Maryland
Every Maryland resident is welcome to join this book club
Getting a few people committed to a book club is hard enough. But what about an entire state?
Maryland Humanities has hosted “One Maryland One Book” for 18 years running. The nonprofit brings together participants in public libraries, schools, correctional facilities and other organizations to read and discuss a given book annually. More than 15,000 Maryland readers have signed up, according to Maryland Humanities.
This year’s book selection is “Kin: Rooted in Hope” by Carole Boston Weatherford, with illustrations by her son, Jeffrey Boston Weatherford. The mother-son duo blend poetry and art to tell their family story that has roots in Maryland — Carole was born in Baltimore. The book grapples with the shared histories of Maryland residents to reflect this year’s “One Book” theme: “What We Collect, What We Tell.”
The Montgomery County Public Library system has participated in the program since 2008. The county weaves it into its existing book clubs. In-person book club discussions began this month, and other sessions (including hybrid online options) will continue through January.
MCPL patrons can check out “Kin” from the county, which has 75 physical and digital copies in circulation. Maryland Humanities provided an additional 120 copies to different MCPL book clubs.
“The ‘One Maryland One Book’ is a great example of how libraries help bring people together around shared learning and understanding,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a news release. This year’s selection, “offers an important opportunity to reflect on our state and country’s deep and complicated history.”
Patrick Fromm, assistant director of branch operations for MCPL, chatted with The Banner about the county’s involvement in “One Maryland One Book” and why this year’s selection felt particularly relevant to library patrons.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
What has participation been like from county residents?
At first, I think it was a bit of a disruption because we were suddenly pushing in a book that book club participants hadn’t participated in selecting.
But a lot of the feedback that we got was that they appreciated the chance to do something that was outside their normal wheelhouse.
The titles that Maryland Humanities has selected are wide and very different than what a traditional fiction book club might read. Our patrons if they wish can join other “One Maryland One Book” events going on.
What stood out about this year’s selection and what discussions are you hoping will spark from “Kin?”
I think “Kin” is a really beautiful combination of both poetry, which doesn’t get a lot of time in the limelight, and also really pertinent history.
Then there’s the very appealing personal genealogy aspect as well — the traumatic harder parts of people’s lives and past, and ancestors’ experience. You can dive right into it and find out things about history in general that you’re interested in, but also be able to see a progression that’s tied to the author and her son and their family’s experiences.
It’s both pushing people a little out of their comfort zone of what book clubs traditionally read, like bestsellers, and instead focusing on something with some real heft behind it and just beautiful art.
Did the county have any second thoughts about participating this year given the increased scrutiny on American arts and culture, and how Americans reckon with their history?
In general, we’ve been fairly supportive of how Maryland Humanities has selected their books. When “Kin” was selected, there was no doubt we were going to join in and continue being part of “One Maryland One Book.”
But it dovetails nicely with efforts that we as a system have always tried to reflect the users of our library and share stories that are inclusive of everybody that uses public libraries. This is a nice, little piece of that puzzle.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
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The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
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Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
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