FAQ

A call for suggestions is sent out each fall to the general public, educators, librarians, book groups, and other partners, based upon an annual theme and pre-determined criteria. Suggestions are researched to be sure they fit the established criteria.  Then the work of the selection committee begins. They review and narrow down the potential choices to the top ten.  In January the committee meets to discuss the list and parses the list down to the top three choices, later voting to establish the One Maryland One Book pick.

The 2013 One Maryland One Book theme is “a pivotal and impactful moment in time.” It could be any type of moment: historical, personal, family, health-related, scientific, sociological, economic, etc.

The book can be either fiction or nonfiction and should:

• be able to generate sustained discussion on the year's theme
• be of interest to people in the state of Maryland
• appeal to a wide range of readers of different backgrounds/reading levels
• be able to connect to high school age readers as well as adults
• be of manageable length (up to 350 pages)
• be available in paperback and priced affordably
• be in print and audio, and if possible, in electronic format, large print, Braille, film and translation
• a living author is a consideration, but not a criterion
• a Maryland author is a consideration, but not a criterion

• Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
• That Night by Alice McDermott
• King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village by Peggielene Bartels and Eleanor Herman

Click here to learn how you can take part, either as an individual, or as a program partner.  MHC offers free support materials—Reader’s Guides, Teacher’s Guides, bookmarks, and posters—to groups, organizations, and businesses that sign on as official partners.

Given the statewide scope of the program, we are unable to provide copies of the book for individuals and book clubs directly. However, books are made available to participating public libraries and public high schools via the generosity of our donors.  Most bookstores are made aware of our One Maryland One Book pick each year and make the book easily available for purchase.

 
MHC provides some funding support to libraries and nonprofit organizations, as well as secondary and postsecondary schools, to foster creative public programming across the state. The application process for both the Author Tour and funding support has closed for 2012. Check back for additional information in spring 2013. For more information, contact Andrea Lewis at alewis@mdhc.org.

One Maryland One Book programs are free and open to the public.  Seating is first-come-first served.  Sign up for MHC’s Email newsletter, Opening Eyes, to receive advance notice of events, or connect with us on Facebook or on Twitter via @MDHumanities. We recommend you tweet using the hashtag #1Md1Bk to join a conversation.

Each year, MHC invites Maryland organizations to co-host the statewide Author Tour. The author is typically available for a limited number of official tour stops, so the application process is competitive.