Reading Is Freedom

For three decades, the Baltimore Book Festival has brought the city together in celebration of literature, storytelling, creativity, and community.

On Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, Derrick Adam’s Charm City Cultural Cultivation presents “Reading Is Freedom” in community with Emerson Collective and Baltimore Book Festival. The free, family-friendly activation comes to life from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, where festivalgoers will hear from the people shaping Baltimore, share the books that stay with us, and make space for the next generation to create stories of their own. We’ll also learn more about reading coaches, the role they play in helping children become strong readers, and how each of us can play a part in supporting them.

The weekend’s programming includes:

Stoop Reads
Meet us at the stoop for storytelling with some of Maryland’s hometown heroes. Authors, artists, community leaders, educators, and legislators will share and giveaway their favorite children’s books and remind us just how special Baltimore is. Featured readers include Derrick Adams, First Lady Dawn Moore, Wanda Durant, Ms. Maze, Dr. Joshua Michael, and D. Watkins.

Zine Workshops Artist-led for Teens
Teens, grab a seat at the art table. Led by Lawrence Burney and Hampton Boyer, these hands-on zine- making workshops invite you to tap into your inner artist and explore your creativity.

Free event — Please rsvp to reserve your spot at rsvp@emersoncollective.com