Week Calendar

Join us for a mini conference geared toward providing school administrators, educators, parents, students, and community members the knowledge they need to ensure all students experience equity in school.

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.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

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

TIME FOR US

Ages 18 months-3 years with adult; 30 min.

Develop early learning skills through stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

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

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.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Looking for a way to unwind and engage your mind at the same time? Drop-in to the Central Branch for Puzzle Paradise. Connect with other puzzle lovers as you work on jigsaw puzzles or try your hand at a Sudoku, crossword, or logic puzzle!

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.
 

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.

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

Attention high school students! Come join the C2 Education Testing Company to take a practice SAT test on Saturday March 18 and return a week later on Saturday March 25 at noon for your scores (parents/guardians welcome at scoreback session).

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. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 8-11; 60 min. Registration Required.

Learn about the 5 Platonic solids and create one of your own using 3D printing pens. 

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 DIY studio to discuss, and demonstrate how to build a Salad Table based on the University of Maryland Extension's plans. We will go from a plan to table during the class.

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

We will be discussing The Maid, a novel by Nita Prose.

Need some self care? Come make a swirling galaxy sparkle jar that can calm you down and promote relaxation and a quiet mind. All materials provided. Registration required.

Join us for an in person discussion of Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, 12 pm at the Central Branch.

If you’re looking to improve your computer skills, bring your questions, and visit our computer skills open lab. Increase your technical knowledge by getting hands-on assistance with topics such as:  

Get a free professional headshot photo at the Central Branch!

Art Herstory: The Few, the Proud, the Female 

Experience mental health wellness in non-traditional and holistic ways! Wear comfortable clothing. All teens who attend receive a $5.00 restaurant gift card. 

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

Ages 6 & up. 30 min. Ticket required. 

Ages 6 & up. 30 min. Ticket required. 

READY, SET, POUR!  Using paint, pouring medium, and canvases, learn about how chemistry and fluid dynamics can create amazing works of art. Taught by a HiTech instructor.

The Healing Flame Collective combines guided meditation & mindfulness, sound healing, and Reiki energy in an informal, open setting.

The New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years returns with a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

When Katy’s mother die

The New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years returns with a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

When Katy’s mother die

Ages 10-13. Registration required.

Ages 4-6.  45 min.  Ticket required.

Learn about the likes and dislikes of mischievous leprechauns and then design and build a trap to catch these magical creatures.  Don't forget to wear something green!

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. 

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

A class exploring simple science concepts and experiments inspired by children's literature.

Tickets available at the children's desk 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.

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

Ages 5-10 with adult; 60 min. Registration Required.

Learn about tangrams and have fun working together to make shapes out of tans.

Read and discuss light-hearted books that will make us smile. The books will talk about love, hope, and grace. They will include humor, and perhaps some snark, to spice things up. It will be fun! Join us. 

3rd Thursdays: 2 - 3 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.

All ages. 45 minutes. Ticket required.

Acompañanos a leer y cantar canciones y cuentos clásicos para niños en Español. Se requiere tiquete. Join us to read and sing classic children's stories and songs in Spanish.

ANIMAL HOMES: WHO LIVES HERE?

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Ticket Required.

Explore spring science themes through children's literature and hands-on activities.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

60 minutes. Registration required.

“The Curious Chemistry of Amazing Algae”

Through a combination of group and individual activities, students learn budgeting, information literacy, and research strategies. 

Students create FutureSmart accounts to track progress for scholarship eligibility.

Looking to connect with nature? Learn how to identify wild edible plants with us!  

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

Grades 6-12. Drop In.

Do you need a place to work independently, to collaborate on a group project, or to study with your study group? Use this space! We've set it aside just for teens. Middle schoolers and high schoolers welcome.

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

Ages 6-10, 45 minutes. Ticket required.

Learn about computer programmer Grace Hopper and have fun with coding activities using LEGO blocks.  

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. 

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

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

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+, 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). No insurance required. 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.

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.

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.

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

Have you ever wanted to create something with resin  Learn about the chemistry behind crafting with resin. Taught by a HiTech Instructor.

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; 60 min. Registration Required.

Learn about the 5 Platonic solids and create one of your own using 3D printing pens. 

Ages 2-10 years 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.

Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

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.  

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.

Learn the ancient art of kumihimo: Japanese cord braiding. Ages 8+

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.

Ages 4 and up.  Allow 15 minutes.  Drop in. 

Pop-in and make a craft!

This event is sold out!

In-Person at HCLS Miller Branch

Learn stress reduction techniques that you can use over and over again for the rest of your life and teach others! 

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

All ages.  45 min.  Ticket required.

Learn about the likes and dislikes of mischievous leprechauns and then design and build a trap to catch these magical creatures.  Don't forget to wear something green!

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.

Ages 8-12; 30 min. Ticket required.

Join us for an informal Spanish Conversation and Tutoring time. We will practice basic phrases and vocabulary.

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

March 14 and 28

April 11 and 25

May 16 and 30*

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.

Howard County Library System’s Inequity Within report presents data and shows local history of racial inequity and its ongoing impact on education, health, housing, and criminal justice in Howard County and the state

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.

Ready to learn how to save a life? Learn the basics of CPR from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. This free non-certification class covers CPR for adult victims, choking relief, and how to use an AED.

Take part in a fabulously funny fairy tale! Boost reading confidence, improve fluency and expression while taking part in a dramatic presentation of Little Late Riding Hood.

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

Ages 6-8. Adults welcome. 45 minutes. Ticket required.

Learn how to write and illustrate a type of short form poem, called a haiku.

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 of discussion fiction or non-fiction titles that embrace universal themes.

Get creative, make friends, and have fun!