In the city known for its Clustered Spires, a love of literature and reading has blossomed. Thanks to the appearances, book signings, and other special events hosted by Frederick Reads (a partnership between Frederick County Public Libraries and dozens of local organizations), friends and soon-to-be friends are able to gather throughout the year to celebrate the works of a wide range of writers.

Past Frederick Reads authors include Elizabeth Gilbert, Cokie Roberts, Frank Deford, David Sedaris, Alexander McCall Smith, James Swanson, Rebecca Skloot, Will Allen, and Clyde Edgerton (who debuted his musical based on his novel at our historic Weinberg Center for the Arts!). Poets have included Billy Collins, Robert Hass, Robert Pinsky, Nikki Giovanni, and Diane Ackerman.

Most Frederick Reads events are free to the public, underwritten by our partners as a gift to the community. Events take place year-round at a variety of Frederick County venues, including the Weinberg, Frederick Community College, art galleries, libraries, and even in the homes of literature lovers.

This year’s Frederick Reads season — the theme of which is “the music of language” — kicked off March 2nd with a reading by U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, who charmed an enthusiastic audience with selections from her poetry collections and other works.

Another highlight comes March 31-April 1, when Frederick Reads welcomes Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash. A distinguished musician, Cash’s discography consists of 15 albums, including her newest, “The River and the Thread.” She is also the author of four books, and her essays have been featured in the New York Times and other major publications. During her visit, Cash will perform in concert; participate in interactive discussions (including one led by David Dye, creator and host of NPR’s World Café); and sign books.

For details about these and dozens of other Frederick Reads events, click here. [And find out about all sorts of bookish events in the region on the Independent’s new online calendar.]

Elizabeth Cromwell is Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager for Frederick County Public Libraries and is also the co-founder of Frederick Reads. She combines her love for cultural, educational, and athletic programs with an extensive history of corporate and media sponsorship management. She can be reached at [email protected].

 

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