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.

LITTLE LEARNERS: STORYTELLING MATH

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

Make meaningful math connections through stories and activities.

Ticket required.

Tickets 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 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.

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 3 and up.  20 min.  Ticket required.

The word is COOPERATION!  The game is PARACHUTE PLAY!  Let's play and work together as we try a variety of games, including playing with the parachute.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 3 and up.  20 min.  Ticket required.

The word is COOPERATION!  The game is PARACHUTE PLAY!  Let's play and work together as we try a variety of games, including playing with the parachute.

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.

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 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.

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. TK.

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

Ask Maryland Master Gardeners questions and receive useful tips and practical advice.

Find the answers to gardening questions by talking with a University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener. Drop in; no registration required. 

Learn the basics of composting. Composting reduces pressure on our landfills and recycles organic waste material into helpful soil supplements for gardens, container plants, and lawns.

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 and up.  20 min.  Ticket required.

The word is COOPERATION!  The game is PARACHUTE PLAY!  Let's play and work together as we try a variety of games, including playing with the parachute.

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.
 

Please join us along with a bike expert from Patapsco Bicycles (a new bike shop in Elkridge) to learn some basic maintenance to keep you rolling this spring.

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

Ages 4-10; 30-45 min. Registration Required.

Celebrate National Unicorn Day with stories, activities, and crafts! Snap a pic with our unicorn character. Costumes welcome!

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.

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

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.
 

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

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

Amazing Women: How Did They Build That? ages 6-10, Ticketed

Ages 6-10. 45-60 min. Ticket required. 

Explore the science of electricity by designing and building circuits!

Oil is scarce. Using it produces pollution. Pollution brings climate change and the threat of disaster.

Get started or continue the short, narrative, basics of finance to enter to win a $5,000 529 college savings gift card!

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

Movie matinees continue this spring on the fourth Tuesday of the month in March and April and on the fifth Tuesday in May at 3 pm.  

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 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. 

An interactive event that integrates music, art and therapeutic techniques.

Limited space. Registration required to attend. Contact Coach Young at 410.313.7700

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

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.

Celebrate Earth Day by creating some special kindness rocks dedicated to the earth our environment, then leave them in your neighborhood or around the library to brighten someone's day!

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

This event will be held rain or shine!  If the weather is inclement, it will be moved indoors.

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 11-18  |  Drop in, while space allows  |  Feel free to register for a reminder

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.

Can you help Colby the programmable robot mouse get to the cheese?  Learn some of the basics of computer coding to navigate the mouse through a maze! 

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

Through a combination of group and individual activities, students learn about career paths, educational options, and compare earning opportunities. 

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

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

Learn the ancient art of Japanese marbling! By floating ink on water, students will create unique designs on paper.

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.

3rd - 5th 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.

This class will keep you up to date with the latest safety technology in your current or future car.

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.

Ages 6-10. 45-60 min. Ticket required. 

Explore the science of electricity by designing and building circuits!

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.

Get a free professional headshot photo at the Central Branch!

All ages. Allow 30 min.

Join us for friendly games of Mah Jongg with players of all levels of experience.  We have both American and Asian sets available!

2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm

March 14 and 28

April 11 and 25

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.

Ages 6-10.  45 min.  Ticket required.

Don't let History be a Mystery! Come learn about Women's History and explore many of the important women throughout history.

Includes stories, activities, and a craft.

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

Please join us for this new quarterly series wherein we will watch films about humans, since all great stories involve great characters, and then we'll discuss them with our fellow humans.

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.

Resonant with the emotional urgency of Alice Walker’s classic Meridian and the poignant charm of Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees, a gripping debut novel of female power and vulnerability, race, and class that explores

Resonant with the emotional urgency of Alice Walker’s classic Meridian and the poignant charm of Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees, a gripping debut novel of female power and vulnerability, race, and class that explores

Get creative, make friends, and have fun!

Learn Korean in this 12-week class, taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

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.

Students who took the practice SAT on March 25th will return for this session to receive their test scores and discover test taking strategies and test options, facilitated by C2 Education.

HCLS co-hosts an online monthly 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.

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

Enjoy a relaxing evening of art, and learn tips and tricks for drawing and painting your favorite birds.

In collaboration with the Columbia Association, the World Language Cafe is now expanded to Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch Library.

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.

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.