Margaret Bates and Geneva Canino have been together for nearly a decade, bonded by a love of literature and writing.

In 2007 the two were living separate lives in graduate school and met on the blog LiveJournal. Canino was at the University of Oklahoma while Bates was at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Bates was a blogger and fan of the Superman TV show “Smallville.” Canino wrote fanfiction about the same show.

The couple developed an online friendship that blossomed into a relationship in 2016 that has grown since.

“We were both writers, and [Canino] had a story that I was following, that I liked a lot. So, it started with literally commenting on each chapter about how much I enjoyed the story,” Bates said.

Though Bates’ plans to pursue her doctorate in developmental psychology did not pan out, her fandom led her to Canino. Since then, the couple has moved into a shared apartment in Arnold with their chihuahua and cat.

Canino, 43, teaches a freshman writing course at Anne Arundel Community College. Bates, 40, is getting her master’s degree in creative writing at Towson University. They also co-own an editing business called Otherlands Editing.

While marriage was in the cards by the time they moved in together in 2022, Bates said that they wanted to wait until their finances were stable. Those plans were expedited following the second election of Donald Trump in November.

Bates said she was concerned about gay marriage being made illegal under the new administration.

While getting their marriage license, the couple stumbled upon an ad saying people could get married by the Anne Arundel County Clerk at the Glen Burnie Library for $88 — which covers the license and a ceremony — on Valentine’s Day.

“We’re excited to be able to celebrate love, celebrate love of literature and learning and connection because that’s what the library is really all about,” said Christine Feldman, spokesperson for AACPL. Two other couples are also tying the knot during the event.

While Trump’s executive orders have not targeted same-sex marriage, he has issued an order that could bar transgender people from the military. Bates and Canino plan to hold a ceremony for friends and family in June at Park Books in Severna Park, where Bates also works.

“I fell in love with [Canino] because I loved her writing,” Bates said. “The written word had bonded us and learning to grow as writers professionally has been part of our journey.”

Have a news tip? Contact Megan Loock at mloock@baltsun.com or 443-962-5771.