One Maryland One Book
One Maryland One Book is a state-wide Maryland Humanities program that unites Marylanders through reading, programs, and discussion.
2026 Selection: No Sense in Wishing
The One Maryland One Book selection for 2026 is No Sense in Wishing: Essays on Black Music, Belonging, and Baltimore, by Lawrence Burney.
Released in 2025 by Simon and Schuster, the book is a personal and analytical essay collection taking cue from Burney’s career as a culture writer and critic through which he looks at his home city of Baltimore, music from throughout the global Black diaspora, and the traditions that raised him. The book was selected under the 2026 theme of “REVOLUTION, REACTION, REFORM,” seeking stories that highlight moments of change and transformation.
Encouraging a love of reading and a deeper sense of community, One Maryland One Book is like a statewide book club.
Visit the Maryland Humanities website for more information, including a reader's guide.
How To Participate
All Marylanders can participate in One Maryland One Book!
Get involved by checking out a copy of No Sense in Wishing from the Pratt Library.
Each year, more than 10,000 Marylanders read the One Maryland One Book. How many of those people are your friends or family members? How many are perfect strangers you sit next to on the train or stand in line with at the grocery store? Use the book to jump-start a meaningful conversation with an old friend or make a new one.
Get the Book, eBook, or AudiobookGet involved and join us with these Pratt Library One Maryland One Book events.
One Maryland One Book Events
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Join us for a discussion of the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection No Sense in Wishing: Essays on Black Music, Belonging…September 21, 2 PM -
Join us for a discussion of the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection No Sense in Wishing: Essays on Black Music, Belonging…September 24, 6:30 PM
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Join us for a discussion of the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection No Sense in Wishing: Essays on Black Music, Belonging…September 26, 2 PM
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This month's selection will be "No Sense in Wishing" by Lawrence Burney: There are moments throughout…September 28, 6:30 PM
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Join us for a discussion of the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection No Sense in Wishing: Essays on Black Music, Belonging…October 7, 5 PM
One Maryland One Book is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Maryland State Library Agency, Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, William G. Baker. Jr. Memorial Fund, BGE An Exelon Company, and Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences.
Get an eCard
Maryland residents can register for an eCard to get instant access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming media, and databases.