Families, all ages. Allow 15-20 minutes. Drop-in and self-directed.
Search the Central Children's Department for scavenger hunt clues and win a sticker!
Families, all ages. Allow 15-20 minutes. Drop-in and self-directed.
Search the Central Children's Department for scavenger hunt clues and win a sticker!
Find 10 QR codes hidden throughout the Elkridge branch! Each code leads to a series of 3 – 5 puzzle journeys celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Every code group completed qualifies for a Summer Reading Monthly Raffle Ticket.
Using the iPad Pro and animation apps, learn how to create your own 2D animations. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Register once for all five sessions Mon-Fri.
Want to know how to garden without soil? Learn about the structure of plants and explore various hydroponics technologies to grow food using less space and less water. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Want to know how to garden without soil? Learn about the structure of plants and explore various hydroponics technologies to grow food using less space and less water. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
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.
Everyone on board - it’s your one-stop trip to higher level math! In this course, we’ll review one-variable statistics and linear equations, inequalities, and systems.
From photos to movie posters, what does it take to create print advertisements for Hollywood movies? Focus on the Adobe Photoshop tools needed to create a movie poster.
Learn about the fashion industry from concept to delivery, the role of science, and how to use technology to create selected outfits and original fashion design ideas. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Learn the basic fundamentals of HTML elements and User Interface (UI) design through Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Register once for all five sessions Mon-Fri.
Registration required.
Explore chemistry in a fun and colorful environment!
Allow 20 min.
Play with our toys, read a board book, enjoy music, and visit with others.
CEN Teen Meeting
Ages 2-3 years with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Preschoolers get ready for school by doing things like talking, singing songs and rhymes, doing finger plays, and listening to stories.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Ages newborns-23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.
Newborns and toddlers learn to express feelings, language, and movement through stories, baby games, musical activities, and playtime.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket Required.
Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.
TIME FOR US
Ages 18 months-3 years with adult; 30 min.
Develop early learning skills through stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes.
Ticket required.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Come with us on a Summer Reading Adventure! Stories, songs, and activities for children and adults to enjoy together.
Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Ages 18 mos - 3 years with adult; 20 - 30 minutes.
Stories, songs and play time.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
In these dynamic fun filled classes, students will learn to set up a budget, evaluate needs vs. wants, and explore healthy vs unhealthy credit card usage.
Want to know how to garden without soil? Learn about the structure of plants and explore various hydroponics technologies to grow food using less space and less water. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Everyone on board - it’s your one-stop trip to higher level math! In this course, we’ll review one-variable statistics and linear equations, inequalities, and systems.
Learn the skills of an audio engineer in music production in the digital realm.
Get hands-on experience in the ancient art of paper folding! Students will see how origami can be used to create structures like solar panels, bridges, and packing materials.
Science rules both inside and outdoors! Join us for some awesome, messy, and WEIRD fun in the sun. We will perform fun chemical experiments and explore the principles of science! Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Interested in coding? Interested in design? Want to build a robot? Then FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) might just be the perfect competition for you!
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!
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. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket Required.
Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.
Ages 2-3 years with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Preschoolers get ready for school by doing things like talking, singing songs and rhymes, doing finger plays, and listening to stories.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Ages newborns-23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.
Newborns and toddlers learn to express feelings, language, and movement through stories, baby games, musical activities, and playtime.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
FREE summer meals sponsored and served by HCPSS
Children must be present to receive free meals.
All summer meals must be consumed onsite
Include access to the sound booth and other HiTech equipment to record and mix music or create movies. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Character designers work in video games, movies, TV, animation, and even comic books and graphic novels! Design and develop your own characters by using technology to create "model sheets" which consist of costumes, facial expressio
Collaborate in self-directed teams to create an animation. Sculpt characters, storyboard, design sets, and photograph stills.
Learn how to create simple art programs using Java code. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Register once for all five sessions, Mon-Fri.
Registration Required.
Are you taking Physics this fall? Review math and physical science skills and get a preview of what is to come in Physics. Graphing calculators and familiarity with Algebra 1 concepts recommended. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Learn about the elements in the periodic table as you arrange the periodic table; name compounds and balance equations; and discuss orbitals, electron configuration, and VSPER Theory. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
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! Taught by a HiTech instructor.
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.
This course will cover an overview of the topics in zoology, including cell biology, taxonomy, major vertebrate groups, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
For children who are ready for an independent class as they prepare to start school. This class introduces early learning skills such as listening, pre-reading, math, movement, and music.
Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
Ages 6-10; 45 min. Ticket Required.
Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.
*Tuesdays throughout the summer.
If you’re looking to improve your computer skills, bring your questions, and visit our computer skills open lab. Increase your technical knowledge by getting hands-on assistance with topics such as:
Bored? Hang out and play a variety of board and games.
Bring a friend and drop in.
We have an action-packed lineup for our summer movie matinees on the fourth Tuesday of month at 3 pm.
Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
Age 13 and up | Registration required; only register for June 26th for the 3-day series.
Ages 6-9; 30 min. Ticket required.
Únete a un tiempo Lectura en Español nivel Basico y diviértete con actividades relacionadas con el libro de la semana.
All ages. Allow 30 min.
Ages 6-10. 45 min. Ticketed.
Work together in small groups investigating hands on STEAM activities.
Tickets available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Reading Human Rights is a monthly book discussion hosted by the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and Howard County Library System. We read books that promote cultural awareness, diversity, equity.
The College Board has announced a significant change to the SAT, turning the exam into a computer-based test.
Join us for friendly games of Mah Jongg with players of all levels of experience. We have both American and Asian sets available!
2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm
June 13 and 27
July 11 and 25
Let your creativity shine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Journal, draw, paint, color, or create this month’s featured craft. Bring in any projects you’d like to work on or start something new.
Ages 6-9 with an adult; 30 mins.
Learn about the works of famous artists and create your own unique interpretation of their art.
Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
All ages with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
A class before bedtime. Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities. Children may wear their pajamas and bring their loveys and blankets.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Each month HCLS co-hosts an online Roundtable focusing on a local business owned by a Person of Color in Howard County. The owner shares the experiences and challenges they face as a local business owner.
Air Dry Clay is a medium that can be safely enjoyed by artists of all ages. This class invites families to get creative together and enjoy a fun night of sculpting.
Participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
This past year, everyone has begun talking about Critical Race Theory, a set of premises developed by legal scholars decades ago to interpret America’s institutions in the context of race and civil rights.
In collaboration with the Columbia Association, the World Language Cafe is now expanded to Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch Library.