Books in Bloom

Books in Bloom is a free book festival for all ages. It is set for Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Color Burst Park, 6100 Merriweather Drive, Downtown Columbia. It includes a Reception for Teachers, programs featuring authors Kwame Alexander, Laurie Frankel, Eric Puchner, R. Eric Thomas, children's book writers Sue Fliess and Ann Marie Stephens, and Busboys and Poets founder Andy Shallal, author of A Seat at the Table.  Howard County middle and high school students will read from their work, and a 9-woman group will present Spilled Milk: A Story Telling Event About Motherhood. Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion will perform with other poets. Crafts, games, music and food add to the festivities. RSVP at https://merriweatherdistrict.com