Week Calendar

Walking is a great way to get some activity into your routine.  Lets get up and walk together. Come and walk around East Columbia Library. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

Hospitality is an effective form of everyday activism. Learn to create spaces that support people’s varied experiences related to privilege, oppression, and social justice, especially as it relates to the social construct of race.

Hospitality is an effective form of everyday activism. Learn to create spaces that support people’s varied experiences related to privilege, oppression, and social justice, especially as it relates to the social construct of race.

This is a class for adult English language learners.  Practice conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events.  If you're new to this class, you'll receive an email invit

This is an in-person class designed for adult English language learners. Practice speaking skills in a supportive environment. Students read one short story each week and discuss it in class.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.

Explore simple health concepts inspired by children's literature.

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

Ages 2-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Tales, tunes, and tons of fun!

Ages 3-5 years with adult; 45 min. Ticket required.

Discover the creativity of children's illustrators through stories and activities. Dress for mess.

Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 min.

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

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

Allow 20 min.

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

This is an in-person class designed for English language learners. Improve your spoken English as we focus on listening and speaking skills with an emphasis on everyday pronunciation, intonation, and stress, as well as u

This is a class for English language learners.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ticket required.  Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
 

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

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

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

This class is designed for English language learners. Improve your spoken English as we focus on listening and speaking skills with an emphasis on everyday pronunciation, intonation, and stress, as well as unique American rhythms.

This class is designed for English language learners who are interested in exploring the work of computer support specialists and learning about the skills, education and training needed to begin and advance in the IT field.

This is a drop-in class for adult English language learners.  Practice English conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Featuring an American Sign Language interpreter.

Ages 2-5. 30 min. Ticket required. 

This is an in-person class for English language learners.

This class is designed for adult English language learners. Improve your English reading skills, vocabulary and grammar by using a wide range of civics-related subject matter including US education, healthcare, history and governmen

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.

This class is designed for adult English language learners. Practice speaking skills in a supportive environment. Students read one short story each week and discuss it in class.

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.

Ticket required.

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

Ticket required.  Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

Ages Infant-23 months with adult; 45 min. 

Songs, bounces, and rhymes for babies. Open play time with fun toys included.

This class is designed for intermediate adult English language learners.  Learn English in a supportive environment to improve your reading, writing, speaking, listening and pronunciation skills.

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

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

This class is designed for adult English language learners.  Parents of children aged ten and younger will gain a better understanding of informal spoken English and increase their knowledge of English vocabulary, especially as

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

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 6-36 months. Ticket required.  Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Play with toys, meet new friends, enjoy music, and develop cognitive, motor and social skills.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.

Explore simple health concepts inspired by children's literature.

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

Ages 2-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Tales, tunes, and tons of fun!

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

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

Ticket required.  Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
 

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

Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket Required.

Stories, activities, and a craft to enjoy with your child.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

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

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

Join us in the DIY Studio to cover the basics of knitting. We will discuss and demonstrate how to get started, with knitting needles and yarn provided. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills!

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

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

If you’re looking to improve your computer skills, then visit our computer skills open lab! Boost your technical knowledge by getting hands-on assistance with topics such as:  

Therapy dog(s) from Pets on Wheels will be at the East Columbia Branch for friendly visits with customers. Drop in - no registration required. 

Celebrate Black History Month by uncovering local history! 

Teen Time at HCLS East Columbia Branch is an initiative for neighborhood teens that enhances student academics in a fun, welcoming, after-school environment.

Ticket required. Tickets are available 15 minutes before class

Join us for a 30-minute lesson on tips and ideas on how to grow and cook with herbs with Howard County's SNAP-Ed's educator Razan Sahuri.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

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

Teen Time at HCLS East Columbia Branch is an initiative for neighborhood teens that enhances student academics in a fun, welcoming, after-school environment.

Ticket required.  Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
 

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

Creative Clay: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of sculpting and learn simple techniques for working with Air-Dry Clay.

Teen Time at HCLS East Columbia Branch is an initiative for neighborhood teens that enhances student academics in a fun, welcoming, after-school environment.

Ages 3-5, 30 minutes.

Registration encouraged, drop-ins welcome! 

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

Enjoy a unique presentation of the misadventures of our favorite friends, Elephant and Piggie! (Books written by Mo Willems). Stories and an activity. All ages/Families.

Enjoy a unique presentation of the misadventures of our favorite friends, Elephant and Piggie! (Books written by Mo Willems). Stories and a craft. All ages/Families.

Create a pop up Valentine ready to give or mail. Learn how to address an envelope so it arrives at the right house! Bring an address or practice your own.

Ages 6-9. Ticketed.

Learn about trickster tales with Anansi the Spider, then "travel" to Ghana and weave a Kente cloth pattern with paper.

- Presented during Black History Month

Ages 4 and up.  Allow 15 minutes.  Drop in.  Ho. Co. Schools close 3 hours early.

Pop-in and make a craft!

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 8-10. 45 minutes. Registration required.

Have you ever wanted to solve a mystery? Use your detective skills to discover how to read and 'break' different codes, ciphers and other puzzles to help crack the case!

Create a pop up Valentine ready to give or mail. Learn how to address an envelope so it arrives at the right house! Bring an address or practice your own.

Have you ever wondered why spiders have such thin legs?

Join us for an interactive storytime with Author Ada Ari, author of The Spider's Thin Legs.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

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

Student will have access to audio and video editing software and will be able to create and/or edit video and create musical sequences using Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X. Drop-In

Discover the world of post-production! Learn the skills of a film/video editor while acquiring an understanding of the technology involved with the profession. Edit video and audio using Final Cut ProX and Logic Pro X.

Graphic design and digital art guidance provided as you work on your own digital art, with access to the Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, and more) and other software. Registration preferred.

Ages 9-12. Registration required.

Join a team and see if you have what it takes to craft the best castle in only one hour. Use your crafting skills to plan, engineer and create a castle using only the provided materials.

Take crafting to a whole new level with the Makerspace's laser cutter engraver.

Ages 11+, 15 min.

From Pre-Algebra to Calculus, explore student-created tutorials to learn middle and high school math concepts at your own pace.  

How do films shape and connect us? Join our film discussion series. Please watch monthly films prior to their actual discussion dates

Feb 6: A Cops and Robbers Story (on Kanopy)

Ages 5-7; 30 min.

For emerging readers. Read a book together then stay for fun activities that include crafts, reading comprehension exercises, and games.

Discover how to create illustrations using an iPad Pro and the drawing apps, Sketchbook and Procreate!  Use the various tools in these apps to design, draw, and color your own dynamic illustrations.

This is a six-hour course that provides participants all the tools needed to establish a trustworthy and professional babysitting business with leadership skills to promote in diverse communities.

Have you, your child, or the whole family always wanted to learn Spanish? Well NOW is the perfect time!!!

READY, SET, POUR for Valentine's Day!  Using paint, pouring medium, and canvases, learn about how chemistry and fluid dynamics can create amazing works of art.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This is a six-hour course that provides participants all the tools needed to establish a trustworthy and professional babysitting business with leadership skills to promote in diverse communities.

READY, SET, POUR for Valentine's Day!  Using paint, pouring medium, and canvases, learn about how chemistry and fluid dynamics can create amazing works of art.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

AV Lab
Drop-in to use the equipment in the A/V Studio! Record and mix music or create and edit movies with the help of a HiTech Instructor.
No registration required. Grades 6-12.

This is a six-hour course that provides participants all the tools needed to establish a trustworthy and professional babysitting business with leadership skills to promote in diverse communities.

Ages 2 & up with adult; 60 min. Ticket Required.

Drop-in, allow 20-30 minutes, to play! Activities may include arts and crafts, building, coloring, gaming, or puzzling.

Middle and high school students.

(previously Teen Advisory Board)

BE HEARD, BE INVOLVED! Collaborate with other teens to develop, co-design, lead and volunteer for events, classes and service projects.  

Create games, animations or 3D art while exploring Python, Blender, CAD, or Unity. Make friends and build your knowledge at an easy pace. Attend any number of sessions. No prior knowledge of coding or programming required.

Kindergarten- 2nd grade. 45 - 60 minutes. Registration required.

Kindergarten- 2nd grade; 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

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.

14 + AV lab
Drop-in to use the equipment in the A/V Studio! Record and mix music or create and edit movies with the help of a HiTech Instructor.
No registration required.

3rd - 5th grade. 45 - 60 minutes. Registration required.

3rd - 5th grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

Please join us to edit Wikipedia pages in celebration of Black authors and artists whose works are found in our library collection.

During this 7 week class, participants will use the tools provided to create a Portrait Bust of themselves.  Participants will learn how to sculpt using Plasticine modeling clay, how to create a two part silicon mold, and how to cast the

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

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

This is a class for English language learners. It focuses on essential English grammar and on the basics of writing for work and personal communication.

Meet up with fellow anime and manga fans to practice drawing your favorite characters (or create your own!), recommend the manga you're reading and the anime you're watching and check out our collection/make suggestions for it.

Hospitality is an effective form of everyday activism. Learn to create spaces that support people’s varied experiences related to privilege, oppression, and social justice, especially as it relates to the social construct of race.

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.

Ages 5-10; allow 20 min. Parent/guardian must sign permission slip or have one on file prior to participating. Ticket and book required. 

This is an in-person class for intermediate adult English language learners who wish to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.  It meets in the Tapestry Room in HCLS Central Branch.

Hospitality is an effective form of everyday activism. Learn to create spaces that support people’s varied experiences related to privilege, oppression, and social justice, especially as it relates to the social construct of race.

Ages 6-8. 45 min. Ticket required.

Exciting highlights from an area of nonfiction with an activity to follow.

February 8: Hooray for Hobbies!

Grades 4-6. Registration required.  60 minutes.

Ages 13 and up. 90 minutes. Registration required.

This class is designed for English language learners who are beginning learners who wish to to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

For children transitioning from early readers to chapter books. After reading the title, join us for fun activities that include reading comprehension exercises and games.

Explore the different ecosystems in Maryland through art! Each HCLS Branch is hosting a different mural, featuring one of the six different ecosystems found within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

This is a class for adult English language learners.  Practice conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events. This is an in-person class that meets

Ages 5-8; 45 min. Registration required. 

Build book club skills by reading a picture book together, followed by discussion and related activities.

Online Event  |  *Ages 14 and up (grownups are urged to attend as well)

FAFSA, grants & scholarships, OH MY!

Ages 9-12. Registration required.

Calling all LEGO™ bricks fans! Receive your challenges for the day and work individually or in groups to create and engineer designs with LEGO™ blocks.

Get creative, make friends, and have fun!