The Baltimore Science Fiction Society has a storied history, beginning in 1963, sputtering five years later, then coming back for good in 1974.

According to the Web site, in the organization's 45 year history, it's founded the annual fanzine BSFAN, which publishes anything and everything science fiction; established the Compton Crook Award (named after the Baltimore author) for the year's best sci-fi novel; started the Young Writers Contest for promising genre authors 18 and younger; and, of course, founded Balticon.

In its 42nd year, Balticon brings authors, editors, publishers, artists and filmmakers together for four days to greet their fans and talk about everything science fiction. This year's guest of honor is Connie Willis, and in what must be a shout out to the number Balticon this is, (42 is the answer to life, the universe and everything, after all) the "ghost" of honor is Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Registration for the event ranges from $59 for a full weekend to $14 for Monday alone.

If the pricetag deters you, however, feel free to wander over to the BSFS headquarters year-round at 3310 E. Baltimore St. They have a library of more than 7,000 books and movies that is open for the public to borrow.

And for the organization's monthly meetings, peruse the Read Street calendar.