Past Events
In the past, the Maryland Libraries Together series has explored a wide range of topics that encourage learning, conversation, and community engagement. Programs have included author talks, film discussions, futures thinking and forecasting, and emerging technology topics. These events brought together experts, community leaders, and residents from across Maryland to examine new ideas, share perspectives, and explore the issues shaping our communities and the world around us.
Kwame Alexander LIVE!
On March 9, 2026, Maryland Libraries Together and Calvert Library hosted Emmy-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander for an engaging conversation with Mt. Harmony Elementary teacher and librarian Dr. Melaney Sánchez. Together, they explored literacy, self-advocacy and the power of community. As we approach America's 250th anniversary, this event honored our shared values of freedom, independence and the joy of learning.
Film Discussion - Free For All: The Public Library
On May 13, 2025, Maryland Libraries Together, Howard County Library System and Maryland Public Television (MPT) partnered on a statewide virtual event to discuss the new documentary Free For All: The Public Library. The documentary focuses on how public libraries helped shape the country.
Numerous library systems throughout the state partnered with MPT to show the documentary this spring as part of the Indie Lens Pop-Up series, which brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS's Independent Lens, Indie Lens Pop-Up brings local residents, leaders and organizations together to discuss a variety of important topics. A list of Maryland screenings of Free For All: The Public Library can be found on the MPT website.
Understanding AI: What It Can and Cannot Do
On April 3, 2025 Maryland Libraries Together and Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) presented Understanding AI: What It Can and Cannot Do featuring the authors of AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference. Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor, two of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence (AI), shared what you need to know about AI and how to defend yourself against bogus AI claims and products. The program was streamed on BCPL’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/AISnakeOil
Author Event: Michelle Coles
On February 27, 2025, Maryland Libraries Together partnered with Calvert Library to present Michelle Coles, a Civil Rights attorney who wrote the award-winning young adult book Black Was the Ink. The story features Malcolm, a Black teen from Washington, D.C. whose mom is worried about his safety over the summer and sends him to stay with his father’s family on their farm in Mississippi.
Author Event: Nnedi Okorafor
On October 11, 2024, award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor spoke at an author event hosted by St. Mary’s County Library and supported by Maryland Libraries Together, Calvert Library, Howard County Library System and Hilda C. Landers Library of St. Mary’s College. Okorafor is the author of the comic series LaGuardia, Wakanda Forever, and Black Panther: Long Live the King, and novels such as Binti, Akata Woman, Shadow Speaker, and more.
Jane McGonigal: Building Urgent Optimism for the Future
On April 25, 2024, Enoch Pratt Free Library and Maryland Libraries Together to host New York Times bestselling author and Institute for the Future Research Director Jane McGonigal. Throughout the event, McGonigal shared a new framework for cultivating “urgent optimism" in the face of uncertainty. Attendees learned how to practice the art of mental time travel and how to take others to a better future with you.
