Books in Bloom 2024

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL BOOKS IN BLOOM IN COLOR BURST PARK IS BACK ON MAY 11, 2024, 11:30AM – 5PM, FEATURING AWARD-WINNING, FAN-FAVORITE AUTHORS IN A MULTIGENERATIONAL, MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY EVENT.

Known as the region’s most progressive literary and arts event, Books in Bloom focuses on the power of books to reveal, heal and inspire despite differences in age, race, religion, ethnicity and gender. 

This event is free and open to the public.

Popular children’s book author Sue Fliess (11:45AM – 12:30PM, Literary Lane // 12:45PM – 1:15PM Book signing), is known for her “Kid Scientist” series, which includes the recently published “Zoologists on the Trail” about a wolf pack.

Journalist Natasha S. Alford (12:00PM – 12:45PM, Prose Pavilion // 1:00PM – 1:30PM Book signing), author of the newly released “American Negra: A Memoir” about discovering your true identity and remaining grounded in your heritage.

Linguist Amanda Montell (12:45PM – 1:30PM, Literary Lane // 1:45PM- 2:15PM Book signing), author of “The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality” and “Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language.”

Wunderkind Gitanjali Rao (1:00PM – 1:45PM, Prose Pavilion // 2:00PM – 2:30PM Book signing), a 18-year-old recognized for her innovative problem solving on opioid addiction, intergenerational care, cyberbullying, and lead detection in water.

Television writer, playwright and author, R. Eric Thomas (1:45PM – 2:30PM, Literacy Lance // 2:45PM – 3:15PM Book signing), wrote the young adult novel, “Kings of B’More” and a new collection of essays, “Congratulations, The Best is Over.”

Critically-acclaimed novelist Julie Otsuka (2:00PM – 2:45PM, Prose Pavilion // 3:00PM – 3:30PM Book signing), author of “When the Emperor Was Divine,” “Buddha in the Attic” and, most recently, “The Swimmers.”

Emily Barth Isler (2:45PM – 3:30PM, Literary Lane // 3:45PM – 4:30PM Book signing), award-winning middle grade novelist of “AfterMath” about grief and the new novel, “The Color of Sound” featuring a 12-year-old music prodigy.

Helen Simonson (3:00PM – 3:45PM, Prose Pavilion // 4:00PM – 4:30PM Book signing), author of “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand,” “The Summer Before the War” and her new book, “The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club.”

Student Showcase (3:45-4:30PM, Literary Lane), Howard County student writers from Navigating the Margins and Our Voice Literary Magazine.

Poetry + HoCoPoLitSo 50th Anniversary Celebration (4:00PM-4:45PM, Prose Pavilion), a reading by new Howard County Poetry Laureate, Howard County Public School System Writer-in-Residence Hayes Davis, and regional poet E. Ethelbert Miller.

Authors interviews followed by live Q&A on two stages located within Color Burst Park & Mango Tree Road

Presentations and Q&A from Student Showcase featuring Howard County student writers from Navigating the Margins and Our Voice Literary Magazine.

Outdoor Bookstore hosted by Busboys & Poets

Flower Shop hosted by FERN Florist

First 200 guests will receive a signature ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted’ writing journal

Community Book Swap – Bring a pre-loved book to plant in our Community Book Garden and pick a book to take home with you. Free to plant/pick a book

Children’s Zone with family-friendly crafts and activities, face painting and glitter tattoos

Cocktail Bar hosted by GameOn Columbia and Cured and 18th & 21st

Visit our Event Calendar for all the details. 

Howard County Economic Development Authority
The Mall in Columbia
Howard County General Hospital
Rehab 2 Perform

Howard Community College
Hysteria Brewing Company
Davis, Agnor, Rapaport, and Skalny
Residences at Vantage Point
KEY Commercial Real Estate

APL Federal Credit union
Thrive
Vision Wealth Partners
Banditos