Upcoming Events

Featured Events

A Black woman holding a baby and laughing, people around her are smiling.

Improv Comedy for Everyone

Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Savage Studio (Classroom) at Savage Branch

Event Details:

Let loose and laugh. Learn the basics of comedy improvisation through games and collaborative storytelling. Everything is made up on the spot. It’s all fun and games, but side effe...

Register Now
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: Savage Studio (Classroom)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Registration Required
Event Details:

Let loose and laugh. Learn the basics of comedy improvisation through games and collaborative storytelling. Everything is made up on the spot.

85th birthday logo

Central Branch Summer Celebration!

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Central Branch at Central Branch

Event Details:

Meet live animals, enjoy glitter tattoos, tasty treats, and have a ton of fun at this ultimate summer event rain or shine! Perfect for all ages. Celebrate HCLS' 85th Birthday ...

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Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Central Branch
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:
Meet live animals, enjoy glitter tattoos, tasty treats, and have a ton of fun at this ultimate summer event rain or shine! Perfect for all ages. 

Celebrate HCLS' 85th Birthday Central-style!

a bunch of question marks in pastel shades

Thursday Trivia Takeoff: Gearing Up for 85 Years of Fun!

Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Avalon Room at Miller Branch

Event Details:

Ready for takeoff?Join us on the fourth Thursday in June for a fast-paced, laugh-filled night of trivia fun! We’re gearing up for our big birthday celebration in July, and this is ...

Register Now
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Avalon Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy
Registration Required
Event Details:

Ready for takeoff?

close up of a sci-fi themed board game being played

Board Game Exchange

Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
DaVinci Room at Savage Branch

Event Details:

Meet up with fellow board game enthusiasts, trade and take home a new game, and chase your board-em away! While you’re here, give a board game a try and make friends.Board Game Exc...

Register Now
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: DaVinci Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Registration Required
Event Details:

Meet up with fellow board game enthusiasts, trade and take home a new game, and chase your board-em away! While you’re here, give a board game a try and make friends.

Resume

Resume Review

Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
CEN Studio at Central Branch

Event Details:

Join us for 1-on-1 resume critiques. Whether you're actively job searching or just want to keep your resume up to date, this session will help you fine-tune it for maximum impact.A...

Register Now
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: CEN Studio
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Career, Business & Finance
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for 1-on-1 resume critiques. Whether you're actively job searching or just want to keep your resume up to date, this session will help you fine-tune it for maximum impact.

a cluster of black-eyed susan flowers against a green background

Native Plants for Difficult Growing Conditions

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
DIY Design Studio at Elkridge Branch

Event Details:

If you want to grow native plants but don't have ideal growing conditions, this Master Gardener-led talk presents ideas and methods to successfully grow native plants in less-than-...

Register Now
Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: DIY Design Studio
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: DIY & Makerspace, Gardening & Nature
Registration Required
Event Details:

If you want to grow native plants but don't have ideal growing conditions, this Master Gardener-led talk presents ideas and methods to successfully grow native plants in less-than-ideal growing environments. 

a landscape watercolor with a lake in front and trees

Princeton Art Museum: Watercolors and Pastels

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merriweather Online Classroom at Online Branch

Event Details:

This class is a part of the HCLS' Museum@The Library series.Watercolors and PastelsDiscover the nuance of watercolors and pastels as well as the ways artists from diverse trad...

Register Now
Library Branch: Online Branch
Room: Merriweather Online Classroom
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Author & Literary Events, Community Events, History & Genealogy
Registration Required
Event Details:

This class is a part of the HCLS' Museum@The Library series.

Watercolors and Pastels

Lady Liberty leading the people while holding up a french flag with guns and people surrounding her

OTMDC: Bastille Day

Monday, July 14, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Merriweather Online Classroom at Online Branch

Event Details:

Celebrate Bastille Day, France's national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison and the start of the French Revolution. (Virtaully) walk through Washington ...

Register Now
Library Branch: Online Branch
Room: Merriweather Online Classroom
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Events, History & Genealogy
Registration Required
Event Details:

Celebrate Bastille Day, France's national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison and the start of the French Revolution.

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Nonfiction Addiction Book Club (In-Person)

7:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
East Columbia Branch
Cancelled
Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Room: ECO Studio A (Teen Classroom)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs, Community Events
Registration Required
Event Details:

 

 

Explore the genre of nonfiction and join our discussions on third Thursdays!
 

Jul 17: Airplane Mode by Shahnaz Habib

Aug 21: Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

Nonfiction Addiction Book Club (Online)

7:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
Online Branch
Cancelled
Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Online Branch
Room: Book Clubs
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs, Community Events, Culture & Language
Registration Required
Event Details:

 

 

Explore the genre of nonfiction and join our discussions on third Thursdays!
 

Jul 17: Airplane Mode by Shahnaz Habib

Aug 21: Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

All Day
Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Equity Resource Center - Exhibit & Event Space
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit.

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

All Day
Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Equity Resource Center - Exhibit & Event Space
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit.

Ask An Expert Cyclist

11:00am–1:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Savage Branch
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: Savage Other Location
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Community Events, DIY & Makerspace, Tech Skills or STEAM
Event Details:

Drop in and learn to fix a flat, raise a seat, adjust the brakes, or get answers to other basic cycling questions. Learn how and where to ride, cycling-related discounts, group rides and racing, commuting, and regular repair and maintenance.

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

All Day
Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Equity Resource Center - Exhibit & Event Space
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit.

Beginner Bonsai workshop for Adults (June)

2:00pm–3:30pm
Adults
Miller Branch
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Ellicott/ Patapsco Rooms
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Events, Gardening & Nature
Registration Required
Event Details:

Create your own bonsai: The Maryland Bonsai Association and the Howard County Library System offer a special beginner bonsai workshop. Ages 18+

About the Workshop:

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

All Day
Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Equity Resource Center - Exhibit & Event Space
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit.

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

All Day
Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Equity Resource Center - Exhibit & Event Space
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit.

Mah Jongg Meet Up

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Miller Branch
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Ellicott/ Patapsco Rooms
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Join us for friendly games of Mah Jongg with players of all levels of experience.  We have both American and Asian sets available!

2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings:

June 10 and 24

July 8 and 22

August 12 and 26

The Twenty-Something Coworking Club

6:00pm–8:30pm
Adults
Central Branch
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: CEN Studio
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Events
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for body doubling, social support, snacks, and dedicated ‘adulting’ time to tackle:

  • coursework

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

All Day
Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Equity Resource Center - Exhibit & Event Space
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit.

ORK in the Community

11:00am–12:00pm
Children
Mobile Branch
Library Branch: Mobile Branch
Room: ORK
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Community Events
Event Details:

On the Road to Kindergarten (ORK)

Children, infants to age 5, with parents & caregivers. 

The library is coming to your neighborhood. It’s free! Help prepare your young children for kindergarten. 

  • Borrow books and other items like activity kits and toys. 

  • Learn about community resources. 

  • Use our free Wi-Fi. 

More information: hclibrary.org/ork 

 

¡La biblioteca llega a su vecindario! 

Niños, bebés hasta los 5 años con padres y cuidadores. 

  • Pida prestado libros y otros artículos. 

  • Pida prestado kits de actividades y juguetes. 

  • Obtenga más información sobre los recursos comunitarios. 

  • Utilice nuestro wi-fi gratuito. 

Más información: hclibrary.org/ork 

We hope to see you at Laurel Woods Elementary School from 11:00am-12:00pm!

Esperamos verle en la escuela primaria Laurel Woods  de 11:00 a 12:00.

Summer Reading: Celebrate Libraries (all ages)

3:00pm–6:00pm
Everyone
East Columbia Branch
Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Community Events
Event Details:

Join us to celebrate 85 years of Howard County Library System and all things summer reading with activities for all ages! Sponsored in part by Friends and Foundation of HCLS. 

Teen Beyond Words (Ages 11 - 21)

5:00pm–7:00pm
Teens
Miller Branch
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Patapsco Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!, Culture & Language, Health & Wellness, Race, Equity & Inclusion, Tech Skills or STEAM
Registration Required
Event Details:

Step into the fun and active world of Teen Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabil

Central Branch Summer Celebration!

5:00pm–8:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Central Branch
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:
Meet live animals, enjoy glitter tattoos, tasty treats, and have a ton of fun at this ultimate summer event rain or shine! Perfect for all ages. 

Celebrate HCLS' 85th Birthday Central-style!

Central Summer Celebration: Mike's Gelato (All Ages)

5:00pm–8:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Out Front 1 (CEN)
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Stop by Mike's Gelato's Trike and purchase some delicious, authentic Italian gelato! Ingredients and additional information can be found on their website here: https://mikesgelato.com/ 

Central Summer Celebration: Qaffee House (All Ages)

5:00pm–8:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Out Front 2 (CEN)
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Qaffee House serves up authentic and delicious espresso and chai beverages. Stop by their mobile beverage cart and purchase a tasty drink! For full menu and ingredients, visit their webiste here: https://www.qaffeehouse.com/

Savage 3D Printing Meetup

7:00pm–8:00pm
Teens, Adults
Savage Branch
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: Savage Studio (Classroom)
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Community Events, DIY & Makerspace, Tech Skills or STEAM
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you interested in 3D printing, optimizing designs for 3D printing, or building your own 3D printer at home?

English Conversation Class

7:00pm–8:45pm
Adults
Elkridge Branch
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: Grist Mill Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Events, Culture & Language
Registration Required
Event Details:

The English Conversation Class (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

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

All Day
Everyone
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Equity Resource Center - Exhibit & Event Space
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit.

Pins and Needles

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Miller Branch
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Ellicott Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

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.

Veterans: Visit with a Social Worker from the Baltimore VA Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC)

10:30am–1:00pm
Adults
Savage Branch
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: Lobby (Savage)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Events, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Veterans: drop in to meet with a Social Worker for the Baltimore Veterans Administration Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC), ask questions, seek support, and get information on the services provided at the CRRC in Baltimore.

ORK in the Community

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Mobile Branch
Library Branch: Mobile Branch
Room: ORK
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Community Events
Event Details:

On the Road to Kindergarten (ORK)

Children, infants to age 5, with parents & caregivers. 

The library is coming to your neighborhood. It’s free! Help prepare your young children for kindergarten. 

  • Borrow books and other items like activity kits and toys. 

  • Learn about community resources. 

  • Use our free Wi-Fi. 

More information: hclibrary.org/ork 

 

¡La biblioteca llega a su vecindario! 

Niños, bebés hasta los 5 años con padres y cuidadores. 

  • Pida prestado libros y otros artículos. 

  • Pida prestado kits de actividades y juguetes. 

  • Obtenga más información sobre los recursos comunitarios. 

  • Utilice nuestro wi-fi gratuito. 

Más información: hclibrary.org/ork 

We hope to see you at Deep Run Park (6551 Deep Run Pkwy, Elkridge, MD 21075) from 4:00-5:00pm, near the playground & pool!