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

Tales, tunes, and tons of fun!

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.

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.

Adults, 90 minutes, registration required

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.

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,

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, stories, bounces, and rhymes for babies followed by open play time with fun toys.

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 0-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required.

Únase a nosotros para cuentos, canciones y rimas en español. Seguido de un tiempo de juego. Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish. Followed by a playtime.

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

Ages 3-5 with adult. Ticket required. Only 12 spots available.

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.
 

Come join us in the Elkridge branch DIY studio to discuss the wide variety of power tools you may borrow from the library. We will discuss and demonstrate applications, safe use, and accessories you may need.

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

NEW TIME! Join us for a lively monthly book club discussion. Books for this period are:

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

Want to learn how to use the library’s e-book resources? We will show you how to use Libby, Cloud Library and Hoopla with a Q&A time. Bring your device and we will get you started using our e-book resources 

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

March 04   The Deep by Rivers Solomon  

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

March 04  The Deep  by Rivers Solomon

All Ages. 1 hour. Ticket Required.

Join author Salvacion “Roselle” Reyes at the Elkridge Branch of the Howard County Library System as she reads the story of her two published picture books, Sleepless Maple and Mona in a Mesh.

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

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. 

Movie matinees continue this winter on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 2 pm.

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.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, purchasing a house can fulfill a dream, and is probably one of the most exciting adventures of your life. To make the dream come true, you’ll have to navigate a maze of procedures and work wit

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

Are you a high school junior or senior ready for college? Join author and college expert Valarie R. Austin as she guides students through their college planning checklist. Registration required.

The ShowTime Singers return in 2023 to our HCLS Miller Branch for a spring concert! 

Ages 8 & up, teens & adults welcome! 60 min. Registration required to reserve an ukulele for class use.

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 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

Get to know the international aisle and "Try Something New." Learn easy recipes and ingredients that make eating-IN as easy as carrying-OUT. Best of all, these better-for-you versions will help you celebrate national Nutrition month&nbsp

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

Ages 11 - 17. Drop In.

Drop in after school and show your creative side. Each week we will have a new art activity or a new medium. Try your hand at things such as crafting, watercolor, sketching, digital design and more. 

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 to use layers, layer effects, and filters.

Hang out with friends, play games or get help with with assignments.

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

Learn how the digital single lens reflex camera is engineered to utilize part of the electromagnetic spectrum we call visible light. Obtain hands on experience using a DSLR camera and learn numerous picture-taking techniques.

Ages 11-18. 60 min.

Take action! Help design, plan, and implement projects and events to benefit your community by collaborating with other TAB members and with support of library staff.  Service hours available.

Recommend books, music, and movies; develop and plan events for teens; and work with HCLS instructors on projects you create. 

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.  

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.

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.

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

Using the iPad Pro and animation apps, learn how to create your own 2D animations. 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.

Still getting familiar with the LGBTQIA+ acronym?  Want to support family members, friends, students, or colleagues who are part of the community? You’ve come to the right place.  

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

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,

Grades 6-8. Registration required.

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.

All ages. Allow 30 min.

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.

We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at The Periodic Table. We read and talk about a wide variety of genres, with a focus on books written from diverse points of view. Please reserve a copy for yourself via hclibrary.org.

Ages 3-5 with adult. 30 min.  Registration required.

Children of all abilities and their caregivers welcome at this supportive, judgment-free class that includes stories, music, and movement in a small group.

Ages 14-17, 2 hours.

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

Ages 3-5 with adult. Ticket required. Only 12 spots available.

Ages 7-10. 45 min. Ticket required.

Math can be fun! Develop problem-solving skills and strategies to find solutions to these classic math-based puzzles.

Mar 2      Color Like a Mathematician

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. 

Take turns reading aloud heartwarming, funny, and captivating graphic novels.

Get creative, make friends, and have fun!

Join our monthly discussion of Asian American literary titles. 

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.

Due to the usually large number of students who took the practice SAT exam on February 25,  C2 Education needs more time to process these tests.

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.

Rock Painting is an activity that artists of all ages can enjoy. This class invites families to get creative together for a fun evening of painting rocks.

Participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Join us as we increase our awareness and understanding of racial inequities within our community through examination of research findings, video footage, and interactive resources. 

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.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, purchasing a house can fulfill a dream, and is probably one of the most exciting adventures of your life. To make the dream come true, you’ll have to navigate a maze of procedures and work with agents,

Prerequisite: Korean for Beginners. Registration required. Ages 18+.

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

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. Practice your speaking skills in a supportive environment. Students read a short story each week and discuss it in class.

Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.

Wednesdays, 7:45 - 8:45 pm

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

Because anime & manga aren’t just for kids… join us at the Advanced Anime Association. A safe space to geek out about anime, manga, and all things related with like-minded people who are of a similar advanced age.

If computers make you want to run for the hills, then this is the perfect class for you! The Intro to Web Browsing course is designed for adults with little to no experience using computers.