The Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Dresher Center for the Humanities, and UMBC Department of English invite you to celebrate National Library Week and UMBC BookFest, April 19-25, 2026

Monday, April 20

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Banned Books Read-In | Library Rotunda

Exercise your freedom to read! Learn more about book challenges and bans in the United States, spend some time reading books that have been banned or challenged, and find out which 10 books were most frequently banned or challenged in 2025.

4:00 - 7:00 PM: Our Stories Matter: Books, Arts, and Community | Library 7th Floor

Make a mosaic that celebrates individual and community stories, embracing and amplifying all voices. This program is part of a series that will continue through 2026.

Tuesday, April 21

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: BookMarkIt | Library Plaza

Celebrate all things books with letterpress printing, zinemaking and swaps, a book drive, giveaways, and more!

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Find the Library at Transfer-Palooza! | UC Ballroom

Hey, transfer students! We will be at Transfer-Palooza with information about library services, plus stickers and swag!

5:00 - 6:30 PM: One Maryland, One Book: An Evening with Lawrence Burney, Author of No Sense in Wishing | UC 302

The author of the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection will join Assistant Professor of English Chris L. Terry to reflect on his essay collection, growing up in Baltimore, and his deep relationship to music. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, April 22

4:00 - 5:00 PM: A New Model: The Barack Obama Presidential Library with Dr. Kenvi Phillips, Barack Obama Presidential Library Director | Library 7th Floor

With approximately 95% of its records created digitally, the Obama Presidential Library is the first digital repository among the 16 presidential libraries stewarded by the National Archives and Records Administration. The library is constantly developing new pathways to process and make records available to the public. This talk will explore how the library is bridging the gap between traditional brick-and-mortar library needs and expectations and digital possibilities. Refreshments will be served.

4:00 - 6:00 PM: BCPL Mobile Services Visit | Library Plaza

Learn about the various mobile services offered by the Baltimore County Public Library - available for free to all UMBC community members!

Thursday, April 23

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Lunch and Learn: Library Advocacy Workshop | Library Room 259 

Join the Maryland Library Association to learn how everyone can be an advocate for library access and services. Lunch will be provided.

4:30 - 6:00 PM: Freedom to Read: A Panel on Libraries and Democracy | Library Gallery

Book challenges and censorship efforts are on the rise across our state and nation. What can we do to protect the right to read and ensure access to library services? Join this timely conversation with Maryland librarians, the Maryland State Library Agency, and Citizens for Maryland Libraries. Refreshments will be served.

Friday, April 24

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Decorate a Library Tote Bag | Library Atrium

You need something to carry all those books! Stop by the library atrium to decorate your own totebag. All supplies will be provided.

All Week

Monday-Friday 12-4: Drop-in button-making | Alan and Wendy Wilson Innovation Lab

Use old book pages and covers to create one-of-a-kind buttons!

All library open hours: Drop-in blackout poetry | Library 1st Floor

Upcycle an old book page into a new piece of literature.