Friend of the Rye Free Reading Room by making a donation at any level to the Annual Campaign here.
Being a Friend of the Rye Free Reading Room means you are supporting the library’s extensive programs and collections of books, audiovisual and other materials, and makes you eligible to attend the Annual Meeting of the Rye Free Reading Room and vote for its Trustees. In addition to access to Novel Night tickets, Friends get the chance to attend author meet and greets, early access to the library book sale, fee-free art exhibits, reduced price meeting room rentals for meetings/parties, access to Casino Night tickets, and invitations to special Friends only events.
If you have any questions, please email us at novelnight@ryelibrary.org.