Baltimore was dubbed “The City That Reads” in 1988, when newly elected Mayor Kurt Schmoke declared his intention to boost literacy in his inaugural address. The slogan was plastered on benches in the late eighties and early nineties, and for good reason: the city is home to a vibrant and thriving literary community. From John Waters’ favorite independent bookstore to Edgar Allan Poe-themed bars, Baltimore is a city for book lovers. If you need a break from the conference rooms at AWP this week, consider taking a literary tour around Charm City. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you find! * The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum Poe lived most of his adult life in Baltimore, and you can visit his carefully preserved former home in all its glory. Inside, you’ll find his writing desk and the original interior fabric from the period of time in 1833-1835 that Poe lived there with a handful of his family members.…