Thursday, October 1, 2026
A beloved summer tradition returned to Oceanside on June 1 with over 75 attendees as the Summer Gazebo Readings began another season of poetry, storytelling and community gatherings under the gazebo at Schoolhouse Green.
Held every Monday evening throughout June, July and August, the free outdoor program has grown from a modest fundraiser into one of Long Island’s most distinctive literary events, attracting audiences and performers from across the region.
The series was founded in 2007 by Tony Iovino, former assistant director of the Oceanside Library and longtime Kamp Kiwanis supporter. At the time, organizers were looking for ways to preserve the newly created open space at Schoolhouse Green while also raising money to send children to Kamp Kiwanis.
“We had just built the gazebo and were looking for programming and fundraising opportunities,” Iovino said. “I thought it would be a nice way to bring people together.”
Inspired by open-mic readings he had attended in New York City, Iovino launched a weekly gathering where poets, writers and performers could share their work before a live audience. The concept quickly exceeded expectations.
“What started out as something I thought might attract 15 or 20 people eventually became much larger,” he said.
Before the pandemic, attendance regularly reached between 100 and 120 people each week. Audience members often arrive carrying lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of literature, conversation and refreshments.
In its early years, Iovino and his wife, Angela, personally prepared food for attendees, serving hot dogs, hamburgers and other picnic fare. As attendance grew, the event transitioned to offering complimentary desserts and snacks.
While poetry remains the centerpiece of the program, the readings feature a wide variety of voices and genres. Authors, storytellers and musicians frequently join the lineup, creating what organizers describe as a performance experience rather than a traditional literary reading.
“People who think they don't like poetry are often surprised,” Iovino said. “When poets read their work aloud, it becomes a performance. It’s a very different experience than simply reading poetry on a page.”
This summer's lineup includes an impressive roster of guests, including national and Suffolk County poet laureates, former poet laureates and several evenings featuring live music.
In recent years, organizers partnered with the Oceanside Library to help ensure the program's long-term future. Library staff have increasingly taken on organizational responsibilities, helping to institutionalize the event and maintain its legacy for future generations.
One of the season's most anticipated evenings will take place during the week of Independence Day. The special program, on July 6, will open with a public reading of the entire Declaration of Independence, including the names of all signers. Community members are invited to participate by reading selections from notable speeches, essays, humor pieces and other works drawn from American history and culture.
Monday's readers included two former Nassau County Poet Laureates Linda Opyr and Peter Dugan, as well as Jennifer Gibaldi and Lloyd Abrams.
The Summer Gazebo Readings begin at 7 p.m. every Monday evening through August. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an hour of literature, community and summer tradition under the gazebo.
