Award-winning, bestselling authors Jesmyn Ward, Jon Meacham, Anna Quindlen, and Amor Towles headline second season of acclaimed literary series
Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library is proud to announce the 2026–2027 season of Booked for Baltimore County Public Library, an exciting new chapter in its acclaimed author series that brings some of the world’s most celebrated literary voices right here to Baltimore County. Following a blockbuster inaugural season, the series returns with another extraordinary lineup of award-winning, bestselling authors appearing live at our series partner, Goucher College.
The 2026–2027 season includes:
September 13, 2026 – Jesmyn Ward
A two-time National Book Award winner, MacArthur Genius Grant winner and recipient of the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, Jesmyn Ward is one of the most powerful literary voices of her generation. Known for acclaimed works including Salvage the Bones; Sing, Unburied, Sing; and Let Us Descend—and the highly anticipated On Witness and Respair, available May 19—Ward’s writing explores family, community, race and resilience with lyrical brilliance.
November 15, 2026 – Jon Meacham
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, presidential biographer and bestselling author Jon Meacham is renowned for bringing American history vividly to life. Through books such as American Struggle, American Lion, The Soul of America and And There Was Light, , Meacham is one of the nation’s most compelling voices, offering profound insight into on history, leadership and the enduring American experiment.
February 28, 2027 – Anna Quindlen
Beloved novelist, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and social commentator Anna Quindlen is the author of multiple bestselling novels and nonfiction works, including One True Thing, Still Life with Bread Crumbs and Write for Your Life. Her thoughtful storytelling and sharp observations on family, culture and modern life have made her a cherished voice for readers for decades.
April 4, 2027 – Amor Towles
The bestselling author of Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow, The Lincoln Highway and Table for Two, Amor Towles has captivated millions of readers worldwide with his elegant prose, unforgettable characters and richly imagined worlds. His works have sold more than six million copies and have been translated into dozens of languages., earning critical acclaim and a devoted following of readers who savor his wit, insight and unforgettable storytelling.
All events in the series will take place at Goucher College, whose partnership has helped make Booked for Baltimore County Public Library one of the region’s premier literary events.
The series is underwritten by Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library with generous support from the Baltimore Community Foundation, Maryland 250 Commission, Bonnie Clarke, Point Breeze Credit Union, Goucher College, APGFCU and The Ivy Hotel. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available for organizations and individuals who wish to support this exciting cultural series while championing the vital work of Baltimore County Public Library.
“Booked for Baltimore County Public Library celebrates the power of books to connect us—to ideas, to stories and to one another,” said Emanuel Figueroa, Executive Director of Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library. “We are thrilled to continue building this series and bringing extraordinary literary voices to our community.”
Tickets for each public event are free, though reservations are required. Tickets are available from the Goucher ticket office, usually starting one month from the date of the event.
The Foundation hosts a reception for sponsors and Bibliophile Level donors and above, offering exclusive access to each author preceding the public event. To learn more about how you can be invited to these receptions, email info@foundationforbcpl.org.
More information about the series
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