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. Students read one short story each week and discuss it in class.

Ages 3-5 w/adult; 30 min. Ticket required. 

Explore the five senses and how we use them.

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!

SEED POWER!

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.

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.

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.

The decision to pursue guardianship — to obtain the legal authority to make decisions for another person — is one that has many intricacies to it and should not be taken lightly.  There are also many alternatives to guardianship to consi

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 working as Ophthalmic Technicians in an ophthalmologist’s office.  The participants will learn about the work setting, responsibilities, potential earni

This is an in-person, 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.

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.

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.
 

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 is an in-person class 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.

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.

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

Preparing to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB Exam?  We want to help! Take a proctored practice exam following the timing and breaks of the official exam.

Ages 3-5, with adult.

Take a practice SAT exam with Princeton Review.

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

Outdoor classes may be cancelled or moved indoors without notice due to unfavorable weather, air quality, or ground conditions at the class site. We recommend bringing a bottle of water with you to the class.

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

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

Preparing to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Exam?  We want to help! Take a proctored practice exam following the timing and breaks of the official exam.

Ages 3-5 w/adult; 30 min. Ticket required. 

Explore the five senses and how we use them.

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.  Allow 30-45 minutes. Ticket required.

Explore stations with activities that stimulate and encourage children to explore and investigate.

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 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.

Ages 8-11; 60 min. Registration Required.

Test how galaxies might move through space and make a galaxy in a jar!

Dress for mess & the outdoors, weather permitting.

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

Come have a great time and win a prize playing Color & Shape Bingo! 

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.

Families.  Allow 15 minutes.

Come join us on Earth Day to make a stylish patio planter. We will go over materials, building techniques, and the proper use of all the tools you’ll need to get the job complete so that you may have some nature in your space. 

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

This Watercolor Workshop is for Adults of all skill levels.

At Howard County Library System, we invite your input and ideas to shape our next Strategic Plan that will guide our future, including a new facility.  

Join us for an in person discussion of True Biz by Sarah Novic on Thursday, April 20th 2023, 12 pm at the Central Branch.

Maryland Legal Aid lawyers are on hand to offer free legal advice for low-income individuals.

If you took the practice SAT on April 15, please return for the scoreback session where you will receive your scores and a short presentation, as well as have the opportunity to ask questions afterward.

 The Monuments Men 

At Howard County Library System, we invite your input and ideas to shape our next Strategic Plan that will guide our future, including a new lakefront library.  

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

Trellises can give plants the space to grow in a garden, and bamboo is an ideal, renewable material to use. In this demonstration, learn the techniques for building a trellis with bamboo poles and lashing twine.

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

Learn how the food we eat affects our health and the planet.

Love historical fiction? So do we! Join our discussion to step into the past and connect with characters living in times different than our own.

Apr 17: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

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.  Allow 30-45 minutes. Ticket required.

Explore stations with activities that stimulate and encourage children to explore and investigate.

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.

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.

Zany stories and activities about everybody's favorite mixed up housekeeper! 

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 8-10. 45 minutes. Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes prior to class.

There’s a poem in your head just shouting to come out! Discover the tools poets use to create verses that sparkle and shine!

Grades Kindergarten-2nd; 45 min. Registration Required.

Learn about archaeologists and what they do, then try out your archaeology skills with a chocolate chip cookie excavation.

Bring your bike and get ready for the season.  Ages 14+; under 14 with accompanying adult.

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

Join us for Spring Resin Crafts! Learn about the chemistry behind crafting with resin and using dried flowers and colored ink, create a beautiful springtime work of art. Taught by a HiTech Instructor.

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. 

Learn the basics of Photoshop, focusing on the tools, layers, layer effects, and filters needed to create a beautiful springtime scene. 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.

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 10-13. Registration required.

Come to the Makerspace and discover the crafting possibilities with our new Cricut Maker.  During this make it & take it class, you will learn how to cut heat transfer vinyl to make custom fabric gifts.

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.  

At Howard County Library System, we invite your input and ideas to shape our next Strategic Plan that will guide our future, including a new lakefront library.  

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.

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

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!!!

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

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.

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 8-11; 60 min. Registration Required.

Test how galaxies might move through space and make a galaxy in a jar!

Dress for mess & the outdoors, weather permitting.

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.

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.

At Howard County Library System, we invite your input and ideas to shape our next Strategic Plan that will guide our future, including a new lakefront library.  

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.

Kindergarten- 2nd grade; 45-60 min. Registration required.

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.

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

Grades 6-8. Registration required.

Ages 6-9 with adult; 30 mins.

Come have a great time, sharpen your addition skills and win a prize playing Addition Bingo! 

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 an in-person class for English language learners. It focuses on essential English grammar and on the basics of writing for work and personal communication. The class meets every Monday night at the 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

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.

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.

This is an in-person class for beginning adult English language learners. It meets weekly in HCLS Central Branch. If you're new to this program, you'll receive an email invitation to take a placement test to determine your level.

This is an in-person class for beginning level adult English language learners. It meets weekly in HCLS Central Branch. If you're new to this program, you'll receive an email invitation to take a placement test to determine your level.

This class an in-person class designed for intermediate level English language learners who wish to improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.  The class meets in HCLS Central Branch.

Ages 7-9.  45 minutes.  Registration required.

This is a class for English Language Learners.  Practice conversational skills and discuss topics like small talk, common interests, life, work, and current events in a safe and supportive environment. The class meets weekly in the Central Br