2026 Bauder Adult Battle of the Books
Howard County's first ever Bauder Adult Battle of the Books was an enormous success thanks to our incredible community! Now get ready for 2026!
What Is It?
Bauder Adult Battle of the Books is a Friends & Foundation of HCLS fundraiser event that launched in 2025 as part of the library's 85th birthday celebration.
It’s an adults-only reading competition where teams of 3–5 people read six preselected books and competedin a trivia challenge held at local restaurant venues.
Proceeds support some of your favorite Friends' sponsored initiatives, such as author events, Summer Reading, Project Literacy graduation, and the youth Battle of the Books.
What Is It?
Bauder Adult Battle of the Books is a Friends & Foundation of HCLS fundraiser event that launched in 2025 as part of the library's 85th birthday celebration.
It’s an adults-only reading competition where teams of 3–5 people read six preselected books and competedin a trivia challenge held at local restaurant venues.
Proceeds support some of your favorite Friends' sponsored initiatives, such as author events, Summer Reading, Project Literacy graduation, and the youth Battle of the Books.
Interested in participating in 2026?
Click here to sign-up for updates!
Click here for sponsor information.
Click here to sign-up for updates!
Click here for sponsor information.
2026 Bauder Adult Battle of the Books Team Registration
Team Registration will open on June 15th, 2026 at 7pm EST via a link that will be added to this page.
Please note: Spaces are limited and are first come, first serve. Last year's registration was completely filled within the first day.
Venues for the team 'battles' are:
Team Registration will open on June 15th, 2026 at 7pm EST via a link that will be added to this page.
Please note: Spaces are limited and are first come, first serve. Last year's registration was completely filled within the first day.
Venues for the team 'battles' are:
- Tuesday, October 20: Reckless Shepherd Brewery, Columbia, MD (food available from their regular menu)
- Monday, October 26: East Columbia 50+ Center, Columbia, MD (food will be pizza, soda and water)
- Tuesday, October 27: Oscar's Ale House, Woodstock, MD (food will be available from a special event selection menu)
Team Creativity Prizes will be given for:
Costumes
Team Costumes are welcome! This year we will be offering a prize at each Battle for Best Team Costume - we can't wait to see your creativity in action!
Fan Favorite Team Name
The community will be asked to vote online for a favorite team name at each venue. The winner will be announced on the battle night.
Costumes
Team Costumes are welcome! This year we will be offering a prize at each Battle for Best Team Costume - we can't wait to see your creativity in action!
Fan Favorite Team Name
The community will be asked to vote online for a favorite team name at each venue. The winner will be announced on the battle night.
Questions?
If you have any questions so far, please reach out via email here (friends at hclibrary dot org).
If you have any questions so far, please reach out via email here (friends at hclibrary dot org).
THANK YOU to our 2026 SPONSORS
GOLD
GOLD
- Dr. Lillian Bauder
