Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Teen Live! Beach Bash (11-18)

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Glenwood Branch at Glenwood Branch

Event Details:

Surf's up! Attend Teen Live! at Glenwood for a beach-themed teen takeover of the branch. Enjoy these free activities and more:Free pizza in the Front LobbyRemote control car racing...

Library Branch: Glenwood Branch
Room: Glenwood Branch
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Surf's up! Attend Teen Live! at Glenwood for a beach-themed teen takeover of the branch. Enjoy these free activities and more:

a person is reading a resume of a job candidate

Winning Resumes and Captivating Cover Letters

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm
CEN Studio at Central Branch

Event Details:

Create a effective and attractive resume and cover letter that help you stand out in the job market.The resume and cover letter are essential to the employment process, and with th...

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

Create a effective and attractive resume and cover letter that help you stand out in the job market.

a flyer with four authors

Ink & Impact: Women's Fiction Spotlight

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Ellicott/ Patapsco Rooms at Miller Branch

Event Details:

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the power of women’s stories and the authors who bring them to life. Ink & Impact features four exceptional writers whose...

Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Ellicott/ Patapsco Rooms
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Author & Literary Events, Book Clubs, Community Events, History & Genealogy
Registration Required
Event Details:
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the power of women’s stories and the authors who bring them to life. Ink & Impact features four exceptional writers whose work spans historical fiction, romance, fantasy, a
people sitting at a table with a sewing machine between them

Clothing Repair Clinic

Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Belmont / Hockley Room at Elkridge Branch

Event Details:

Learn how to extend the life of a favorite garment at the Clothing Repair Clinic. Get one-on-one guidance on basic repair and alteration techniques such as:sewing on buttonsfixing ...

Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: Belmont / Hockley Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: DIY & Makerspace
Registration Required
Event Details:

Learn how to extend the life of a favorite garment at the Clothing Repair Clinic. Get one-on-one guidance on basic repair and alteration techniques such as:

painted rain barrel sitting next to house

How to Install a Rain Barrel

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
DIY Design Studio at Elkridge Branch

Event Details:

A rain barrel can help reduce stormwater pollution and conserve treated tap water. Once installed, rain barrels collect and store runoff from roof downspouts. This water can then b...

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

A rain barrel can help reduce stormwater pollution and conserve treated tap water. Once installed, rain barrels collect and store runoff from roof downspouts.

a black and white image of a small cottage

Patapsco Days – The Past, Present and Future of Historic Blandair

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Marvin Thomas Room at East Columbia Branch

Event Details:

Howard County Library System, in partnership with Patapsco Heritage Greenway (PHG) and HoCo Department of Recreation and Parks, discusses the history and archeology digs at Blandai...

Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Room: Marvin Thomas Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Author & Literary Events, Community Events, History & Genealogy, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Event Details:

Howard County Library System, in partnership with Patapsco Heritage Greenway (PHG) and HoCo Department of Recreation and Parks, discusses the history and archeology digs at Blandair park. A part of the 8th annual Patapsco Days celebration.

Orange slide with the title in white and af-am young women in a striped dress

The Business of Influence and Content Creation

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Maxine White Warfield Room at Central Branch

Event Details:

Marketing Your Small Business OnlineIn this interactive workshop, we’ll break down the difference between influencers and content creators—why that distinction matters and how each...

Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Maxine White Warfield Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Career, Business & Finance, College & Trade Schools, Tech Skills or STEAM
Registration Required
Event Details:
Marketing Your Small Business Online

In this interactive workshop, we’ll break down the difference between influencers and content creators—why that distinction matters and how each can be used strategically to grow a business or p

two dancers against and spring background

Spring Blossoms: A Journey of Dance and Story

Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Patapsco/Avalon Rooms at Miller Branch

Event Details:

Welcome spring through stories told in motion. This interactive dance program features classical Chinese, folk, and Dunhuang-inspired works that blend artistry with rich storytelli...

Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Patapsco/Avalon Rooms
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Community Events, Culture & Language, Early Learning, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion
Registration Required
Event Details:

Welcome spring through stories told in motion. This interactive dance program features classical Chinese, folk, and Dunhuang-inspired works that blend artistry with rich storytelling traditions.

Filters
Age Group

3, 2, Fun! (ages 2-3, with adult)

9:30am–10:00am
Children
Miller Branch
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Miller Children's Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning

3, 2, Fun

Ages 2-3 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.

Play Partners (Infant - 23 months, with adult)

9:30am–10:00am
Children
Savage Branch
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: Albert Einstein Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning

Play Partners

Ages infant - 23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.

Infants 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.

Meet with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist from Howard County Health Department 

10:00am–4:00pm
Teens, Adults
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Community Events, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Meet with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist from Howard County Health Department 

3, 2, Fun! (ages 2-3, with adult)

10:30am–11:00am
Children
Miller Branch
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Miller Children's Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning

3, 2, Fun

Ages 2-3 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.

All Together Now (All ages)

10:30am–11:00am
Children
East Columbia Branch
Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Room: ECO Children's Classroom (Lucille Clifton Rooms A/B)
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

All Together Now

Infant - age 5 with adult, older children welcome; 30 min. Ticket required.

Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities. 

Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class. 
 

 

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK

10:30am–11:00am
Children
Elkridge Branch
Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: Seahorse Children's Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

Little Learners

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 mins.  Ticket required.

Children learn through play and exploring the world around them.  Stories and activities help with skills like getting along, talking and reading, moving and doing, math, science, and being creative. 

Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class. 

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning. 

Play Partners (Infant - 23 months, with adult)

10:30am–11:00am
Children
Savage Branch
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: Albert Einstein Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning

Play Partners

Ages infant - 23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.

Infants 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.

Hatchlings: New Baby and Me (Newborn-6 months with adult)

10:30am–11:30am
Children, Teens, Adults
Central Branch
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Maxine White Warfield Room
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Early Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

Parents/Caregivers with baby, newborn – 6 months; 60 min.  Registration required.

Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK

11:30am–12:00pm
Children
Elkridge Branch
Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: Seahorse Children's Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning. 

Teen Afterschool Programming - Half Day

1:00pm–4:00pm
Teens
East Columbia Branch
Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Room: ECO Studio D/ Studio E
Age Group: Teens
Event Details:

Join us after school at the Teen Center for snack, followed by hands-on activities, creative projects, games, and chill space designed just for teens.

Songs & Silliness with Mr. Jon & Friends (families)

2:00pm–2:45pm
Children
Miller Branch
Library Branch: Miller Branch
Room: Ellicott/ Patapsco/ Avalon Rooms
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Families; 45 min.  Ticket required.  Ho. Co. Schools close 3 hours early.

Super STEAM Stations (ages 6-10) TK

2:00pm–2:45pm
Children
Elkridge Branch
Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: Seahorse Children's Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Crafts, Fun & Games!, Tech Skills or STEAM
Event Details:

Ages 6-10. 45 minutes. Ticket required.

Discover different types of STEAM materials at hands-on stations where you can work on your own or with friends to build, create, and explore.

Talking Pictures

2:00pm–3:30pm
Adults
Central Branch
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Maxine White Warfield Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join other film lovers to discuss contemporary films, following the Columbia Film Society screenings. 

We will be discussing Green Border. Please view the film in advance of the discussion. 

Teen Live! Beach Bash (11-18)

3:00pm–4:30pm
Teens
Glenwood Branch
Library Branch: Glenwood Branch
Room: Glenwood Branch
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Surf's up! Attend Teen Live! at Glenwood for a beach-themed teen takeover of the branch. Enjoy these free activities and more:

Teen Takeover (ages 11-18)

3:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Teen Area (CEN)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Ages 11-18. Drop-in. 

Take over the teen area after school. Enjoy a free snack, hang out, do homework, play games, and more!

VR Your Future: Career Exploration Lab

3:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
Savage Branch
Library Branch: Savage Branch
Room: Studio Classroom
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Career, Business & Finance, College & Trade Schools
Event Details:

Explore your future career with the Howard County Office of Workforce Development using Transfr Trek VR headsets.

Elem'Up

3:45pm–5:30pm
Children
East Columbia Branch
Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Room: Walter Dean Myers
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Event Details:

Afterschool activities for ages 9-11; including arts and crafts, makerspace activities, book clubs and homework support

ABC Spanish Club (Bilingual) (Ages 6-9) TK

5:00pm–5:30pm
Children
Elkridge Branch
Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: Seahorse Children's Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Culture & Language
Event Details:

Ages 6-9; 30 min. Ticket required.

If your child has "learn Spanish" in their New Year's Resolution, this is the perfect class for them.

Magic Tree House Panda-monium (Ages 6-10)

5:00pm–5:45pm
Children
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Maxine White Warfield Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Crafts, Fun & Games!, Tech Skills or STEAM
Event Details:

Ages 6-10, 45 minutes. Free ticket required. 

Travel with Jack and Annie to China to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival and learn about giant pandas through games and activities.  

Portrait Painting w/ J. Scott

5:00pm–7:30pm
East Columbia Branch
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Room: Marvin Thomas Room
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, Crafts, Fun & Games!, Culture & Language
Registration Required
Event Details:

This art class will teach participants how to paint a portrait. Participants will learn techniques on enlarging, composition, replicating light, under painting, brush selection, and more.

DEAR: Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers (Ages 5-10, TK)

6:00pm–7:00pm
Children
Central Branch
Library Branch: Central Branch
Room: Central Children's Classroom
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Culture & Language
Event Details:

Bring a book or borrow one from the library! Participants will read to Fidos for Freedom's therapy dogs in a relaxing and encouraging environment while increasing oral reading skills and self-confidence!

Art in the Evening: Rock Painting

6:00pm–7:30pm
Teens, Adults
Elkridge Branch
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Elkridge Branch
Room: DIY Design Studio
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Art, Movies & Music, DIY & Makerspace
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us every month to explore new artistic themes or media in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Rock Painting: Enjoy a relaxing evening of art and learn tips and tricks for painting on rocks.

 

Knot Just Knitters

6:15pm–7:45pm
Teens, Adults
Glenwood Branch
Library Branch: Glenwood Branch
Room: Studio A
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Community Events, DIY & Makerspace
Event Details:

Ages 11-18 & Adults; Drop-in, 90 min.

Pajama Time (all ages)

6:30pm–7:00pm
Children
East Columbia Branch
Library Branch: East Columbia Branch
Room: ECO Children's Classroom (Lucille Clifton Rooms A/B)
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Early Learning

Pajama Time

Infant - age 5 with adult, older children welcome; 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.