Md. Kicks Off Its First Statewide Reading Program

Maryland's first statewide community reading program, One Maryland One Book, was recently launched in Southern Maryland by the Maryland Center for the Book.

Operating with the Maryland Humanities Council, the center is teaming with libraries and other organizations in the state to encourage residents to read "A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey From the Inner City to the Ivy League," by Ron Suskind.

The 1998 book follows the journey of Cedric Jennings, a student at Ballou Senior High School in the District, who overcomes adversity to become a successful student at Brown University.

Libraries in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties have planned two months of activities to encourage people to read and discuss the book. One highlight is an evening with the author, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at North Point High School in Waldorf.

Other events:

Calvert County:

· 2 and 7 p.m. Sept. 8, discussion, Calvert Library, Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

· 2 p.m. Sept. 18, discussion, Calvert Library, Southern Branch, 20 Appeal Lane, Lusby, 410-326-5289.

· 7 p.m. Sept. 18, discussion, Calvert Library, Prince Frederick.