Join PBS Books and the Library of Congress for book inspired adventure through Maryland in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on October 8th at 8 p.m. ET for the episode premiere on the PBS Books YouTube channel, or watch on the PBS Books Facebook page, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
From the Chesapeake Bay to the streets of Baltimore, Maryland’s literary landscape is rich with voices that have challenged, inspired, and captivated readers for generations. Frederick Douglass (The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave) turned his own life story into one of the most powerful autobiographies in American literature. That tradition of powerful storytelling takes a more eerie turn with Edgar Allan Poe (The Raven), who may be claimed by several states but has a lasting connection to Maryland, where he spent his final days and is buried. In the 1960s, Rachel Carson (Silent Spring) used her writing to awaken environmental awareness and inspire action. A generation later, poet Lucille Clifton (Blessing the Boats) offered another kind of powerful voice, writing with grace and resilience about family, identity, and everyday life. And then there’s Tom Clancy (The Hunt for Red October), who added a modern chapter to Maryland’s literary story with bestselling thrillers shaped by suspense, politics, and international intrigue.
Maryland’s literary voice continues to evolve through writers who are telling stories that reflect the communities, questions, and experiences of today. Jason Reynolds (Long Way Down) brings a powerful voice to young readers, exploring the choices we make in the face of grief and violence. Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion (With My Head Unbowed) shows how poetry can move beyond the page through spoken word, creating space for personal experience and connection.Building on Maryland’s long tradition of mystery and suspense, Laura Lippman (Lady in the Lake) brings her Baltimore roots to crime fiction, where the city itself becomes part of the story. And D. Watkins (Black Boy Smile) turns to memoir to reflect on the experiences that shaped him and the growth that comes from looking back with a new perspective.
Across Maryland, literary history is woven into the places where stories have been preserved, shared, and passed from one generation to the next. In Baltimore, the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Library stands as a longtime gathering place for readers, while the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum and Poe’s gravesite offer a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Maryland’s most enduring literary figures. The state’s literary landmarks stretch beyond Baltimore, from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s gravesite in Rockville to the collections and historic spaces throughout that continue to connect Maryland’s literary past with readers today.
About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
Pack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures.
From iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired great works, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way, we’ll meet bestselling authors, passionate booksellers, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart, history, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling.
New episodes will stream on select Thursdays at 8pm EST on the PBS Books Facebook page, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.
