What Is Novel Night?
Join us on October 17 for Novel Night 2026, the iconic biennial Rye tradition benefiting the Rye Free Reading Room.
For more than 20 years, Novel Night has brought the Rye community together for one unforgettable evening while raising critical funds that make the Rye Free Reading Room's exceptional children's, teen, and adult programming possible.
Chapter One: The Dinner Party
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The evening begins as homes across Rye are transformed into immersive dinner parties inspired by different novels. Guests arrive in costumes inspired by their assigned dinner party book theme, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of delicious food, flowing cocktails, lively conversation, and instant friendships.
Chapter Two: Icons After Dark
8:00 PM to Midnight
Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
When dinner comes to a close, the celebration continues. Transportation is provided by each dinner party host as guests from across Rye come together for Icons After Dark at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. Dance the night away, enjoy late-night bites and cocktails, and celebrate one of Rye's most beloved traditions in style.
What Does Novel Night Support?
Your ticket purchase directly supports the Rye Free Reading Room's children's programming, enriching the lives of children and families throughout our community. From the Discovery Zone and Children's Room to beloved favorites like Wiggle Giggle Time with Dawny Dew and Robert the Guitar Guy, these programs inspire learning, creativity, and connection every day.
Funds raised from prior Novel Nights launched the newly expanded enrichment programming through Learnique, bringing even more educational opportunities to local families. Programs like these require ongoing financial support and rely on critical Novel Night proceeds.
Novel Night is more than an unforgettable evening. It is the event that is essential to making these experiences possible and at no-cost to our community.
How Do I Get Tickets?
Tuesday, July 21
Sponsorship-level tickets on sale
Thursday, July 30
General Admission tickets on sale
Before purchasing, be sure to have your top five dinner party choices ready. You'll be asked to rank your favorites during checkout. Dinner Parties are assigned on a first-come basis, and both sponsorship packages and general admission tickets are limited. Be sure to purchase early or purchase a sponsorship package for the best chance at your preferred party!
Sponsorship-Level Benefits
In addition to supporting the Library and its programming, sponsorship-level tickets include exclusive perks:
Priority placement, giving you the best chance of attending one of your top-ranked dinner parties
New this year, select sponsorship packages guarantee you and your friends are together at the dinner party of your choice
Exclusive access to the VIP Bar at the Icons After Dark after party
Become a Friend of the Library Before Ticket Sales Open
To purchase tickets for Novel Night, you must be a Friend of the Rye Free Reading Room. Tickets are available exclusively to Friends at any membership level. If you've made a donation to the Library's Annual Campaign this year, you're already a Friend.
If you're purchasing a Sponsorship Package, your Friend membership is included automatically.
Before ticket sales begin, please confirm your Friend status. Active memberships include Supporter, Reader, Scholar, Bibliophile, Curator, Sponsor, and Patron. If you have trouble logging in or have questions about your membership, email friends@ryelibrary.org.
Not a Friend yet? Simply make a donation of any amount to the Annual Campaign to become eligible to purchase Novel Night tickets.
If you're purchasing a Sponsorship Package, your Friend membership is included automatically.
Why Become a Friend?
Your support helps fund the Rye Free Reading Room's outstanding collections, programs, and services for the entire community. As a Friend, you'll also enjoy exclusive benefits, including:
Access to Novel Night ticket sales
Invitations to author events and special Friends-only programs
Early access to the annual Book Sale
Fee-free art exhibits
Reduced meeting room rental rates
Access to Casino Night tickets
Voting privileges at the Library's Annual Meeting and Trustee elections
If you're purchasing a Sponsorship Package, your Friend membership is included automatically.
Novel Night Committee
Co-Chairs
Committee Members