Book Lovers Bash is Back!

Book Lovers Bash is a month-long celebration of books, authors and reading. Details of these exciting programs are below, including an in-person visit from author Ilyon Woo.

Links for registration for the virtual events are below. Registration closes one hour before the start of the program. A valid email address is needed at registration to send a Zoom link to the program 30 minutes before scheduled start. We hope to see you throughout February! 

Staff Picks (Virtual)

Thursday, February 2 at 7 p.m. 

Find your next great read. Librarians Doug, Jamie, Lori, Malik and Maureen share their favorite books from the past year, talk about highly anticipated, forthcoming titles and answer your questions about what to read next. Register now.

Athletes Beating the Odds (Virtual)

Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.

Authors Claude Johnson, David Maraniss and Arshay Cooper come together to discuss their books featuring remarkable athletes who also faced challenges and barriers due to the cultural and societal norms of their times. Learn about Native American Olympian Jim Thorpe, the Black Fives basketball teams, which predate the NBA, and a member of the first all-Black high school rowing team in the nation. Register now.

"Master Slave Husband Wife" with Author Ilyon Woo

Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m. at the Owings Mills Branch

In "Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom," Ilyon Woo recounts the remarkable true story of enslaved couple William and Ellen Craft who, in 1848, made their way to freedom disguised as two men: a white "master" and his slave. Book sales provided by Everyone’s Place African Cultural Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. with book sales and signings taking place before the start of the program.

Keynote Speaker: Author Jamie Ford (Virtual)

Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m.

A poignant and evocative storyteller, Jamie Ford’s debut novel, "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet," spent two years on The New York Times Best Seller list and went on to win the 2010 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. Jamie Ford discusses his newest book, "The Many Daughters of Afong Moy"— a #ReadWithJenna pick described as “One of the most beautiful books of motherhood and what we pass on to those that come after us,” (Jenna Bush Hager, Today). This generational saga touches on motherhood, love, the reverberating impact of trauma and healing. Register now.