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

Tales, tunes, and tons of fun!

For children entering Kindergarten this fall; 30-45 minutes. Registration required.

Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day. Cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.

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.

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 will be available 15 minutes before class.
 

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

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

Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.

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.

Come with us on a Summer Reading Adventure! Stories, songs, and activities for children and adults to enjoy together.

Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 18 mos - 3 years with adult; 20 - 30 minutes.

Stories, songs and play time.

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before 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 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.

Come with us on a Summer Reading Adventure! Stories, songs, and activities for children and adults to enjoy together.

Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

This is an in-person class for English language learners.

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 virtual 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.

Limited Attendance. Ticket required.

All ages; 30 min.

Come experience the joys of music and movement. 

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.

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

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

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

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

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 6-24 months with adult. Ticket required.  Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Play with toys, meet new friends, enjoy music, and develop cognitive, motor and social skills.

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

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 7-10. 45 min. Ticket required.

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

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

Tales, tunes, and tons of fun!

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

Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.

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

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

Ages 6-11.  45 min.  Ticket required.

For children entering Kindergarten this fall; 45-60 min. Registration required.

Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day, including boarding a real school bus.

Ages 2-5 years; 30 min. Ticket Required.

Stories, activities, & a craft to enjoy with your child.

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.

All ages; 30 min.

Come experience the joys of music and movement. 

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.

Limited Attendance. Ticket required.

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

Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 minutes.

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

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 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.

Learn to repair holes, cracks, and other blemishes on your walls. Try the tools and products you'll need to get your room ready for a fresh coat of paint.

The Howard County Muslim Council is offering a free food giveaway from 11am - 1pm, or until supplies run out, in the parking lot of the Elkridge Branch of the Howard County Library System. 

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

For children entering Kindergarten this fall; 30-45 minutes. Registration required.

Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day. Cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.

Join us for an in person discussion of Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson on August 17, 2023 at 12 pm at the Central Branch.

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Do you have a technical question about your computer, tablet or smart phone? Gary can help. 

Any questions must be submitted at registration in the special note section.

Ages: 12+

Build and practice your Dungeon Master skills alongside experienced DM Josh Heath in this D&D workshop. Beginners encouraged and welcomed. 

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 games.

Ages 6-9; 45 min. Registration required. 

Read a yucky story and learn how to combine different ingredients with a basic slime recipe to create your own unique slime to take home! Materials will be provided.

Georgia O' Keefe decided to be an artist at age 10! You will have an opportunity to express yourself artistically through line, color and shading. Learn about Georgia's life and see samples of her work and how she imaginatively saw the world.

Drop in for hands-on, interactive activities for family members of all ages.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

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

Ages 2-5 with adult; 45 minutes.

Learn about science concepts through stories, songs, and other activities.

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 6-10; 45 min. Ticket Required.

Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.

*Tuesdays throughout the summer.

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

For children entering Kindergarten this fall; 30-45 minutes. Registration required.

Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day. Cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.

Ages 3-5, 30 minutes.

RG, registration required. 

For children who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, early reading and math skills.

Ages 8-10, 45 minutes. TK, ticketed. Free tickets available 15 minutes before class.

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

Explore the science of electricity by designing and building circuits!

Ages 2-5 years; 30 min. Ticket Required.

Stories, activities, & a craft to enjoy with your child.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Families; Allow 30 minutes.

Drop-in to make a fun craft or create your own masterpiece!

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

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

Join one of our high school volunteers to learn a few guitar basics such as beginner chords and scales, have some practice time, and then record in our A/V lab at the final session.

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

Are you starting middle school in the fall?

Join a panel of former middle schoolers for their honest feedback on middle school success. Learn tips on staying organized. Have fun participating in Locker Trials and a Book Bag Relay Race.

Ages 10-13. Registration required.

Ages 11-14. Registration required.

Join us for a Makerspace class specifically for teens! Decorate your laptop just in time for the new school year with removable stickers made with the Cricut machine. Ages 11-18. Registration required.

For children entering Kindergarten this fall; 45-60 min. Registration required.

Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day, including boarding a real school bus.

Moving Up To Middle School is a 90-minute class for students starting sixth grade this fall.

Age 14 - 18. Registration required.

This class is intended for students who have already taken Algebra.

Age 14 - 18. Registration required.

This class is intended for students who have already taken Algebra.

Age 14 - 18. Registration required.

This class is intended for students who have already taken Algebra.

Grades 4-6. 60 minutes. Registered.

Age 14 - 18. Registration required.

This class is intended for students who have already taken Algebra.

Ages 8-11; 60 min. Registration required.

What's STEAMy about bioluminescence? Learn about fireflies and replicate fireflies in a jar.

Dress for mess & the outdoors, weather permitting.

Age 14 - 18. Registration required.

This class is intended for students who have already taken Algebra.

Ages 8-12; 30 min. Ticket required.

Únase a un tiempo de diversión jugando Scrabble y juegos de Lapiz y Papel en Español.

Ages 6-9; 30 min. Ticket required.

Únete a un tiempo Lectura en Español nivel Basico y diviértete con actividades relacionadas con el libro de la semana.

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.

This class will focus on the skills necessary to paint an animal portrait. Participants will be taught how to identify different tonal values, create dimension, mix colors and replicate texture.

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 6-9; 45 min. RG, Registration required. 

Learn how to combine different ingredients with a basic slime recipe to create your own unique beach slime to take home! Materials will be provided.

For children entering Kindergarten this fall; 45-60 min. Registration required.

Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day, including boarding a real school bus.

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.

All ages. Allow 30 min.

Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 minutes.

Come have a great time and win a prize playing Bingo! 

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 6-11.  45 min.  Ticket required.

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.

Prepare to step into a world of boundless imagination, where heroes are born, and legends are forged.

Kindergarten, Aquí Vamos!

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

All ages. Allow 30 min.

Come one! Come all! Bring the family and have a ball at our Enchanted Garden Carnival. Games, magic, and fun for everyone!

Ages 8-10. 45 minutes. Ticket required. Ticket available 15 minutes before the class begins.

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

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

Moving Up To Middle School is a 90-minute class for students starting sixth grade this fall. Befriend other rising sixth graders as you play a team-based game of Middle School Jeopardy.

Learn how to research your family’s lineage and confirm known information.

These classes are for adult English language learners from beginning to low intermediate levels. The classes meet twice a week on Mon.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

This interactive session will provide you with the tools you need to assemble a crisis budget and provide you with valuable take-away resources to help you and others. 

Looking to sharpen your chess skills?  Come drop in and challenge new opponents!  All skill levels and ages are welcome.

Note: Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ages 11-18 & Adults; Drop-in, 90 min.

These classes are designed for adult English language learners who are in high intermediate and advanced levels. Classes meet virtually twice a week on Tue. & Thur., 7-9PM.

Ages 8-12; 45 minutes.

Join us for hands-on learning experiences that allow us to investigate our world. 

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Bas Bleu, French for “bluestocking,” refers to an intellectual or literary woman.  We read a variety of literary fiction, and all are welcome – not just bluestockings!

Join us for a discussion of the following books:

Explore various culinary cuisines/chefs of the world. A new cuisine/chef every month. This month's cuisine is Farm to Table. Pick-up any Farm to Table cookbook at the library, cook some recipes and come have a culinary discussion.

Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.

Join us in the DIY Studio to learn how to hem clothing with a sewing machine. We will cover preparing your fabric, double-fold hem and blind stitch hem. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills!

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