Bauder Book Talks

Author talk featuring a live Q&A with youth. Student participants have the opportunity to hear directly from and engage a well-known author and receive a copy of the author’s book. This annual event honors the memory of Don Bauder, late husband of Dr. Lillian Bauder, and a champion of civil rights and social justice causes. Register through your school or keep an eye out for extra seats under the community registration link.
A student raising there hand in a crowd to ask a question at the badder of the books author talk.

Reimagining the Future
with Nnedi Okorafor

Thursday, November 5 | 4:30–6 p.m.
East Columbia Branch
For teens. Registration required.

Award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor visits HCLS for this year’s Bauder Book Talk. A leading voice in African-futurist literature, Okorafor writes stories that draw on African cultures, histories, and identities to imagine new possibilities for the future.

Her novels, graphic novels, and work for Marvel explore topics including technology, climate, migration, identity, disability, and tradition. Her work encourages readers to think beyond familiar ideas about the future and consider how different perspectives can shape the world ahead.

Bauder Book Talk Registration

Creative Arts Competition

Show us how Nnedi Okorafor’s books have inspired you, with themes that include overcoming adversity, personal growth, and community.
Learn More

Event Details

Seating opens at 4 p.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with reserved seating for bussed HCPSS staff and students. Additional standing room will be available once all seats are occupied.

  • A book signing follows the program until 7 p.m.
  • ASL interpretation is provided.
  • Registration is required for every attendee.

About Bauder Book Talks

Made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Lillian Bauder, a community leader and Columbia resident. Howard County Library System presents this annual endowed author event, for diverse students in grades 6-8 attending public schools in Columbia with high percentages of African American and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students. Authors and titles selected are high-interest and high-quality on topics of social issues, equity, and related matters. Student participants have the opportunity to hear from and engage the author and receive a copy of the author’s book. The event honors the memory of Don Bauder, late husband of Dr. Lillian Bauder and a champion of civil rights and social justice causes.
Teenagers excitedly raising there hands. Author sitting casually on stage. Teenagers listening to Author talk. Smiling girl getting a book signed. Detail of personalized book signing.