Book Lovers Bash Returns for Its Sixth Year

Book Lovers Bash is a month-long celebration of books, authors and reading. Now in its sixth year, we take pride in connecting authors with our community, sharing new favorite books with our customers and exploring the wonderful world of public libraries through a mix of virtual and in-person programs. We are thrilled with this year’s line-up and invite you to participate! Remember to register for the virtual programs so we can send you the Zoom link to the program 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.  

Staff Picks: Best Books of 2023 and Beyond 

Thursday, February 1, at 7 p.m. (Virtual) 

Find your next great read! Librarians Douglas, Jamie, Lori, Maureen and Sarah Jane share their favorite books from the past year, talk about titles coming out soon and answer your questions about what to read next. Register now. 

Sneak Preview 

Here are just a few books that will be discussed during the event. 

Maureen: “‘The Night of the Storm' by Nishita Parekh is a classic locked room thriller set as Hurricane Harvey approaches Houston, with members of an Indian American family gathered under one roof and tensions rising as fast as the storm is escalating.” 

Lori: “Spencer Quinn’s 'Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge' is a hoot: Who hasn’t fantasized about foiling telephone scammers?” 

Sarah Jane: “As a fan of magical realism, I can’t wait to talk about Gerardo Sámano Córdova's debut novel 'Monstrilio', in which a mother applies Mexican folklore to her state of grief with eye-raising results, making you question what you know about loss and what makes a family.” 

"The Leftover Woman" With Author Jean Kwok 

Thursday, February 8, at 7 p.m. (Virtual) 

Jean Kwok discusses her riveting novel, "The Leftover Woman," about international adoption and the Solomon-like choices made by parents everywhere. Fellow best-selling author Ruth Ware calls it “a heart-tugging exploration of love, belonging and the meaning of family.” Register now.  

Kwok also shares how her experiences as an immigrant growing up in Brooklyn has influenced her writing. Oddly enough, writing wasn’t her first passion. According to her website, she went to Harvard to pursue physics before developing a love for writing and English. She then worked for three years as a ballroom dancer, saying, “For a young immigrant woman who had never fit in, who had never felt graceful, it was a great personal transformation.” Dancing inspired her book “Mambo in Chinatown,” while her brother's tragic death influenced "Searching for Sylvie Lee." “My books are often inspired by real-life experiences that deeply affected my life. Often, those experiences form the emotional heart of the book, even though the story and characters will change," said Kwok. You can find her complete collection in our catalog.  

Public Libraries and Our Freedom to Read 

Thursday, February 15, at 7 p.m. (Virtual) 

The conversation surrounding banned books has made headlines for years, this year hitting close to home with Carrol County Public Schools banning a number of books.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), between January 1 and August 31, 2023, 3,923 titles were challenged across the country.

During that same time, 66 titles were challenged and there were 10 attempts to ban books in Maryland. Baltimore County Public Library stands firmly against censorship of materials.

We believe all have a right to decide and determine what is appropriate for themselves and those in their care. View our comprehensive collection policy.   

As a part of our fight to protect our right to read, our CEO, Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, is moderating a panel discussion around censorship, access to information and intellectual freedom.

Panelists include Joyce McIntosh of the American Library Association and the Freedom to Read Foundation, University of Illinois professor Emily Knox and attorney and Executive Director Nate Coulter of the Central Arkansas Library System.

Along with Zoom, this event will also be live streamed on our Facebook page. Register now. 

An Afternoon With Author Lisa Scottoline 

Sunday, February 25, at 2 p.m. (Offsite)

Famous for her heart-pounding legal thrillers, poignant historical fiction and hilarious nonfiction essays, Lisa discusses her writing, her books and whatever else is on her mind with her characteristic warmth and humor. Join us at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel, 903 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Parking is free. The first 250 attendees receive a voucher for a free copy of Lisa’s new book, "The Truth About the Devlins," coming in March. RSVP for the event.

Private Meet and Greet

Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library is sponsoring the event and is hosting a donor-exclusive reception with Scottoline before the event. Starting at noon, donors at the Bibliophile Level ($1,000 or more) and above are invited to chat one-on-one with the author while enjoying light refreshments. Email the Foundation for more information or to RSVP to the donor reception at info@foundationforbcpl.org.

That’s Entertainment: African Americans in Film, Television and Broadway 

Thursday, February 29, at 7 p.m. (Virtual) 

Authors Bethonie Butler, Caseen Gaines and Odie Henderson come together to discuss their books featuring African Americans in film, television and theater.

Learn about groundbreaking and influential artists, shows and movies that changed the entertainment landscape and provided representation for the Black experience. Register now.

Place one of the author’s books on hold, or borrow one of the materials they dive into, like Gordon Park’s “Superfly” and “Shaft."