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. Improve your reading level and English language knowledge with evidence-based strategies that build your reading skills.

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 0-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required.

Únase a nosotros para cuentos, canciones y rimas en español. Seguido de un tiempo de juego.

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.

This is a class for English language learners.

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

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

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

Ticket required.

Tickets 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.

Allow 20 min.

Play with our toys, read a board book, enjoy music, and visit with others.

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 taking the US citizenship exam. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first.  This orientation is required for all participants. 

This is an in-person class designed for adult English language learners. Improve your reading level and English language knowledge with evidence-based strategies that build your reading skills.

 Ages 3-5 w/adult.  30-45 minutes, Ticket required

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with El Toro and Friends! Join us for stories by Raúl the Third, songs, activities, and a craft to enjoy with your child.

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.

Join Elville and Associates and Mr. Donald Oates, President of Whitehouse Financial Group for this timely in person presentation about Medicare. (Open Enrollment Is Right Around the Corner!)

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

This virtual class is designed for adult English language learners who are interested in working as IT Support Specialist.  Participants learn about the work setting, responsibilities, potential earnings, and a pathway to advance in the IT field.&

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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

Tales, tunes, and tons of fun!

Need a resume?  

Looking to change jobs and want to upgrade your resume?  

Started applying for a job online, but needed to attach a resume? 

Looking for reliable sites for job vacancies? 

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

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. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 3-5 with adult. Ticket required. Only 12 spots available.

 Ages 3-5 w/adult.  30-45 minutes, Ticket required

Stories, songs, activities, and a craft to enjoy with your child.

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

Ages 8-11; 60 min. Registration Required.

Explore symmetry in nature and create your own "buggy" replica using a 3D Printing Pen. Dress for mess.

In this class participants will learn the techniques, tools, and best practices for carving a low relief in plaster. Topics to be covered will include safety, composition, and how to create dimension.

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.

Want to take your relationship to the next level? Join us for ELEVATE, a free couples seminar presented by Dr.

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

Gallons of a valuable commodity run off our roofs and enter storm drains. Live the eco-friendly lifestyle you strive toward through rain gardens that can reduce runoff and rain barrels to harvest rainwater for garden use.

Join us for an in person discussion of Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner on Thursday, September 21, 2023 12 pm at the Central Branch.

Ages: 12 - 17. When starting a business, it is important to have short and long-term business goals. This workshop will guide participants in brainstorming business ideas and creating a vision board that reflects their business ideas.

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

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

Ages 3-5 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.

Ages 3-5 with adult.  Allow 30-45 minutes. Ticket required.

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

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. 

Sep 18: West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

For children who are ready for an independent class as they prepare to start school. This class introduces early learning skills such as listening, pre-reading, math, movement, and music.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

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

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

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

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

Ages 6-9. 45 minutes. Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 8-10. Registration required.

After school supervised safe space for middle and high school students. Socialize with peers, work on homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities.

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

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

Come talk “shop” and receive a free high-quality haircut from a master barber. (services limited) *

Each participant will also receive a hair maintenance kit and tips.  

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

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

After school supervised safe space for middle and high school students. Socialize with peers, work on homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities.

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

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

After school supervised safe space for middle and high school students. Socialize with peers, work on homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities.

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

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

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

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

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

Want to join a team? Interested in being part of a team? Interested in coding? Interested in design? Want to build a robot? Then FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) might just be the perfect competition for you!

Are you interested in reducing your waste and simplifying your life? Please join us to learn about less wasteful alternatives to common products, successful habit change principles and strategies to navigate common situations.

Are you interested in reducing your waste and simplifying your life? Please join us to learn about less wasteful alternatives to common products, successful habit change principles and strategies to navigate common situations.

Join senior cosmetologist Jeokima Janeel to learn DIY haircare and all about knotless braids!

Tweens & Teens (11-18 years old)

Limited space. Registration required to attend. Contact Coach Young at 410-313-7700

Get your game on at the library! Play Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or a mix of all three! 

A club for gaming enthusiasts to learn and play games from the past, present and future.

This month's gaming tournament will feature Mario Kart (Nintendo Switch) and NBA 2k23 (PS5).

Grades 4-6. 60 minutes. RG, 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.

Students who are ages 5-9 and in grades Kindergarten-3rd. 60 minutes. RG, Registered.

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.

An interactive event that integrates music and art featuring visual artist Kid Balloon and sounds by the Media Rhythm Institute. Raffles, pizza & more!

Drop in event for Tweens & Teens (11-18 years old)

Receive hands-on assistance from HCLS instructors with your technical support needs.  Savage staff will be available to assist you with using your personal devices, basic computer skills, common computer software, and editing and printing doc

Kindergarten- 2nd grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

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.

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

30 Minutes. Ages 6-11. Ticket required.

14+ adult 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 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

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

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.

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

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

Registration Required | Walk-in students welcome if space allows. {Registered students must arrive on time, empty seats will be given to walk in students at 6 pm}

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

All ages.  45 min.  Ticket required.

The year is 1787.  Travel back in time and learn about the U.S. Constitution and experience life during colonial times through hands-on activities.

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 3-5 with adult. Ticket required. Only 12 spots available.

Ages 8-12; 30 min. Ticket required.

Join us for an informal Spanish conversation and homework assistance time. We will practice basic phrases and vocabulary.

Ages: 11 - 18. Meet up with fellow fans and discuss your favorite series/games. We will be watching anime together, having game demos, making art/crafts, and exploring some Japanese language/cultural tie-ins. Drop-ins encouraged and welcomed!

All ages. Allow 30 min.

Participants will learn various carving techniques while sculpting from a Plaster block.

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

2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings:

2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm

August 8 and 22

Let your creativity shine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Journal, draw, paint, color, or create this month’s featured craft. Bring in any projects you’d like to work on, or start something new.

This is an in-person class for beginning adult English language learners. It meets weekly in HCLS Central Branch. You will receive an email invitation to attend an orientation.

Calling all young builders! Come and explore a variety of building materials  and look to books for inspiration.  This is an all ages family event with no tickets and is a drop-in opportunity. 

Matthew Berger speaks about the work the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism is doing nationally and how you can be a defender and upstander for Jews in Howard County

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.

Click here to register

Daily affirmations can be a useful tool to help shift your mindset in ways that improve your life.

Ages 11-16. Registration required.

Families; allow 30 minutes. Drop in.

Explore and engage in various STEM activities through self-guided stations.

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 is an in-person class that meets in

Ages 5-8; 45 min. Registration required. 

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

Build your own 2-Dimensional picture in this pixel art challenge!

This interactive session presented by Truist Bank will show you how to choose a bank account and assemble a budget that will serve your goals for years to come.

Join us for a casual D&D game, open to all experience levels, beginners welcome! We will start with Dragons of Stormwreck Isle on October 2nd. Missed the first meeting? No problem--this D&D club is designed for flexibility! Ages 12+.

Join our monthly discussion of Asian American literary titles.