Day Calendar

Genetics will introduce students to the basics of Mendelian Genetics. Topics including inheritance patterns, genetic diversity, and genetic diseases will be explored using laws derived from Gregor Mendel’s experiments.

Are you taking pre-algebra or algebra 1 and need to learn about probability? Do it the fun way and get a head start with this probability and statistics class!

STEAM Leadership Academy: Over two weeks, explore the opportunities and skills for STEAM leadership. Interact with leaders in the field and apply what you learn to hands-on projects.

Enhance your math savvy to improve your SAT score!  Relieve test anxiety by taking practice tests in a low-risk environment and gain full comprehension of what to expect on test day.  Examine the types of problems that are presented on t

Discover the basics of Java, a class-based, object-oriented language used to design applications. Learn data and expressions, using classes and objects, conditionals, and loops.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of arrocks make up our planet? Are you interested in learning about beautiful gems and minerals or fascinating fossils? Join us for a look into the Earth’s most amazing geological artifacts!

How did engineers build the Hoover Dam, Eiffel Tower, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge? Explore the principles of engineering used to build the largest structures in the world! Registration required.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Dive into underwater robotics.   This summer stop by and participate in the 3 week Seaperch submersibles and marine science classes. SeaPerch is a remotely operated vehicle built by students to accomplish underwater competitions.

Learn how to develop a game level through this class. We will use Scratch in order to develop gaming, which offers an insight into block coding, and the introductory steps to programming.

Compete in the ultimate racing challenge! Working in teams, learn how mechanical systems operate by using a 1:10 scale electric radio-controlled car that can be set up in 4 million ways. Teams race their engines at the HiTech Carnival!

Looking for dedicated time to work on projects? Bring stitching you'd like to finish, connect with others, and share ideas and tips. Drop in anytime between 10 am and 12 pm.

Allow 20 min.

Play with our toys, read a board book, and visit with others.

Discover the basics of Java, a class-based, object-oriented language used to design applications. Learn data and expressions, using classes and objects, conditionals, and loops. Create programming projects each day based on the topics covered.

Sound effects are an integral part of video and animation. After learning about the history of sound effects and the basic physics of sound, we will create sound effect objects for telling stories in motion picture formats.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between you and a microorganism? Were you ever curious about the difference between cellular respiration and photosynthesis?

Bring your problem-solving skills and prepare to compete in a variety of challenges that will take your understanding of robotics to the next level. We will cover the foundation of LEGO Mindstorms programming.

All ages; 30 min.

Come experience the joys of music and movement. 

JUST FOR ME

Ages 3-6; 30 min.

For children who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills.

Ages 2-3 years with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.

Preschoolers develop skills for talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing through stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes. 

Ticket required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to class.

All ages; 30 min.

Come experience the joys of music and movement. 

JUST FOR ME

Ages 3-6; 30 min.

For children who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills.

Have you ever looked at a digital illustration and wondered “How did they do that?”  Learn tips, tricks, and the steps to creating your own illustration in the iPad app, Procreate.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Learn how the creation of art is influenced by science and do experiments in chemistry, fluid dynamics, and color theory to make amazing works of art!

Learn about infectious diseases, how they spread, and how scientists work to find and stop their spread using medical technology.

Learn about the elements as you arrange the periodic table, name compounds, balance equations, and discuss orbitals, electron configuration, and VSPER Theory.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Lights On, Lights Off! Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when you flip a light switch on the wall or press the ON button of a battery-powered fan in the summer?

Students will create their own spaces using Planner 5D, a web-based program.  They will learn about creating mood boards, design concepts, and using Planner 5D to bring their ideas to life! 

Registration required.

Come and design your own rocket that soars well beyond the roof of the library. Learn about how engineers generate and manipulate forces that propel projectiles thousands of feet into the air. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Learn the skills of an audio engineer in music production in the digital realm. Gain hands-on experience with DAWs and microphone setups, and dive into the music editing software of Logic Pro X to produce your own creations.

Learn about infectious diseases, how they spread, and how scientists work to find and stop their spread using medical technology.

Let the Games begin! Take on engineering challenges of old with Rube Goldberg Challenges. In every class, we'll take on a new challenge while reinforcing core engineering principles.

Improve your ability to communicate and interact in German in a fun and casual setting.

To continue meeting the growing need to feed hungry children and families and fill the nutritional gap over the summer months, the Howard County Public School System -HCPSS- continues its free summer meal program

Learn how to create digital designs using Adobe Illustrator!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Deflategate and the ideal gas law? Bend it like Beckham? What is a knuckle ball? Learn about the physics behind your favorite sports with hands-on experiments.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Learn to Sew: Sewing Machine Skills for Teens

Did you know that programming is a key component in many technologies used today? Robotics and automation are two of the areas that are at the forefront of technologies that require programming knowledge.

Are you interested in 3D printing? Use 3D printing pens and colorful filaments to create unique 3D designs! This is a great class to introduce students to the basics of 3D printing. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.  

Learn the basics of programming in Python! Create games, interactive programs, and anything else you want. Absolutely no experience required -- you'll learn how to program a basic game in the first class!

Ready to learn how to save a life? Learn the basics of CPR from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. This FREE non-certification class covers CPR for adult, child and infant victims, choking relief, and how to use an AED.

Ages 5-7. 45 minutes. TK, Ticketed. Free tickets available 15 minutes before class. 

Boost your engineering skills by building with Magformers®.  

Ages 9-12. Registration required. 

Explore the concept of modular robotics by working with Cubelets. Join a group and compete in a challenge! Perfect for beginners.

Share fiction and/or nonfiction titles that are on your bookshelf and we will share titles from our shelves. If you don't have a title to share, find inspiration in what others recommend and start building your reading list.

Ages 7-10.  45 min.  Ticket required.

Do you love graphic novels?  Are you interested in developing your illustration skills?  Want to get your hands on the newest titles? 

This class is for you!

Using a variety of software and techniques, design your own keepsakes that you can print using the Glowforge™ laser cutter and engraver! 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Focus on the science and modeling of long-term shifts of our world’s temperatures and weather patterns. Create a hands-on project class that attempts to create small global changes and identify changes they want to see.

Learn the structure and design of artificial intelligence. Explore the concepts needed to program a human-to-robot interactive conversation and investigate recent technological advances like the Amazon Echo

Come and design your own rocket that soars well beyond the roof of the library. Learn about how engineers generate and manipulate forces that propel projectiles thousands of feet into the air. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Learn how the digital single lens reflex camera is engineered to utilize part of the electromagnetic spectrum we call visible light. Obtain hands on experience using a DSLR camera and learn numerous picture-taking techniques.

Deflategate and the ideal gas law? Bend it like Beckham? What is a knuckle ball? Learn about the physics behind your favorite sports with hands-on experiments.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.   

Join us for access to the sound booth and other HiTech equipment to record and mix music or create movies.

Registration preferred. Grades 6-12. 

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This course will explore the broad field of neuroscience by investigating its history and the important discoveries that have shaped present-day research.

Engineer Pinball games for the HiTech Carnival!  Build a table-top pinball machine, and use Arduino micro-controllers, sensors and software to keep score!

Registration required. Grades 6-12. 

Ages 9-12. Registration required. 

Explore the concept of modular robotics by working with Cubelets. Join a group and compete in a challenge! Perfect for beginners.

Improve your ability to communicate and interact in German in a fun and casual setting.

Meet via Zoom every second Thursday of the month at 4 PM. 

Registration required. Parents can only come with a registered teen.

Summer travels finding you on a road trip?  Gear up with car coasters to keep you on track. Using the Cricut machine, customize your coasters with fun designs and create one-of-a-kind craft.  All materials provided.

Ages 7-10.  45 min.  Ticket required.

Do you love graphic novels?  Are you interested in developing your illustration skills?  Want to get your hands on the newest titles? 

This class is for you!

Why are college application essays so important? An Princeton Review expert provides tips, tricks, and successful strategies for writing the best essay for your college application.

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Attention Teens in Middle School and Beyond:

Please join us for trivia night.

Test your knowledge and earn cool prizes.

Drop in alone or with a family member ages 11+.

All ages with adult; 30 min.  Ticket required.

Únase a nosotros para cuentos, canciones y rimas bilingues. Seguido de un tiempo de juego. Join us for bilingual stories, songs and rhymes. Followed by a playtime.

“Part travelogue, part history, American Ramble is a thoughtful, warm-hearted guide to the country that we’ve inherited and that we’re making.”

In collaboration with Columbia Association, Howard County Library System's Miller Branch hosts a monthly World Languages Café, on the 2nd Thursday evening, from 7 - 8:45 pm.

The English Conversation Club (ECC) provides opportunities for adult English language learners to practice speaking and listening skills, increase fluency, improve pronunciation skills, and build confidence to think and speak English in a relaxed

Read and discuss a wide array of graphic novels. 2nd Thursdays 7 - 8 pm.

July 11 Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier