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

Explore simple concepts inspired by children's literature.

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

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.

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.

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

30 minutes. Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before the start of class.

Stories, songs and other activities to celebrate this spooky day. Costumes welcome.

Families; 30 min. Ticket Required.

Listen to stories to celebrate this spooky day, then show off your costumes in a parade around the library!

10:30-10:45am: Spooky Stories

10:45-11am: Costume Parade

Allow 20 min.

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

Adults, 90 minutes, registration required

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.

1st Wednesday’s 10am-12pm 

Oct 4; Nov 1; Dec 6 

Kahler Hall - Village of Harper’s Choice 

5440 Old Tucker Row | Columbia, MD 21044 

In case of inclement weather, class will be cancelled 

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 2-3 with adult. 30-45 min. Ticket required.

Celebrate STEM month with math stories, songs, and activities. 

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

2023 Maryland STEM Festival

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.

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

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.

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 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.

Stories, songs, and activities for children and adults to enjoy together.

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.
 

Master Gardeners discuss and demonstrate composting on a drop-in basis. Free bins provided to Howard County residents.

In partnership with the Howard County Master Gardeners.

Take a practice SAT test facilitated by C2 Education Center. Bring pencils and a graphing calculator. {We will have some pencils and calculators for students who need them}

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

Explore simple concepts inspired by children's literature.

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

Families; 15 min. TK, Ticket Required. Free tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Gather in the Children's Department and celebrate this spooky day by showing off your costumes in a parade around the library!

Families. 15 min.

Show off your costume finery in a parade around the library!

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

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

45 minutes. Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before the start of class.

Stories, songs and other activities to celebrate this spooky day. Costumes welcome.

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

Families; 45 min.

Listen to stories to celebrate this spooky day, then show off your costumes in a parade around the library!

11:30am-12pm: Spooky Stories

12-12:15pm: Costume Parade

Ticket required.

Ages 2-3 with adult. 30-45 min. Ticket required.

Celebrate STEM month with math stories, songs, and activities. 

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

2023 Maryland STEM Festival

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.

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 15 minutes before class.

Cyber security fundamentals relate to security, modern computers, and the Internet. Learn about real life code breakers and digital guardianship through fun hands-on activities and games. 

Join us in the DIY Studio to cover the basics of knitting. We will discuss and demonstrate how to get started, with knitting needles and yarn provided. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills!

The Native American Heritage Month Celebration is free, and all are welcome!

***UPDATED Event Location Address (6100 Merriweather Drive, Columbia, MD 21044***

View Lego creations presented by a group of enthusiastic builders.

Ticket required. Free 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.

Please join us for a lively book discussion. This month's pick is Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosions by Mary Laura Philpott.

Have a National History Day project? Need a little help with sources, a thesis statement, or annotated bibliography? Drop in and speak to an NHD judge and librarian. Drop in.

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

This event is also being presented In-Person at our Miller Branch. To attend in-person, register HERE.

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

Nov 04   We are not like them : a novel by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza.

This event is also being presented virtually. To attend the virtual session, register HERE.

Experience the culture and contributions of one of the largest demographics in our community in this Global Neighbors series - India.

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 4-6.  45 min.  Ticket required.

Learn about a different species each week and about their unique adaptations through hands-on stations.

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

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. 

Ages 6-10.  45 min.  Ticketed.   Ho Co schools close 3 hours early.

Work together in small groups investigating hands on STEAM activities.

Ages 2-5; allow 15 minutes.

Drop in and make fun crafts!

Audience: Age 6 & up. TK, ticketed. Free tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Join us every month to explore new artistic themes or media in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Fall Painting:  Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of art and celebrate the season by painting a Fall scene.

1st Wednesday of the month; 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm 

Oct 4; Nov 1; Dec 6 

Howard Crossing Apartment Homes  

8732 Town and County Blvd  

Ellicott City, MD 21043 

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.

30 minutes; Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Learn about colors and mix colors with finger paint.

Ages 6-9. 45 minutes. TK, Ticketed. Free tickets available 15 minutes before class. 

Boost your engineering skills by building with Magformers®.  

Kindergarten-5th graders; 45 min. Ticket Required.

Ages 5-10; 60 min.  Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Play Bingo featuring book characters and win a book to keep!

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

Learn about the history of Native American Code Talkers from both World Wars from Jennifer Wilcox, Director of Education for the National Cryptologic Museum.

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.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

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

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

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.

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.

Exercise leadership by recommending additions to the teen collections, helping the community, and planning events in cooperation with an Elkridge Teen Instructor.

Ages 10-13. Registration required.

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!

Step up your craftiness with the Makerspace this fall.  Using the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace Laser Cutter/Engraver, you can create custom fall decorations in this make it / take it class.  Learn basic graphic design skills in Adobe Ill

Ages 11-18  |  Drop in, but feel free to register for reminders.

Students will discover the power of creating customized animations for their videos.

Are you curious about the fascinating world of engineering and how professionals design complex machines, cars, and airplanes? If so, you're in for an exciting journey in this specialized class series!

Ages 11-18  |  Registration required, walk-in students welcome while space allows.

Dive into the world of special effects, through the view of a Makeup Artist! Students will learn the history and science behind the film industry’s own movie magic.

Ages 11 - 18. Drop-in.

Character designers work in video games, movies, TV, animation, and even comic books and graphic novels! Design and develop your own characters by using technology to develop your own creations. Taught by HiTech instructors.

Ages 11-17. Drop-in.

Ages 11-18  |  For students who attended part 1 of this class. No registration needed.

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.

Ages: 4-10, 4&5 with adult; 60 min.

Drop-in, allow 20-30 minutes to play Bingo featuring book characters and win a book!

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.

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 - 60 minutes. Registration required.

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

In this class, participants will learn how to create an original stencil by utilizing two dimensional art and design principles. They will learn about light and shadow and how they're used to create dimension.

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 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.

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.

We meet at The Periodic Table on the first Wednesday of the month. We read and talk about a wide variety of genres, with a focus on books written from diverse points of view. Please reserve a copy for yourself via hclibrary.org.

Ages 3-5 with adult. 30 min.  Registration required.

Children of all abilities and their caregivers welcome at this supportive, judgment-free class that includes stories, music, and movement in a small group.

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.