Maryland Center for the Book

Our third and final UMBC CoLab intern is Rebecca Mekasha! She will be working on the digital 2026 One Maryland One Book Reader's Guide with Akil and Keziah.

Rebecca is a Computer Engineering Major and Math Minor studying at UMBC.

Our next UMBC CoLab Intern is Keziah John! She is working on the digital 2026 One Maryland One Book Reader's Guide.

Keziah is a rising sophomore at UMBC majoring in Individualized Studies with a concentration in neuroscience. As a published author and avid reader, she considers One Maryland One Book as an amazing way to get people curious about learning and interested in reading more. She is so excited to be part of this project!

We are working with the UMBC Interdisciplinary CoLab interns this month. They are creating the digital 2026 One Maryland One Book Reader's Guide.

First, let's meet Akil Brathwaite! He is a rising junior majoring in Clinical Psychology and English. He is on the Communications and Technology track at UMBC. In his free time he enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, and biking.

This past weekend we had a booth at the We the People themed Prince George's County 250 Block Party in Bowie!

Our "We the Changemakers, a Community Storytelling Project" was an activity station for both for youth and adults to respond to prompts about living in and enacting change in Prince George’s County. Participants could write a brief story, design a book cover, or make a comic strip.

Be sure to check out these photos of our activity station and other captures from the Block Party!

Lady Brion, the Maryland State Poet Laureate, is coordinating the Revolutionary Writers Poetry Festival, which takes place May 15-17th.

The festival is dedicated to connecting literary experiences across the State of Maryland, and providing poets from around the country opportunities to work on their craft in a creative, brave, and affirming environment.

Learn more about the festival here: https://bit.ly/49jwM8C

Isabella Romero gave two flawless deliveries at the National Semifinals!

She did not advance, but we are proud of her for representing our state on the stage.

The semifinals are currently still ongoing, with the finals tomorrow evening.

Our Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Champion Bella Romero will be competing in the POL National Semifinals next week in Washington, DC!

Come and cheer on Bella next Tuesday 4/28 at 9:00 a.m. at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

More information is available here: https://bit.ly/4cL5CZz

Happening at 5pm today at Room 312 of UMBC’s University Center is the next One Maryland One Book Author Event featuring Lawrence Burney.

We hope to see you!

Today we are tabling outside of UMBC’s Albin O. Kuhn Library from 11am-1pm as part of their BookFest!

Come and see us! You can learn more about us and our programs!

Join us TOMORROW for “One Maryland One Book: An Evening with Lawrence Burney, author of No Sense in Wishing,” where Lawrence will reflect on his essay collection, growing up in Baltimore, and his deep relationship to music with Assistant Professor of English, Chris L. Terry.

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, April 21
⏰ Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: UMBC, University Center 312

For more information: https://bit.ly/4c3dg2g

This event is co-sponsored by Maryland Humanities and the Dresher Center for the Humanities. Refreshments will be served.