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.

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.

All 2-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required; tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Celebrate this special day with Love Monster books, music and other activities.

Did you know that working a puzzle may lead to reduced stress and/or improved mood?  Join us from 10:30-12:00 at the East Columbia Branch for some puzzling fun! 

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.

Ages 18-35 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.

Stories, songs, and activities.

Tickets are available at the children's desk 15 minutes before the start of class.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Featuring an American Sign Language interpreter.

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

Join other adults who knit, crochet, embroider, and sew, in an open forum for creating, conversing, sharing, and learning. This is a hybrid event, so if you would like to attend remotely via Zoom, contact pinsneedlearts@hclibrary.org.

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.

Attention high school students!

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!

Fill your brain with random trivia and/or challenge friends and family with questions from a variety of categories. Trivia questions and answers are sent monthly via email, and are family friendly.

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 18-35 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.

Stories, songs, and activities.

Tickets are available at the children's desk 15 minutes before the start of 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.
 

Ages 3-5 with adult.  60 min.  Ticket required.

Learn about the creation of Black History Month as well as African American history of Howard County and beyond, through interactive discussion and hands-on activities.

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

We will be discussing Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Join us for an in person discussion of The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead on Thursday, February 16th, 12 pm at the Central Branch.

Ages 6-8.  60 min.  Ticket required.

Learn about the creation of Black History Month as well as African American history of Howard County and beyond, through interactive discussion and hands-on activities.

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:  

Ages 2-5 with adult. Allow 30 minutes. Ticket required; tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Make fun crafts and projects to celebrate Valentine's Day. 

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

Drop into the Central Branch to meet up and play a game of Monopoly^TM with other students.

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

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.
 

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.

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 6-9. 45 min. Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Curious about the Cricut?  Come to the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace to learn how to create a simple rolled paper flower with the Cricut Maker.  Every participant must register. All supplies provided. 

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

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.

Learn about the process behind designing your own characters and using illustration software.  Create the look of your character, its costumes and props, and give it a unique personality!  

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

A  hang out for teens to connect, play games and create.

Nothing says "I Love You!" like slime. Enjoy a slimy book and create your own unique slime!

Materials will be provided.

Learn the skills of an audio engineer 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. Grades 6-12.

Ages 11-18yrs  |  Drop-in, register if you would like a reminder

Celebrate Black History Month through art!

Learn about Black art history and develop art observation skills. Then, create your own piece inspired by the artworks previously discussed.

Individuals who have tax questions can speak to a student attorney one-on-one. This Tax Clinic is supported by The University of Maryland Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).

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.  

Ages 6-11 years with adult; 60 min. Ticket Required.

Drop-in, allow 20-30 minutes. Beginners, practice the essential elements of cursive penmanship. Self paced. Adults requested, to monitor progress.

Get your FREE COVID-19 vaccine or booster!

For adults and children (5-17)

In partnership with the Howard County Health Department. 

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.

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

Learn the basics of coding in HTML and how to add images and color to make a webpage.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Ages 14 and up

Ages 8-11. 60 min.  Ticket required.

Grades 4-6. 60 minutes. Registered.

Discussions about state award nominees. Vote for a winner in April. Eight-month series. Copies will be held for registered students at the Central Branch Customer Service Desk.

Ages 8-11; 45-60 min. Registration Required.

Practice STEAM skills by attempting various LEGO build challenges. 

Ages: 5-10; 60 min.  Ticketed required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Play Bingo featuring book characters and win a book!

Ages 11-18 | Drop-in (register if you'd like a reminder)

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.

Get started learning to crochet with basic beginner stitches

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.

Paula Lino, voluntaria de la Oficina de Protección al Consumidor del condado de Howard, brindará un taller informativo sobre los derechos y responsabilidades del inquilino. Entérate de:

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.

Session 5: Finding New Meaning and Perspective Through the Lens of History

Webinar 5: Finding New Meaning and Perspective Through the Lens of History

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.

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.

Join us for friendly games of American Mah Jongg with players of all levels of experience.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm

December 13 & 27

January 10 & 24

February 14 & 28

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.

Join results session for SAT Mock Test held on Saturday, February 4.

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

Take part in a fabulously funny fairy tale! Boost reading confidence, improve fluency and expression while taking part in a dramatic presentation of Slurping Beauty.

A community health worker with the LindaBen Foundation and Howard County Health Department will be available to connect you with free educational resources and provide information about local organizations that provide food and housing assistance,

Ages 7-9.  45 minutes.  Registration required.

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

DEAR: DOGS EDUCATING AND ASSISTING READERS 

Join us for a discussion of fiction and non-fiction titles that embrace universal themes.

Get creative, make friends, and have fun!

Join us for a discussion of books that explore humans, and their conditions.

February 6th we will discuss Beloved by Toni Morrison.

These classes are for adult English language learners from low beginning, high beginning and low intermediate levels. The classes meet twice a week on Mon.

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.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Read and discuss a wide array of fiction and nonfiction titles.

2nd Tuesdays, 7-8 pm

Join for a discussion of the following title:

These classes are designed for adult English language learners who are in high intermediate and advanced levels. Classes meet twice a week on Tue. & Thur., 7-9PM.

This is a class for English language learners. Improve your English reading skills, vocabulary and grammar by using a wide range of civics-related subject matter including government, community, emergency services, and naturalization process.