If Tuesday's Sun article, "Much ado about manga," is any indication, The Bard's popularity is matched only by his ability to evolve. If you enjoy your Shakespeare in a more traditional setting, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will perform The Tempest free of charge at 8 tonight during Shakespeare in the Park in Ellicott City. Registration is required, either online or by phone.

And the following Monday, join Dr. Kevin Costa at the east Columbia library to discuss the play.

If you have nothing to do Friday night (don't worry, we won't tell), you can enjoy a night of poetry at the Walters Art Museum with Gregory Orr and Clarinda Harriss. Their award-winning words can be enjoyed free of charge as part of the Smartish Pace Reading Series at 6:30 p.m.

And Saturday, the Central branch of the Enoch Pratt Library kicks off the state's first statewide reading program, One Maryland, One Book. The inaugural read is A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League, by Ron Suskind, and Maryland first lady Katie O'Malley will host the 11 a.m. event, featuring the subject of the book, Cedric Jennings.

For more information, and lots more events, see the Read Street Calendar.