Research Guides: Spotlight Series: Reading Is... : Home

Events

Welcome to the third annual Spotlight Series--a partnership between Notre Dame of Maryland University, Loyola University Maryland, and the Loyola Notre Dame Library. Serving both campuses and the broader Baltimore community, the series will highlight opportunities during the fall 2024 - spring 2025 academic year for engaged learning on reading, literature, and advocacy. And if you're looking for books to read, check out LNDL's leisure reading collection!

LNDL's Leisure Reading Collection
Check out the Loyola Notre Dame Library's leisure reading collection, which includes a range of popular contemporary titles in fiction and nonfiction.

On-Campus Events

Fall Fest 2024: Reading Is...
Thursday, September 5, 4-7 PM
Come celebrate the start of a new academic year at Fall Fest - featuring food, crafts, prizes, campus resources, and more! Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Loyola Notre Dame Library Webinars and Online Events
Enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders. Presented in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Read & Roam: Banned Children's Books Reading & Conversation with Enoch Pratt Free Library
Monday, September 30, 4-5 PM
Loyola Notre Dame Library IDEA Space
Join Carrie Harnick, Children's Librarian, Enoch Pratt Free Library, for a reading and conversation about banned children's books. Harnick will read and lead discussion on the first chapters of The Adventures of Captain Underpants, a book series that is often challenged or banned, and Frindle, a book with no record of a challenge.
Book Artist Lecture: Emily Martin
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Ridley Auditorium, Loyola Notre Dame Library
Emily Martin is an acclaimed artist and educator, weaving personal narrative, timeless literary works, and present-day themes with humor and insight into more than fifty artists’ books. Her books can be found in museum and library collections around the world. Martin will discuss the inspiration for and creation of her innovative, sculptural work. A reception will follow in the library gallery, where we will also celebrate the opening of the exhibit Creativity Unbound: The Book as Art.
From Twilight to Sunshine: LGBTQ+ History in Maryland
Monday, October 28, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Loyola Notre Dame Library IDEASpace
Join Enoch Pratt Free Library Librarians and Baltimore Heritage LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour Guides as they present the fascinating and fabulous history of Maryland's LGBTQ+ community.
Cura Conversations
A lunchtime dialogue series addressing critical topics through the lens of compassion, curiosity, and care. Open to all members of the Loyola Community! Hosted by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, ALANA Services, and the Office of Human Resources.
Loyola Common Text
This year's common text, Not Too Late, by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua, will challenge all community members to examine our relationship with our shared planet and our responsibilities to each other and future generations. Events through the year will provide opportunities for deeper inquiry, as well as a study guide and essay contest.
Notre Dame Common Read
All students, faculty, and staff read a selected literary work and participate in various opportunities throughout the academic year to engage in scholarly inquiry, broaden and deepen their understanding and responsiveness to social problems, promote dialogue and interdisciplinary exchanges, and seek opportunities to put the new learning into action. Events include an on-campus or virtual presentation by the author.
2025 Humanities Symposium: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor
Loyola University Maryland's Humanities Symposium is a week-long series of events related to a particular text for students, faculty, friends of the University, and the Baltimore community.
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Keynote Address
by Amitav Ghosh
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
McGuire Hall
Eichner Women Writers Series
Each year, Notre Dame of Maryland University's Eichner Women Writers Series invites a notable writer to NDMU to discuss their work with the campus and greater community.

Events in Baltimore City & Maryland

Enoch Pratt Free Library Writers LIVE! Series
The Writers LIVE! Series at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore City's public library system, includes free readings and talks with prominent authors throughout the year.
Baltimore Book Festival
Saturday, 9/28, 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday, 9/29, 10 am - 6 pm
Waverly Main Street
Festival celebrating Baltimore's rich literary history and vibrant present.
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Events include literary salons, panel discussions, writing workshops, poetry readings, author talks, book signings, children’s activities, live podcast recordings, and more.
The International Edgar Allen Poe Festival & Awards
October 4-6
Edgar Allen Poe House & Museum
Festival celebrating the life and work of Edgar Allen Poe.
CityLit Festival
Annual daylong literary festival held in the spring.
One Maryland One Book
Led by Maryland Humanities, One Maryland One Book (OMOB) brings together diverse people in communities across the state through the shared experience of reading the same book. Book-centered discussions and related programs occur throughout the fall at public libraries, high schools, colleges, museums, bookstores, and community and senior centers around the state. This year's One Maryland One Book theme is Restorative Futures, and the book is What Storm, What Thunder by Myriam J.A. Chancy.

Reading Is...

Reading is...informed citizens

Reading is...leisure

Reading is...lifelong learning

Reading is...social justice

Reading is...community and belonging

Reading is... reflection
Reading is... adventure and imagination

Reading is...the Library