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.

Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities. 

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Ticket Required.

Explore winter 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.

Step into the fun and active world of Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

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.

Ticket required. Tickets will be issued 15 minutes prior to class starting.

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.

Infants birth-6 months with adult. 45-60 minutes. Registration required, one per household. 

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 10 am-12 pm 

Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 6 

Kahler Hall - Village of Harper’s Choice 

5440 Old Tucker Row | Columbia, MD 21044 

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.

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 virtual class is designed for adult English language learners who are interested in working as Ophthalmic Technicians.  Participants learn about the work setting, responsibilities, potential earnings, and a pathway to advance in the fiel

This is an in-person class for beginning English language learners.  It focuses on learning vocabulary and developing listening and reading, speaking and writing skills.  It meets in the Tapestry Room in HCLS Centra

Looking for dedicated time to work on projects? Bring stitching you'd like to finish, connect with others, and share ideas and tips. Drop in anytime between 10 am and 12 pm.

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.

Ages 2-3 years with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.

Preschoolers develop skills for talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing through stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes. 

Ticket required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to class.

Are you interested in 3D printing? Use 3D printing pens and colorful filaments to create unique 3D designs! This is a great class to introduce students to the basics of 3D printing. Taught by a HiTech Instructor.

Learn how the digital single lens reflex camera is engineered to utilize part of the electromagnetic spectrum we call visible light.

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.

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

Tickets required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to 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.

Tickets required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to 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.

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.

The College Board is changing the SAT. The Princeton Review has taken all the information the College Board has provided for the Digital SAT and created an experience to show you how the digital test looks and feels on test day.

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.

Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket required. 

Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities. 

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

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

Ages 2-5 with adult; 45 minutes.

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

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

Fun! Friends! Community! Culture! Social Justice! 

Are you a passionate and creative teen (ages 11-18) eager to make a difference and be a voice for your generation?

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

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!

Learn how the digital single lens reflex camera is engineered to utilize part of the electromagnetic spectrum we call visible light.

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. 

Ages 11-18  |  Registration suggested, walk-ins welcome if space allows  |  Please indicate your pizza selection when registering. 

All teens are welcome.

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

Did you know there are beneficial insects beyond our bees and butterflies? Learn about other beneficial insects, called natural enemies, and why they are a vital part of a sustainable landscape.

5-10 years; 60 min. Registration required.

Celebrate National Bird-Feeding Month by learning about the birds in your backyard and making a bird feeder with natural elements including sun butter and fresh fruit. Dress for mess.

Infants birth-6 months with adult. 45 minutes. Registration required, one per household. 

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

We are meeting every second Thursday at noon in-person at East Columbia branch, and at 4 PM online via Zoom.

Learn the skills of an audio engineer in music production in the digital realm. Gain hands-on experience with DAWs and microphone setups, and dive into the music editing software of Logic Pro X to produce your own creations.

Do you enjoy science class? Do you enjoy hands-on activities? Explore how you can create various kinds of “weird” substances in this class. Come explore the eerier side of science that teachers don’t want you find out about. 

Ages 8-10; 90 min. Registration Required.

Veterans, both active and retired military, are invited to this online discussion series.

This free workshop will :

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 6-12.  50 min.  Ticket required.  Howard County Elementary Schools close 3 hours early.

CRITTER COSTUMES (AGE 6-12)

Meet three animal ambassadors and learn about the amazing adaptations that enable animals to survive in their native habitats. 

In partnership with the Maryland Zoo.

As the second half of the school year kicks into full swing, let's get organized! Learn and discuss habits for creating and staying on top of your to-do list, keeping track of your responsibilities, and making time for rest. Materials provided.

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.

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

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

Ages 6-11; 45 min. Ticket required.

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

Paper Mosaic: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of art and learn simple techniques to create decorative mosaics from reused paper.

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

Jan 3, Feb 7 & Mar 6

Howard Crossing Apartment Homes

8732 Town and County Blvd. Ellicott City, MD 21043

Ages 8-10. RG, registration required.

Learn the basics of creating Valentines that pop, wiggle and spring, then design your own creations!

Ages 3-5 years; 30 mins.  RG, Registration required. 

You've been challenged! Engineer a dragon trap, using recyclables and your imagination. Materials will be provided and additional recyclables welcomed.

Ticket required.

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

Meet via Zoom every second Thursday of the month. 

** Only on Feb 8th we meet at 2 PM instead of 4 PM. **

Share fiction and/or nonfiction titles that are on your bookshelf and we will share titles from our shelves. If you don't have a title to share, find inspiration in what others recommend and start building your reading list.

Let your creativity shine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Join us every month to learn about different art media and explore new techniques. This month’s featured project is: Classic Book Flowers

All ages; 45 minutes.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with stories, songs and a craft. 

Ages 6-10 years; allow 20-30 min. Registration required.

Drop-in and celebrate Valentine's Day by creating a frame for your favorite pet, person, place, or sports hero. Dress for mess. 

Ages 4 & up. Allow 30 min. Ho. Co. schools

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a variety of crafts.

7-10 years; 45 min. Registration Required.

Learn about the layers of the Earth and where its magnetic field comes from through fun activities and hands on experiments.

Let it snow, let it snow! We will use recycled materials to create a snugly snowman that every family who participates can take home.  Space is restricted to 15 families. Ticket require

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

Explore the science of electricity by designing and building circuits!

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.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 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.

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.

Ages 5-10; Allow 30 minutes. Ticket 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.

Want to practice your sewing skills? Sewing machines will be ready for you to drop in and work on a simple project we provide or your own project that you bring.

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.

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

Have you ever looked at a digital illustration and wondered “How did they do that?”  Learn tips, tricks, and the steps to creating your own illustration in the iPad app, Procreate. Taught by a HiTech instructor.

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

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

Take some time for yourself with a spaliday! Make bath bombs and sugar scrub for yourself or to give as a gift, learn about self-care mobile apps, and practice relaxation techniques.

All materials provided.

How do films shape and connect us? Join our film discussion series. Please watch monthly films prior to their actual discussion dates

Oct 2: Fear: Strah 

Ages 11-17. Drop-in.

Ages 11-18 | Walk in, no registration needed, space is limited.  

Middle and high school students are invited to get a short lesson in financial literacy from M&T Bank.

Drop-in, takes place during Teen Spot, snacks will be served.

Are you curious about electricity or how motors work? Do you want to know how you can make a magnet with just a wire, a nail, and a battery? Join us to tinker and find out how! Taught by a HiTech Instructor. 

Movie Magic cosmetics

Do you struggle with math homework or tests? Do you want to improve your math skills and confidence? If you answered yes, then this is the perfect class for you!

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

Are you interested in 3D printing? Use 3D printing pens and colorful filaments to create unique 3D designs! This is a great class to introduce students to the basics of 3D printing. Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Ages 11-18 | Walk in, no registration needed, space is limited.  

Be a geologist for a day! Join us to learn about the chemistry and formation of geodes, and crack open your own geode! Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Ages 11-18 | Walk in, no registration needed, space is limited.  

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. 

Includes access to the sound booth and other HiTech equipment to record and mix music or create videos.  Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Taught by a HiTech instructor.

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 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.