The Book Lover’s Guide to Howard County!
Imagine sipping a steaming cup of coffee, enjoying the charming sights of a historic town through the window, and absolutely nothing to disturb you from your next great book.
Book lovers know that one of the best ways to escape the ordinary is through an immersive read, and in Howard County, Maryland, you can find the perfect atmosphere to fully escape.
With an ideal location close to D.C. and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Howard County is a must-visit for literary lovers. If you’re in the area for the Library of Congress National Book Festival or the Baltimore Book Festival, visit Howard County for a perfect literary themed trip!
Find charming shops in Historic Ellicott City, peaceful reading nooks in Savage Mill, countryside relaxation in Western Howard County, and unique cafes through Columbia, Maryland. Howard County also has the perfect parks for outdoor reading and recreation featuring picturesque lakes and wildlife.
We’ve explored Howard County from top to bottom and have gathered the perfect book nooks and story shops to fill your adventure. Whether you’re planning a quiet reading escape, a writing retreat, or a book club getaway, Howard County is the perfect place for you to read, relax, and recharge in peace.
Howard County Events for Reading Enthusiasts
Howard County has fantastic literary themed events and hosts many large Maryland book festivals throughout the year. Watch for updates on book signing events, author meet and greets, and book expos you can plan for in Howard County!
2025 Book Themed Events
Backwater Books Winter Solstice Event
Date: December 19th, 2025, 4PM - 11PM
Location: Backwater Books & Biblio Pub, Historic Ellicott City, Maryland
Come one, come all for a night to celebrate the shortest day and the longest night of the year! Enjoy handmade vendors, local artists, bar specials, and some fun additional service vendors, including tarot readings, reiki sessions, permanent jewelry, and flash tattoos.
2026 Book Themed Events
Books in Bloom
Date: May 2026
Location: Color Burst Park, Merriweather District in Columbia, Maryland
Meet in the Merriweather District for the annual Books in Bloom literary event that brings together some of the country’s best and brightest writers for a day of celebrating the joy of books and reading.
Readings, panel discussions, a poetry wall, and pop-up bookstore are featured. Last year’s Books in Bloom event included a Teachers Meet-up, a community book swap, giveaways and raffles, plus family-friendly crafts and activities. Don’t miss out on this free all-ages festival in Downtown Columbia, Maryland!
Books & Beers in the Barn: Spring
Date: Spring 2026
Location: Manor Hill Brewing, Ellicott City, Maryland
Books & Beer in the Barn is your perfect opportunity to explore the gorgeous farm at Manor Hill Brewing while browsing a pop-up bookstore from Backwater Books. Find the perfect gifts for your book loving friends like stationery, books for all ages, and more! Adults can enjoy a farm-brewed beer (or seltzer) from the Private Bar while they shop at Books & Beer in the Barn.
Pizza from the Manor Hill Pizza Trolley will be available for purchase, plus the chance for ice cream from featured vendors! Don’t miss out on beer, books, music and more.
More details for the Spring edition of Books & Beers in the Barn coming soon!
Charm City Romanticon 2026
Date: Friday, April 10th, 2026
Location: Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, Maryland
Celebrate stories of love during Charm City Romanticon 2026 - the ultimate gathering of romance book lovers in Maryland. Held at the gorgeous Turf Valley Resort, only 25 minutes outside of Baltimore, this book festival is the ultimate experience for first-time attendees who are looking to connect with the Romancelandia community.
Expect intimate signing opportunities, engaging panels, interactive workshops and a “Pajamaramapalooza” PJ party with amazing food. Make it a weekend trip as you share the joy of Romancelandia alongside featured authors and romance readers. Don’t forget to book some extra pampering with relaxing spa treatments at the Turf Valley Spa.
Battle of the Books at Merriweather Post Pavilion - Photo courtesy of Howard County Library System
Battle of the Books
Date: April 2026
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland
Every year, hundreds of eager young readers fill Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland for a celebratory reading contest!
At Battle of the Books, students are quizzed on their knowledge of the content from assigned reading. Although the competition is intense, the joy of the students is what is most memorable.
Many Battle of the Books groups put on high-energy performances and sport costumes in celebration of the event, or celebrate with post-event parties and meals at the great dining available at restaurants in the Merriweather District.
Bookworm Bash
Date: May 10th, 2026, 10AM - 12PM
Location: The Robinson Nature Center, Columbia, Maryland
Join local authors at the Robinson Nature Center for a special read-aloud party like no other! All ages are welcome at this free, family-friendly event!
This imaginative adventure will incorporate nature, play, and crafts as families come together to create stories, puppet shows, and creative masks. Books by local authors will be available for purchase during the event in the Robinson Nature Center gift shop.
Book Shops & Bookish Businesses in Howard County
Backwater Books and the Bibliopub at Backwater Books
Location: 8156 Main Street, Ellicott City, Maryland
Backwater Books was founded by former teachers with a deep passion for reading, fostering their community, and for supporting Main Street Ellicott City. This independent bookstore has become a local favorite, and a memorable stop for book lovers visiting Historic Ellicott City.
Their cozy shop features new books for all ages, plus art and a special Bibliopub bar that serves beer, wine, craft cocktails, and light fare. Curl up with your next read in the Bibliopub upstairs while you take in the views over Ellicott City’s Historic Main Street.
You can enjoy live music every Saturday night, plus regular monthly events including open mic nights, audiobook walks, a romance book club, and a “UnBook Club” where you can enjoy silent reading with a like-minded group. Watch their event calendar for author talks, art shows, and other featured pop-ups perfect for all kinds of book lovers!
Books for Life
Location: 9125 Bursa Road, Suite A, Laurel, Maryland
Explore and escape at this wonderful used bookstore located in Laurel, Maryland. They’re known for their great selection, charitable mission, and affordable prices! Watch for their special sales including an anniversary event with huge bins of books!
Books for Life works with non-profit organizations to distribute children’s books throughout the inner city to encourage childhood reading in Maryland. Their shop is an absolute must-visit to stock up on your favorite reads, all while supporting local literacy.
Plus, children can pick out 2 free kids books a week!
Busboys and Poets - Columbia
Location: 6251 Mango Tree Road, Merriweather District, Columbia, Maryland
Busboys and Poets Columbia in the Merriweather District serves as a cultural hub, as well as bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant! Gather with the community and enjoy an atmosphere ideal for artists, readers, writers, and dreamers.
This unique business is known for great food, and is an ideal stop for readers and writers looking to feed their mind, body and soul. Stop by for their weekly open mic nights, live music performances, or one of their featured events!
The Bonnie Wee Bookstore
Location: 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, Maryland
Savage Mill is one of the coziest reading and shopping locations in Howard County, and recently they welcomed The Bonnie Wee Bookstore!
Explore a tastefully decorated space full of used books and vinyl records where literary lovers can explore and relax. This shop is the perfect stop to bring your little ones to pick out their next books in their Kids Space area!
Best Places to Read in Howard County
Nothing goes better together than a cozy cafe and a good book. When the weather is lovely in Howard County, head to the courtyard at Little Market Cafe in Historic Ellicott City, where you can read amongst a beautiful garden alongside the babbling of the Tiber River.
Enjoy your reading accompanied with a warm Rustic Hot Chocolate, or perhaps a delicious scoop of ice cream from Park Ridge Creamery while you relax alongside the charming historic row houses of “Tonge Row” that date to the early 1800s.
The Courtyard at The Little Market Cafe
For a perfect picnic, try a stop at the scenic Centennial Park in Ellicott City. Trace your way around beautiful Centennial Lake and then settle in with your reading on a bench or under a covered picnic area. This is the perfect park to enjoy nature and fresh air while exploring your next novel!
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods is also an ideal spot to spread your blanket and enjoy some outdoor summer reading. This patch of peace in the heart of Columbia is conveniently located right next to the Merriweather District where you can plan a top-class meal to complete your adventure.
If a glass of wine is a better pairing for your reading, try Penn Oaks Winery in Cooksville, Maryland. Enjoy outdoor and indoor seating and incredible local wines while you relax to read alongside scenic vineyard views. Another fantastic option is the Boyd Cru Wines Tasting Room in Savage Mill, where you can enjoy your perfect read in perfect peace. Sips and stories are always better together.
Boyd Cru Wines Tasting Room in Savage Mill
Looking for a local book club that exercises your mind and body? Yoga Haven Marriottsville has launched a book club that meets monthly at their studio and local gems in Howard County. Attendees are invited to enjoy the company of fellow readers, share their thoughts, and enjoy light refreshments! Check out their weekly yoga and fitness classes to keep connected and active.
Books and Authors from Howard County
Howard County has served as an inspiration for authors and has also served as the setting for intriguing books.
Laura Lippman’s book “Wilde Lake” follows a suspenseful thriller through the Columbia village in Howard County, Maryland. Try reading it at Wilde Lake for a fully immersive experience!
Learn how quarries, mills, and railroads shaped Howard County with the book “Hidden History of Howard County” by Nathan Davis and Wayne Davis. This is the perfect companion read for a historic adventure through Ellicott City or Savage Mill!
For a perfect pairing for spooky season, pick up a copy of “Haunted Howard County, Maryland.” by Shelley Davies Wygant. Learn about local legends and prepare for Haunted HoCo celebrations or a Maryland Ghost Tour through Howard County’s historic streets.
Martha Clark, owner of Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, has written several children’s books including “Trusty the Tractor” and “Trusty the Tractor's Day Off”. Plan a trip to experience the Enchanted Forest attractions, enjoy a train ride, and pick up a copy of these local books for your kiddos while they see what a day on the farm is like firsthand!
For a collection of poems that are filled with power, honesty, and vulnerability, consider the book “Raking Leaves” by Tamekia Graham. Her unique insight and storytelling are sure to inspire you. Check out a copy of her writing at a local Howard County Library, where you’ll find a special section at each branch that features local authors.
Fun Facts about Howard County for Book Lovers
Columbia, Maryland, is a unique planned community, and even the street names reflect that! Most of the street names in Columbia are derived from the works of poets, authors, and artists.
For example, many areas of the region, like Hobbit’s Glen, are named after elements from J.R. Tolkien's books. Learn more about the literature lesson behind Columbia’s streets at: https://columbiaassociation.org/parents/the-literature-lesson-behind-columbias-streets/
Little Free Library in Historic Ellicott City - Photo courtesy of the Howard County Government
Recently the Howard County government unveiled a new Little Free Library in Historic Ellicott City, cleverly disguised as The TARDIS from BBC's show Doctor Who. As every book lover knows, books are bigger on the inside. Plan a visit to stop by and explore for yourself - who knows what great new read you'll find inside!
Did you know that Howard County has its own American Girl Doll? Summer McKinny (American Girl of the Year 2025) from Columbia, Maryland is a fun-loving and energetic young girl with a story to tell. Read her journal, written with help from Clare Hutton, to hear about how Summer starts her own dog-walking business and enters a local youth entrepreneur fair.
Local HoCo Literacy Resources
Whether you're an author, a poet, a parent, or a lover of reading, Howard County offers great resources to help promote literacy and support your journey.
The Howard County Literacy Association (HCLA) offers valuable resources such a as webinars, teaching tips from top experts, discounts on professional books, and a digital magazine for members that reports on the latest trends in literacy. Connect with their organization for valuable tools and resources for helping promote and inspire literacy. Each year, they organize the Young Authors' Contest that encourages children ages 1st - 12th grade to enter a poem or short story for consideration. First place Howard County poetry and short story winners will have their written work forwarded to the statewide contest! More details at: https://hocoreads.weebly.com/
Looking for specific information about the history of Howard County? Connect with the experts at The Columbia Archives, a service of The Columbia Association, for all the information you could want about Columbia, Maryland. Their helpful staff can assist you in finding the perfect book or resource with all the details you're looking for. Their online store also offers an incredible collection of books about Columbia and the history of the area. Explore their online archive and exhibits at: https://columbiaassociation.org/explore-columbia/columbia-archives/
The Howard County Center for the Arts offers support to young writers and acts as an incubator for arts of all kinds. The Howard County Poet Laureate & Youth Poet Laureate program, organized in partnership with the Howard County Government, the Howard County Arts Council, and the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society is one way they support the art of reading and writing within the Howard County community. The Poet Laureate program launched in 2023 and is an honorary two-year position for those with literacy talents to use their love for literature to serve their community. Learn more at: https://www.hocoarts.org/
Founded in 1974, HoCoPoLitSo (Howard County Poetry & Literature Society) is a community-based not-for-profit arts organization that produces inclusive and accessible readings and other literary events for the general public. They sponsor readings, writing workshops, literary programs for students, and seek to increase literary knowledge among individuals of all ages. Learn more about upcoming events and how you can get involved at: https://hocopolitso.org/
Gorgeous scenery at Turf Valley Resort
Plan Your Reading or Writing Getaway
No matter the season, Howard County offers the perfect setting for your literary escape. Extend your trip with an overnight stay at a local hotel so you can discover everything this unique county has to explore for the bookish traveller.
Plan a historic stay at the cozy Wayside Inn, where you'll find home-away-from-home hospitality.
For countryside relaxation, book your stay at The Inn at Mary's Land Farm, where farm-fresh breakfasts will fuel your peace-filled reading retreat.
Stay close to the action and local events with a relaxing stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia.
Plan your ultimate book-club getaway at Turf Valley Resort where you can enjoy spa treatments at Turf Valley Spa, beautiful views over golf greens, and delicious dining at Alexandra's American Fusion restaurant.
