News Room

12.04.2021 Mail Your Letters to Santa

 

12.04.2021 Applications for Board Position Representing District 4

Howard County Library System’s(HCLS) Board of Trustees invites county residents to apply for an HCLS Board vacancy representing District 4. (more) (application)

 

12.02.2021 Glenwood Branch Reopens on Saturday, December 4

 

11.15.2021 Glenwood Branch to Reopen on December 4

Following a 14 month renovation, Howard County Library System’s Glenwood Branch will reopen with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, December 4 at 10 am. (more)

 

09.24.2021 Howard County Library System Launches New Equity Resource Center and Undesign the Redline Exhibit

A new Equity Resource Center and Undesign the Redline exhibit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, September 27 at 2 pm.

(more)

08.24.2021 Howard County Library System to Expand Hours on Monday, August 30

New hours will be:

• Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm

• Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm

• Sunday: 1 – 5 pm (beginning September 12)

(more)

 

08.19.2021  Howard County Library System to Introduce On the Road to Kindergarten Mobile Unit

Howard County Library System (HCLS) will cut the ribbon on its new mobile unit at an event next Monday, August 23 featuring remarks by HCLS President & CEO

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07.12.2021 How Howard County Library System’s New Racial Equity Initiative Fosters Brave Voices, Brave Choices

 

05.10.2021 Elevate Maryland

Candace returns for this interview with Howard County Library President and CEO Tonya Aikens to discuss the new “Brave Voices Brave Choices” campaign. This new initiative will replace the iconic “Choose Civility” campaign, which has adorned resident bumpers for over a decade. Tonya explains why it was necessary to move past the “Choose Civility” frame and tells listeners what they can expect in the months and years ahead from Brave Voices Brave Choices.

 

05.07.2021 Tonya Aikens, President and CEO of Howard County Library System, joins Dr. Kaye to discuss how the county is addressing racism, discrimination and racial equity.

 

04.26.2021 Howard County Library System Launches Brave Voices, Brave Choices Racial Equity Initiative

While the nation anxiously watched the trial resulting from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and reeled from numerous other acts of violence against people of color, more than 200 Howard County, Maryland residents have been engaged in an authentic and innovative process to explore the roots of racism and its impact on their community. Details.

 

01.11.2021  Howard County Library System Designated National Five Star Library

Howard County Library System (HCLS) has again been designated a 2020 Five Star Library by Library Journal for delivering excellence in public education for all ages. HCLS consistently earns the highest five-star ranking attained by fewer than one percent of public libraries in the U.S. and remains the only library system in Maryland to do so. Details.

12.04.2020: HCLS Board of Trustees Invites Applications for Board Position Representing District 4.

10.9.2020: Two HCLS Staff Members Test Positive for COVID-19

Howard County Library System was notified today that two employees tested positive for COVID-19. The Baltimore County Department of Health is conducting contact tracing.  Be advised that there are no reports that other staff or members of the public have been exposed. (more)

07.31.2020: Howard County Library System Goes Fine Free

Starting August 1, overdue fines at Howard County Library System will be filed under the Dewey Decimal class 930: ancient history. At their June 24 meeting, the HCLS Board of Trustees approved a policy to eliminate overdue fines for all materials, except items in the DIY and art education collections. (more)

07.24.2020: Howard County Library System Awarded National Leadership Grant for Libraries by the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Howard County Library System (HCLS) has been awarded a National Leadership Grant for Libraries by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This planning grant for $100,000 will fund Career Pathways for Immigrants, a new initiative by HCLS’ Project Literacy program which seeks, in part, to address the more specialized workforce development needs of immigrants who have more work skills and training than traditional Project Literacy students. The Maryland Skilled Immigrant Task Force reports that 20 percent of the college-educated foreign-born population is underemployed or unemployed. (more)

06.23.2020: Howard County Library System to Begin Contactless Pickup on June 29

On Monday, June 29, Howard County Library System (HCLS) will begin Phase 3 of its reopening plan with contactless pickup of items on hold on Monday, June 29. Contactless pickup will be available Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm at all six branches. (more)

03.13.2019: New Art Education Collection To Launch at HCLS Central Branch on Saturday, March 23

11.19.2018: HCLS Receives National Five Star Recognition

09.06.2018: Urban Libraries Council Recognizes Howard County Library System for Innovation in Customer Experience

08.13.2018: Glascock Challenge Seeks to Inspire Reluctant Teen Readers | Inspirational Author Jason Reynolds to Speak to Teens at HCLS East Columbia Branch October 9

Howard County Library System (HCLS) will host New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds on October 9 at 4:30 pm at HCLS East Columbia Branch. The highly popular author is a favorite among young adult readers. To further inspire teens in HCLS East Columbia’s Homework Club, a $600 challenge match from the Kathleen S. Glascock Tribute Fund has been designated to help raise funds to purchase 100 copies of Reynold’s new book, For Every One, for the students. (more)

08.09.2018 : “Tween Sprouts” Take Top Three Honors at Fair With Flowers From Enchanted Garden

Three members of Howard County Library’s Tween Sprouts: Enchanted Garden Club received top honors in the Howard County Fair’s Junior Flower Show on August 7 for their flower arrangement skills. Isabelle Nagle took home the blue ribbon for first place in the Artistic Division for Large Fresh Arrangements over 6 inches.  Diana Sierra’s arrangement received second place honors and Naomi Sierra received third place. (more)

08.08.2018 : HCLS Selected as Finalist by American Civic Collaboration Awards For Its Choose Civility Community Engagement Effort

Howard County Library System’s (HCLS) Choose Civility initiative is one of 23 finalists for the 2018 American Civic Collaboration Awards (Civvys). The awards showcase exemplar, high-impact civic collaboration efforts that bring people together, engage communities in political and social action, and enact long-lasting change. (more)

08.02.2018 : “Undesign the Redline” Interactive Exhibit To Provide Context and Launch Public Conversation About Structural Racism and Classism in America

Howard County Library System (HCLS) will host an interactive exhibit beginning August 16 at the Central Branch in Columbia to launch a public discussion about how a discriminatory federal policy from the 1930s still resonates in communities today. Undesign the Redline, an in-depth visual display, explores the history of structural racism and classism in America that began in the 1930s when color-coded “residential security maps” were created to show risk areas for federal backing of newly invented home ownership programs. (more)

05.22.2018 : Howard County’s Second Annual The Longest Table Set to Continue the Community Conversation on June 16

Howard County’s The Longest Table is set to be held on Saturday, June 16 from 6 to 7:30 pm on the grounds of Howard Community College (HCC) located at 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. The event, which provides a welcoming environment that purposely places people from across Howard County together with friends they’ve not yet met, is designed to encourage dialogue and foster new relationships through conversation. Colorful table runners imprinted with thoughtful questions relevant to the community are used by table hosts to spark conversations. As an added featured this year, attendees can take advantage of free, after dinner entertainment at Columbia Festival of the Arts Lakefest. Now in its second year, the event attracted 320 guests to the table in 2017. (more)

03.01.2018 : Howard County Library System Announces New President and CEO

Howard County Library System’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Tonya Kennon as HCLS’ next President & CEO. Kennon joins HCLS following a career in libraries in California. She begins her new role April 23. Kennon succeeds Valerie J. Gross, who retired in August after 16 years with HCLS. (more)

11.28.2017 : “Why Bob Dylan Matters” Author Richard Thomas To Headline 2018 RETRO “Evening in the Stacks”

Howard County Library System turns back the clock for a RETRO Evening in the Stacks on Saturday, February 24 from 7 to 11 pm that will set the perfect stage for Harvard Classics Professor Richard F. Thomas, celebrated author of the newly released book Why Bob Dylan Matters. Cited by The New York Times as having “the coolest class on campus,” Thomas’ wildly popular Dylan seminar—affectionately dubbed “Dylan 101,″ is introducing a new generation of fans and scholars to the revered bard’s work. (more)

11.06.2017 : HCLS HiJinx Podcast Wins Gold MarCom Award

HiJinx, Howard County Library System’s (HCLS’s) monthly podcast, is the winner of a 2017 MarCom Gold Award. The podcast, which previews its twelfth episode later this month, is an initiative of the Department of Communications, Events and Partnerships. Now in its second year, the audio program educates listeners about topics relative to upcoming HCLS events and curriculum in a conversational style that piques interest and sparks curiosity. Through their conversations with guests, podcast hosts explore various facets of an overarching theme each month. (more)

10.24.2017 : Friends of Howard County Library System Look to Future With Name Change

Friends of Howard County Library System is now Friends & Foundation of HCLS, a name more representative of its activities and efforts that formalizes both the role the organization plays now and its direction for the future. (more)

07.07.2017 : Do It Yourself Curriculum Premieres July 1 With Showcase for New Collection of Ukulele Kits (Yes, You “Toucan” Uke)

Howard County Library System will introduce customers to its first DIY endeavor on July 1 when ukulele kits become available to borrow at Central, Glenwood, Miller and Savage branches. Kits include a ukulele, tuner, and case. (more)

06.06.2017 : Choose Civility to Host Maryland’s First The Longest Table to Connect and Build Community Through Conversations

The Longest Table, a first of a kind event for Maryland, will be held on Wednesday, June 28 from 6 to 8 pm on the grounds of Howard County Community College (HCCC) located at 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. The Longest Table is a unique endeavor where up to 350 participants will gather to share a meal and conversation with new acquaintances to discover common ground and build a better community. (more)

04.18.2017 : HCLS Now! Campaign Earns Top Honor in 2017 Hermes Creative Award

Howard County Library System (HCLS) received international recognition by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) in the 2017 Hermes Creative Awards for three of its recent communication efforts. The HCLS Now! public relations campaign earned the Platinum Award, the organization’s top honor. Designed to introduce customers to the growing catalog of new eContent materials available online, the year-long campaign featured HCLS employees and the friendly “Hi” logo in a series of twelve testimonial style ads. (more)

04.13.2017 : HCLS President & CEO Valerie J. Gross to Depart for the West Coast, Concluding 16 Award-Winning Years

After 16 years leading Howard County Library System (HCLS) in Maryland, President & CEO Valerie J. Gross will be departing in August. She is returning to her roots in the San Francisco Bay Area. (more)

03.17.2017 :  Top Spellers to Compete in Howard County Library System Spelling Bee

Sixty-seven top spellers in grades 4 through 8 from Howard County schools will vie for the county crown when Howard County Library System (HCLS) hosts the thirteen annual HCLS Spelling Bee. The event takes place Friday, March 17, 2017 at 7 pm at  Reservoir High School, 11550 Scaggsville Road in Fulton, Maryland. (more)

02.23.2017 : HCLS First Public Library in Maryland to Add Living Books to Collection as part of The Human Library™

Howard County Library System (HCLS) will become the first public library system in Maryland to give its customers the opportunity to borrow Living Books. The Human Library™ will be open on Saturday, March 11 from 1 to 5 pm at HCLS Miller Branch located at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City. Framed around the adage “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover,” the new initiative encourages participants to look beyond stereotypes and engage in meaningful dialogue. The goal is to foster a positive framework where open, one-on-one, honest conversations lead to greater understanding and acceptance in the community.(more)

02.27.2017 : New HiTails Ambassadors Partnership Seeks to Benefit Children and Shelter Animals

HiTails Ambassadors, Howard County Library System’s new partnership with Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center, is working to make shelter animals more adoptable through increased social interaction while also building reading skills and nurturing empathy in children. (more)

01.24.2017 : Annual Fundraising Gala to Celebrate Cultures of the World and Community Diversity

Howard County Library System (HCLS) will celebrate cultures of the world and the diversity of the community at Evening in the Stacks: An International Affair on Saturday, February 25 from 7 to 11 pm. The annual fundraising event will be held at the Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center located at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City, Maryland. (more)

01.10.2017 : Exhibit at HCLS Central Branch Connects Customers to the Bill of Rights– Its Evolution and Importance Today

To commemorate the 225th anniversary of the ratification of The Bill of Rights, Howard County Library System(HCLS) is hosting a National Archives’ pop-up exhibit The Bill of Rights and You, at the HCLS Central Branch. The Bill of Rights and You invites visitors to connect directly with the people, places, and events that mark the evolution of this historic document. (more)

12.12.2016 : HCLS Joins International Human Library™ Initiative Where People are the Books and Reading is a Conversation

Howard County Library System will become the first public library system in Maryland to add a new genre to its catalog next year that gives customers
an opportunity to learn about a different culture or community by borrowing a Living Book from The Human Library™. The new initiative embraces the adage “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover,” and works to build a positive framework for open and honest conversations that lead to greater acceptance, tolerance and social cohesion in the community. (more)

09.07.2016 : HCLS Premieres HiJinx Podcast

Howard County Library System is expanding its customers’ educational experience with HiJinx, a new monthly podcast. The new initiative strives to educate listeners about topics relative to upcoming HCLS events and curriculum in a conversational style that peaks interest and sparks curiosity. Through their conversations with guests, podcast hosts Victoria Goodman and Dennis Wood will explore various facets of an overarching theme each month. (more)

04.12.2016 : Batman Reads! Photo Earns HCLS Top Honor in Hermes Creative Awards

Howard County Library System (HCLS) received international recognition by Hermes Creative Awards for the cover photo on its 2015 summer issue of source. The photo, Batman Reads!, was awarded the 2016 Platinum Award in the photography portrait/people category. Only 15 percent of entries win the Platinum Award, the organization’s top honor. The reverse cover of the classes and events guide, Super Kids, received Honorable Mention. (more…)

 03.03.2016 : Sixty-seven Top Speller to Compete in Howard County Library System Spelling Bee

Sixty-seven top spellers in grades 4 through 8 from Howard County schools will meet to compete for the county crown when Howard County Library System (HCLS) hosts the twelfth annual HCLS Spelling Bee. The event will take place Friday, March 11, 2016 at 7 pm at Reservoir High School, 11550 Scaggsville Road in Fulton, Maryland.  This year’s event draws students from 56 public schools, 9 private schools, and 2 homeschool associations. Participating students progress from inter-classroom spelling bees held within their schools to a school-wide bee, and then on to HCLS’ countywide bee. The HCLS Spelling Bee champion advances to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC in late spring. (more…)

01.12.2016 : Student Ideas and Creativity Sought to Promote Social Media Responsibility Message

Howard County Library System, Howard County Public School System, and the Columbia Association Art Center are calling on students in grades K to 12 to enter the annual Choose Civility Poster Contest to help visually communicate social media responsibility. Students should use their imagination, creativity, and artistic talents to show others why it’s important to be a good digital citizen. Students should begin by considering the following questions: (more…)

11.16.2015 : HCLS President and CEO Gross Named Innovator of the Year by The Daily Record

Howard County Library System (HCLS) President and CEO Valerie J. Gross was named a 2015 Innovator of the Year by The Daily Record for developing a 21st-century vision for libraries that provides equal opportunity and education for everyone. The award recognized Ms. Gross’s three pillar approach to establishing a curriculum that combines self-directed education, research assistance and instruction, and instructive and enlightening experiences. (more..)

10.28.2015 : Automatic Renewals Set to Begin November 9

HCLS Customers to Receive New Convenience Service.  Howard County Library System (HCLS) will institute automatic renewals for its customers effective November 9, 2015. All HCLS materials, except eBooks and downloadable audiobooks, will automatically renew three days before their due date. (more…)

10.21.2015 : Winners Selected in 2015 HCLS Bookmark Contest

Six drawings by Howard County students of various ages were chosen from more than 1,200 colorful entries as the 2015 winners of the annual Howard County Library System(HCLS) Bookmark Contest. This year’s theme drew upon HCLS’ diamond anniversary year slogan, “75 Years of Excellence in Education.” (more…)

9.30.2015 : Community Anniversary Fest To Culminate HCLS’ Landmark 75th Year

Howard County Library System (HCLS) will mark 75 years of excellence in education on Saturday, October 24 from 10 am to 2 pm at HCLS Miller Branch with CELEBRATE 75! a community anniversary fest. The public is invited to join HCLS President and CEO Valerie Gross, community leaders, and special guests to connect the Library’s past with the present and future. (more…)

9.16.2015 : New Monarch Waystation Trail and Educational Outreach Endeavors to Save Howard County’s Monarch Butterflies

Howard County Library System (HCLS) announces the new Monarch Waystation Trail to educate the community about the plight of and ways to save the endangered monarch butterfly. The trail features a network of nine outdoor education venues in Howard County with habitats beneficial to both larval and adult monarchs. The trail is a fun, family-friendly way to discover the beauty of the butterflies, the benefits of native plants, and to better understand the plight the butterflies currently face due to the loss of their natural habitat. (more…)

9.3.2015 : Howard County Library System Recruiting Sixth Grade Students to Serve as Time Capsule Guardians 

Howard County Library System (HCLS) is recruiting 75 County sixth and seventh graders to carry on HCLS’ legacy as Guardians of the Chapters-of-Our-Lives Time Capsule. Qualifying applicants will join community leaders on Saturday, October 24 for the unveiling of the capsule and its contents during Celebrate 75, a community-wide celebration to be held at the Miller Branch from 10 am to 2 pm. (more…)

8.12.2015 : It Isn’t Your Parents’ Bookmobile!

Digital Bookmobile Makes HCLS Miller Branch First Stop in Maryland During National Tour of 48 States and 4 Provinces
Howard County Library System (HCLS) will be the first stop in Maryland for this year’s National Tour of the Digital Bookmobile. On Friday, August 21 from noon to 6 pm at the Miller Branch readers of all ages can visit the Digital Bookmobile and learn how to access HCLS’ 42,547 eBooks and 18,569 eAudio digital titles through interactive demonstrations and high-definition instructional videos. (more…)

7.21.2015 : HCLS First Public Library System in Maryland To Provide Customers Access to lynda.com

Courses for all levels teach technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more.
Howard County Library System (HCLS) is the first public library system in Maryland to offer customers free access to lynda.com, an online education portal that offers more than 3,600 video courses. The curriculum choices focus on technical skills, creative techniques, and business strategies. (more…)

7.7.2015 : HCLS Launches Beanstack! New Early Literacy Service for Children Now Available Online.

Howard County Library System (HCLS) now offers customers access to Beanstack, an online portal that provides free personalized recommendations of children’s books and educational apps. The new, online service is free to all customers with a HCLS library card. (more…)

4.16.2015 : Picture Yourself Part of #HCLS75 History

Howard County Library System will kick off a fun, social media photo contest on Monday, April 20 to continue its 75th anniversary celebration. Contest participants can win a Kindle reader and become part of history by capturing their favorite thing about Howard County Library System in a creative photo posted to social media. (more…)

2.9.2015 : New Series of Commemorative Library Cards Usher in HCLS’ 75th Anniversary Year

Howard County Library System (HCLS) is set to begin its seventy-fifth anniversary year with a special gift to the community on Valentine’s Day. A series of six, commemorative library cards will be available beginning February 14, 2015 to both current and new customers at all branch locations. (more…)