Your One Maryland One Book questions answered!
- How is the One Maryland One Book chosen?Each fall, Maryland Humanities sends out a call for suggestions to the general public, educators, librarians, schools, book clubs, and other partners. The call for suggestions is based on an annual theme and pre-determined criteria.
Once the suggestions deadline has passed, the Maryland Humanities staff researches all suggestions to make sure they fit the established criteria. Then the selection committee takes the lead.
The selection committee narrows the list of potential choices to a top ten list. In January, the committee meets to discuss the top ten and narrows the list down to three choices, later voting to establish which book will be the One Maryland One Book pick.
- What are the selection criteria for One Maryland One Book?
In addition to having a focus on the yearly theme, the book can be either fiction or nonfiction and should:
- be able to generate sustained discussion on the year’s theme
- be of interest to people in the state of Maryland
- appeal to a wide range of readers of different backgrounds and reading levels
- connect to high school age readers as well as adults
- be published in 2012 or later
- be of manageable length (up to 350 pages)
- be available in paperback and priced affordably
- be in print, audio, and electronic format and, if possible, large print, film, or translation
- a living author is a consideration, but not a criterion
- a Maryland author is a consideration, but not a criterion
- What is the theme for the 2023 One Maryland One Book?
Connection
As our world feels more scattered, we continue to look for shared values, ideas, and goals with people, places, and times.
We desire to see and be seen, to be heard and understood, and to find the familiar in the unexpected.
In connecting, we imagine different and better futures.
The book you suggest can be fiction or nonfiction, interpret the theme of Connection figuratively or literally, and should appeal to both high school and adult audiences. You are welcome to suggest books of poetry, short stories, and plays too.
- How can I participate in One Maryland One Book?Visit the How to Participate page to learn how you can take part, either as an individual or as a program partner. Maryland Humanities offers free support materials—Reader’s Guides, Teacher’s Guides, bookmarks, and posters—to book groups, organizations, and businesses that sign on as official partners.
- Does Maryland Humanities give out free copies of the book?Given the statewide scope of the program, we are unable to provide copies of the book to individuals or book clubs. However, via the generosity of our donors, books are made available to participating public libraries and public high schools.
We update bookstores around the state once the book is selected. Check your local bookstore for a copy or let them know about the program!
Maryland Humanities provides some funding support to libraries and nonprofit organizations, as well as secondary and post-secondary schools, to foster creative public programming across the state.
- How do you choose the One Maryland One Book Author Tour stops?Each year, Maryland organizations are invited to co-host the statewide Author Tour. The author is typically available for a limited number of official tour stops, so the application process is competitive.
For information on funding support or the Author Tour contact Andrea Lewis.
- Are One Maryland One Book events free or is there a cost to participate?All One Maryland One Book events, including the Author Tour, are free and open to the public. Seating is first-come first-served.
Sign up for Maryland Humanities email newsletter to receive advance notice of events, or connect with us on Facebook or on Twitter via @MDHumanities. Use the hashtag #1MD1BK to join the conversation!