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 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. Free tickets will be 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.

Earn a Maryland high school diploma for adults!

Allow 20 min.

Play with our toys, read a board book, 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 

Apr 3, May 1, Jun 5 

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.

Ages 2-5 w/adult.

Play with puzzles and toys from the library's toy collection. Check out a toy to take home!

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

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.

This virtual class is designed for adult English language learners who are interested in working as Certified Medical Assistants.  Participants learn about the work setting, responsibilities, potential earnings, and a pathway to advance in the fie

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.

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

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. 

Ticket required. Free tickets will be 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.

Master Gardeners provide direct assistance to home gardeners by hosting Ask A Master Gardener plant clinics from April through September.

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 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.

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

Ages 3 & up with adult; 30-45 min. Ticket required.

In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; celebrate the Aloha spirit through Hawaiian stories and make a lei!

Ticket required.

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.

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

Learn how to sharpen your garden tools using a file and stone. Master Gardener, Kent Phillips, will demonstrate tips and tricks to give your tools a sharp edge, perfect for pruning and other tasks around your yard.

Did you know that you can sew paper? It's fun and easy to create your own greeting cards with hand-stitched details for any occasion! 

Learn the fundamentals of comic writing and design as you celebrate Free Comic Day! Use Procreate to design your own digital comic strip. 

All skill and ability levels welcome.

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

Drop in and learn to fix a flat, raise a seat, adjust the brakes, or get answers to other basic cycling questions. Learn how and where to ride, cycling-related discounts, group rides and racing, commuting, and regular repair and maintenance.

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

Join a lively, literary conversation in person!

Jan: Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

Feb: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Mar:

Apr:

May:

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

May 04 Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

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

Join us for the Black Fiction Book Club

May 04 Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Learn and discuss leadership, public speaking, and teaching skills. This monthly training is a requirement to volunteer as a Teens Teach assistant with Glenwood Branch HCLS classes and events.

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 with adult.  45 min.  Ticket required.

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

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.

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

Apr 3, May 1 & Jun 5

Howard Crossing Apartment Homes

8732 Town and County Blvd. Ellicott City, MD 21043

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

Ages 7+ and grade 2-12. 7-8 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

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

After school supervised safe-space for middle and high school students. Socialize with peers, do homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities. Healthy snacks provided while supplies last.

Drop in.

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, do homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities. Healthy snacks provided while supplies last.

Drop in.

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, do homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities. Healthy snacks provided while supplies last.

Drop in.

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, do homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities. Healthy snacks provided while supplies last.

Drop in.

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

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

Participate in Random Crafts of Kindness! Learn to create something new, spend some relaxing time making art and crafting with your neighbors, and share your creations with other community members in random acts of kindness.

Need an easy, inexpensive, thoughtful gift idea?  Using the Cricut machine to create a stencil and then etch your design onto a glass vase in this make it/take it class.  Ages 18+ only. All materials will be provided.  

Ages 11-17. Drop-in.

Graphic design and digital art guidance provided as you work on your own digital art, with access digital drawing applications such as Procreate and Autodesk Sketchbook.  Students will get hands-on experience with hardware like the Apple iPad

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between you and a microorganism? Were you ever curious about the difference between cellular respiration and photosynthesis? Come explore the diversity of life found on our planet!

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!

Challenge your friends -  and make new ones - to a round of Mario Kart or Smash Bros. Settle which of your favorite NBA players is truly the GOAT in NBA2k-24. Or check out some of our other great titles for Nintendo Switch and PS5!

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.

Challenge your friends -  and make new ones - to a round of Mario Kart or Smash Bros. Settle which of your favorite NBA players is truly the GOAT in NBA2k-24. Or check out some of our other great titles for Nintendo Switch and PS5!

Ages 6-8, 45 minutes. TK, Ticketed.

Celebrate May Day by welcoming fairies and other creatures into your garden!  Construct and decorate a fairy house using natural materials.  

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. 

For students 11-18, but all are welcome | Walk-in only, no registration needed, feel free to register for a reminder.

Sharing the news with others? In the digital age, anyone can publish anything on the internet, even if it's completely false. This lecture will explain the way technology has made it easier to create and spread misinformation.

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.

5-8 years ; 60 min. Ticket Required.

Join us for fun, hands-on activities that will help you learn the foundation of computer science coding without the use of technology.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

We are growing young climate and agricultural leaders! 

Teens ages 14-18: 

The HCPSS Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) and the Howard County Library System cordially invite you to join us in a community building circle.

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.

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

Ages 11-18  | Drop in*, but you may register for a reminder.  Limited space, first come first served. 

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.

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

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.

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!

Ages 7-10.  45 min.  Registration required. 

Work together in small groups investigating hands on STEAM activities.

All ages. Allow 30 min.

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:

April 9 and 30 (2nd and 5th Tuesday)

May 14 and 28

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.

Books on Tap reads across a wide variety of genres and points of view. Since we meet in the community, you are responsible for reserving the following titles for each meeting. Most are available in electronic formats, too.

Join us for an evening of fun crafts and conversation as well as music to stimulate those creative juices. Materials will be provided and all skill levels welcome!  

Registration preferred. 

Explore how to use the laser cutter/engraver in the Glenwood Makerspace. Create your own pendant or keychain for Mom using a drawing you make in class.  This class is designed for ages 8+.

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.

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

All ages. Allow 30 min.

Are you ready to level up your gaming skills and have some fun? Stop by and play different video games that are fun for the whole family!

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.

                                       &nbsp

Join us for our Third Annual Event in support of National Foster Care Month “Fostering Futures in Howard County,” helping connect the community with action to support our most vulnerable children launch into independence.

Families; allow 30 minutes. Ticket required.

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

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.