TTL Students and Alum--
Please join us on April 21 & 23 for UMBC's first BookFest, a two-day celebration of writers, readers, makers, and advocates. All events are free and open to the public, so bring a friend!
April 21
BookMarkIt --11 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Library Plaza
Enjoy letterpress printing, a book arts display, wrapped mysery books and giveaways, zinemaking and zine swaps, a book drive supporting the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, the Baltimore County Bookmobile, bookish swag, and more!
One Maryland, One Book — 5:00–6:30 p.m., 312 University Center
In collaboration with Maryland Humanities’ One Maryland, One Book program, BookFest will welcome Lawrence Burney, the author of the 2026 OMOB selection No Sense in Wishing. Burney will be in conversation with writer Chris Terry (assistant professor of English) about his essay collection. Refreshments will be served!
April 23
Bigger Than Books: Understanding Attacks on Libraries--12:00-1:00 p.m., AOK Library Room 259.
What should you know about the current assaults on authors, readers, libraries, and librarians? How can you better advocate for libraries, access to reading materials, and the freedom to read? Join facilitators Allison Jennings-Roche (UMBC Alum and Associate Director of Digital Initiatives and Collections at The University of Baltimore Library & Archives) and Tif Sutherland (Calvert Library and Maryland Library Association) for a lunch-and-learn. This event requires registration. Space is limited to 30 participants, so please secure your spot no later than April 20. Lunch will be served. REGISTER HERE!
Freedom to Read: Libraries and Our Democracy — 5:00–6:30 p.m. — Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
Book challenges and censorship efforts are still on the rise across our state and nation. What can we do to protect the right to read and to ensure access to our nation’s library services? Join some of Maryland's distinguished librarians and advocates for a panel discussion:
- Morgan Miller, Maryland State Librarian
- Stacey Nunn, Library Media Specialist, Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering and finalist for School Library Journal’s School Librarian of the Year
- Christine Feldmann, Anne Arundel County Public Library
- Andrea Lewis, President of Citizens for Maryland Libraries
- Betsy Peisach, Maryland Public Television
This event is co-sponsored by the Maryland State Library Agency. Refreshments will be served!