Montgomery County Public Libraries Joins Statewide ‘One Maryland One Book’ Program to Encourage Shared Reading and Dialogue

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Free Book Giveaways, Author Events and Community Conversations to be Held at Library Branches from October Through January

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is participating in the 2025 "One Maryland One Book (OMOB)" program, a statewide reading initiative led by Maryland Humanities. The program brings Marylanders together by encouraging everyone to read and discuss the same book. The 2025 OMOB programming will take place now through Jan. 31, 2026.

OMOB is Maryland's only statewide community reading program. Each year, Maryland Humanities selects one title and invites residents across the state to read and engage in conversations about it. The program fosters connection, learning, and dialogue among communities.

This year's theme, What We Collect, What We Tell, encourages readers to reflect on the stories, histories and cultures that shape identity and community.

The 2025 book selection is Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, with illustrations by Jeffery Boston Weatherford. Through poetry, art and personal narrative, the authors trace their family's roots while uncovering the shared histories of Maryland and the nation. Their work highlights the intersection of personal memory and collective history, aligning with this year's theme.

"The 'One Maryland One Book' is a great example of how libraries help bring people together around shared learning and understanding," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "This year's selection, Kin: Rooted in Hope, offers an important opportunity to reflect on our state and country's deep and complicated history. By learning about the past and listening to each other's stories, we can better understand where we are today and how we move forward as a community."

From October through January, MCPL will host book discussions and related programs for all ages. All events are free, and some may require registration. Residents are encouraged to visit the full calendar of events on the MCPL website.

MCPL invites all County residents to participate - by reading, attending events, joining discussions or exploring related resources.

Additional Information:

• Free copies of Kin: Rooted in Hope will be available at all MCPL branches while supplies last. The title is also available through MCPL's digital and audio collections.
• Maryland Humanities will host a statewide author tour through mid-November.
• Maryland Humanities provides educators and community groups access to free discussion guides, activity ideas, and teaching resources.

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