- Event Name: Books in Bloom May 2026
- Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2026
- Rain date: None. Event is outdoors rain or shine.
- Event Time: 11:00am – 3:00 pm
- Volunteer Arrival Time: 9:45am
- Volunteer Departure Time: 4:00pm
- Location: Color Burst Park
- Location Address: 6000 Merriweather Drive, Columbia, MD 21044
- (Color Burst Park is located next to Symphony Woods and Merriweather Post Pavilion in the new Merriweather District.)
- Parking Information: Parking is free and available in the surrounding lots and garage adjacent to Color Burst Park. Merriweather District Parking Garage
- Volunteer Check-in Location: Look for the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN tent set up at Color Burst Park. We will be near Toastique.
- Responsibilities: Volunteers will be responsible for greeting guests, assisting with kid’s crafts and giveaways, assisting Busboys and Poets with popup bookstore, general assistance throughout the festival.
- Split shifts available: No. You must be able to stay from volunteer arrival to departure time.
- Food available for volunteers: Yes. Water, sandwich, and snacks will be available for volunteers. (When registering to volunteer, please let me know if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any food restrictions.)
- What to wear: Dress for the weather with comfortable shoes. Bring a raincoat for inclement weather.
- NHS/SSL Hours Available: Yes. A letter highlighting volunteer responsibilities and hours served will be distributed at volunteer check-out.
To register: email cathyvsmith@outlook.com