New York hosted its first Greek book fair on Nov. 6-7, bringing writers, publishers, educators and readers together at the Consulate General of Greece in Manhattan for two days of literature, cultural presentations and discussions. The event also introduced younger audiences to Greece’s literary heritage, with students taking part in a public reading of Homer’s “Odyssey.”
The Greek Writers Guild of America and the Hellenic American Project at Queens College organized the fair with the consulate. Consul General Ifigenia Kanara welcomed attendees and said she hoped the event would grow into a larger institution.
Guild President Nikos Alexiou, HAP’s founder and director, and Vice President Dinos Efkarpidis also spoke. HAP’s Argonauts Library holds more than 3,000 volumes by or about Greek Americans.
New York’s first Greek book fair puts Homer before a new generation
An opening panel, “The Greek Book in America,” featured authors Effie Kammenou, Ioustini Fragouli-Argyri and Anna Prokos, moderated by Stelios Taketzis. They discussed self-publishing, traditional publishing and the future of books. Poets from cities across northern Greece also presented their work.
Saturday’s program included a presentation on the guild’s history and founding members, followed by the guild’s 2026 anthology, published by KAPA. Steven Hantzis discussed his historical novel, “The Greek Boxer: A Debt of Honor and the Ludlow Massacre.”
Effie Kammenou presented “Love Is What You Bake of It” through the Hellenic Book Club.
Young readers, authors and artists shared the program
Children’s events included readings by Anna Prokos and Maria Nikolis, a Glossonaftes language game and a bookmaking activity led by Anna Amirodaki.
Students, teachers, and representatives of Greek schools and universities read from Homer’s “Odyssey,” with participants from Queens College’s Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies and Columbia University.
Eleni Traganas, a pianist, composer, writer and visual artist, discussed challenges facing creators and the importance of editing. A panel on Greek language and culture in the United States preceded an open-mic session.
An art show featured work by Ioanna Neofotistou and Sevi Boutou. The fair ended with a poetry concert featuring Tasos Papaioannou on guitar and vocals, Makaria Psilliteli on vocals, and Areti Giovanou on piano. Admission was free at 69 East 79th Street.
