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!

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.

Irrevocable trusts are often misunderstood.

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.

Learners will create and decorate one custom handmade birthday ribbon banner with cardstock tags and embellishments.

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

Bring the projects you'd like to finish! All stitchers welcome.

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.

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

TAB planned event - TBD

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 7 & up (7-8 year olds must be accompanied by an adult); 60 min. Registration required.

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

Spring into Climate Action!

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 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; 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.

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.
 

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

Spring into Climate Action! Create your own Ecosystem (terrarium building using recycled products). Supplies provided. For ages 7 and up.

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:

This Watercolor Workshop is for Adults of all skill levels.

Spring into Climate Action! Create Your Own Solar-Powered Bug, that will creep and crawl. Ages 7 and up. Registration Required. Allow 30 minutes.

TAB planned event - TBD

Spring into Climate Action! Create Your Own Solar-Powered Bug, that will creep and crawl. Ages 7 and up. Registration Required. Allow 30 minutes.

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

Meet one of Howard County's community helpers. Learn all about what Risk Reduction Educator Tearraney with the Howard County Fire and Rescue Department does for our community! 

Part 2 of a 4-Part series.

All ages. 60 minutes. Ticket required. Ticket available 15 minutes before class begins.

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 2-5 (with an adult) 

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

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.

B-I-N-G-O! Get sociable and win prizes. Compete and converse with other bingo fans. 

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

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

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

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

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. 

Discover the world of post-production! Learn the skills of a film/video editor while acquiring an understanding of the technology involved with the profession. Edit video and audio using iMovie and Logic Pro X. Taught by a HiTech instructor.

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

Join a fun, interactive six-hour course that provides participants all the tools needed for a professional babysitting business. Hosted by University of Maryland Extension Howard County 4-H.

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 11+, 15 min.

From Pre-Algebra to Calculus, explore student-created tutorials to learn middle and high school math concepts at your own pace.  

Event Details

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.

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

Taught by a HiTech instructor. 

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!!!

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.

Improve your ability to communicate and interact in German in a fun and casual setting.

Meet via Zoom every second and fourth Thursday of the month. 

Using alcohol ink, students will create paintings while observing how the ink reacts and forms colorful, organic designs. 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 11-18 | Registration Required, walk-ins welcome while space allows  |  materials provided

BE HEARD, BE INVOLVED! Collaborate with other teens to develop, co-design, lead and volunteer for events, classes and service projects that benefit our community. Service learning hours available.

Have you stopped by on a summer Tuesday night and had a meal at the food trucks?  Have you walked the nature trails?  Have you seen the one room school house?  There are many things to do and see at the Howard County Living Farm Her

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.

Ages 6-9, 30-45 minutes. Ticket required.

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

Calling all walkers!  Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening walk around the library campus. 

Walkers will meet at the Enchanted Garden, weather permitting. 

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 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.

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.

Reading Human Rights is a monthly book discussion hosted by the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and Howard County Library System. We read books that promote cultural awareness, diversity, equity.

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

April 11 and 25

May 16 and 30*

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.

Calling all anime and manga lovers! Come enjoy manga coloring and crafts, as well as enjoy anime-related programming. お楽しみに!

No registration needed, space is limited.

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.

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.

ENCORE CINEMA at Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch & 50+ Center presents "see-again" worthy DVD movies on a large screen!

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

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.

Ages 5-8; 45 min. Registration required. 

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

Get creative, make friends, and have fun! 

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

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.