Md. Kicks Off Its First Statewide Reading Program

By Christy Goodman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 17, 2008

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.

· 7 p.m. Oct. 2, discussion, Calvert Library, Prince Frederick.

· 2 p.m. Oct. 15, discussion, Calvert Library, Fairview Branch, Route 4 and Chaneyville Road, Owings, 410-257-2101.

· 7 p.m. Oct. 16, discussion, Calvert Library, Prince Frederick.

· 7 p.m. Oct. 20, discussion, Town Center Apartments, North Beach (for Calvert Library, Twin Beaches Branch), 410-257-2411.

· 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Readers' Theater performance of "A Hope in the Unseen," Huntingtown High School, 4125 North Solomons Island Rd., Huntingtown, 410-414-7036 or 301-855-9031.

· 7 p.m. Nov. 6, discussion, Calvert Library, Prince Frederick.

Charles County:

· 2-5 p.m. Sept. 28, Life Journeys writing workshop for adults; registration recommended. La Plata Library, 2 Garrett Ave., 301-934-9001.

· 9:30-10:30 a.m. Oct. 4, book discussion, P.D. Brown Memorial Library, 50 Village St., Waldorf, 301-645-2864 or 301-843-7688.

· 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 22, discussion, Indian Head Senior Center, 100 Cornwallis Sq., 301-743-2125.

· 3 p.m. Oct. 26, Readers' Theater performance of "A Hope in the Unseen," Port Tobacco Theater, 508 E. Charles St., La Plata, 301-932-6819.

· 6-9 p.m. Oct. 30, Life Journeys writing workshop for adults; registration recommended, Potomac Library, 3225 Ruth B. Swann Dr., Indian Head, 301-375-7375.

St. Mary's County:

· 6 p.m. Oct. 6, discussion, Lexington Park Library, 21677 FDR Blvd., 301-863-8188.

· 7 p.m. Oct. 16, discussion, Charlotte Hall Library, 37600 New Market Rd., 301-884-2211.

· 7 p.m. Oct. 24, Readers' Theater performance of "A Hope in the Unseen," College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown campus, 22950 Hollywood Rd., 301-475-8799 or 301-863-6681.

· 7 p.m. Oct. 27, Poetry Open Mic, Lexington Park Library.