There are 37 upcoming classes.
Teen Beyond Words (Ages 11 - 21)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Teen Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will journey through five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - where hands and hearts intertwine in activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination, fostering a sense of accomplishment
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - where puzzles and cognitive challenges become stepping stones to triumph, nurturing intellectual growth and problem-solving prowess
Movement - where active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress
With a new theme and different stations each month, Teen Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Welcome to a place where every participant is celebrated for the unique colors they bring to the canvas of life.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for this month is Pollinators & Other Insects
FAM: Fun At Miller
Teen Beyond Words (Ages 11-17)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
For Teens Ages 11-17 with learning/developmental disabilities.
Come and participate at 5 different activity stations.
This month’s theme: BUGS & INSECTS
Registration is required.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Intermediate Korean (online)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Prerequisite: Korean for Beginners (offered at the Miller Branch). Registration required. Ages 18+. Continue learning Korean in this 12-week class taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The class will expand on Korean culture, food, and basic Korean expressions, while you have fun in a small group setting. Attendance at 10 out of 12 classes is required.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
Rock on with Bollywood
Date: 05/29/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Rock on to Bollywood music as Bollywood dancer Jaya Mathur demonstrates and teaches the basic steps of Bollywood dancing. Must be 18+. Waiver required. Registration required.
Please dress in appropriate attire conducive to movement and comfort.
This session is part of HCLS' AAPI Heritage Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
Know Your Rights: A Community Workshop Series Empowering Immigrants in Howard County
Date: 05/29/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
The Howard County Library System, in collaboration with the Luminus Network, Inc., is proud to present "Know Your Rights," a series of workshops designed to inform and empower immigrants in our community. These sessions will provide essential information on how to safely interact with immigration authorities, available immigration relief options, and the Constitutional rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
Workshops will be held at all six Howard County Library branches to ensure accessibility for all residents.
No registration required.
*Universal Translation Available
This event will offer universal translation through Instant Language Assistant (ILA). Attendees can access real-time text and audible translations in over 200 languages via their personal smartphone and headset/earbuds.
Where do we go from here? Recognizing the Power We Hold In Tumultuous Times
Date: 05/31/25Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Many of us are asking ourselves these questions: What do we do now? How can we be of assistance when we feel powerless?
The fact is that we are not powerless--not individually and not collectively.
Join us for this interactive 90-minute session as we discuss "everyday" ways of using our power and privilege for the common good in tumultuous times. A. Adar Ayira of Ayira Core Concepts, LLC, facilitates this meaningful and engaging discussion.
This session will also take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6 pm.
*This session is part of HCLS' Spring-Summer 2025 Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC) series.
Veterans Book Group 2025 (Online)
Date: 06/01/25Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Veterans, both active and retired military, are invited to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Registration is open to veterans/active duty only, please.
All reading materials are provided. Space is limited.
1st Sundays; February 2 - June 1 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Online.
The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and, even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups!
The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with Howard County Library System.
Reading Selections:
February 2: Red Platoon by Clinton Romesha
March 2: The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson
April 6: The Special Prisoner by Jim Lehrer
May 4: Attack on the Liberty by James Scott
June 1: In Pharaoh’s Army by Tobias Wolff
Image credit: Generated using AI
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Pride Button Making (ages 6+)
Date: 06/02/25Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 6+; allow 20 minutes. Drop in.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month by making a custom button to reflect your identity! Choose from provided designs or create your very own. All supplies provided.
This session is part of HCLS' Pride Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 06/04/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
3D Printing 101 - Pride Edition!
Date: 06/06/25Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Learn the basics of 3D printing while decorating your own 3D printed Pride flag, then try making your own name and/or pronoun keychain or affirmation token!
Open to middle and high school students; registration required.
Also, if you want to do even more 3D printing, you can attend our monthly 3D printing meet up on the fourth Thursday of every month, open to teens and adults.
This session is part of HCLS' Pride Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
The Columbia Effect: Howard County Then...and Now
Date: 06/07/25Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Join us for The Columbia Effect: Howard County Then...and Now
A community activation event featuring special guest Beverly White-Seals
Designed to foster meaningful connections across the neighborhoods of Columbia and greater Howard County, this event invites participants to reflect on where we've been, where we are now, and where we’re going together.
We’ll begin with a presentation on Jim Rouse's visionary plan for Columbia as an inclusive, connected community. From there, we’ll transition into a panel discussion exploring contemporary Howard CountyHoward County—its assets, its challenges, and the evolving experiences of those who call it home.
The event culminates in small-group conversations, where community members will reflect on their own stories and share their hopes for the future of Howard County.
Whether you consider yourself rooted in Columbia or elsewhere in Howard County—whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime resident—this is a space to connect, bridge community experiences, and reflect on what it means to belong here, now.
Event Schedule:
- 10:00 AM: Doors Open
- 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Columbia Then – Presentation on Columbia’s founding and Jim Rouse’s vision
- 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM: Break (Light lunch provided)
- 11:50 AM – 12:30 PM: HoCo Now – Panel discussion and lunch
- 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Columbia “Us” – Table discussions and community reflections
HoCo Now: A Community Conversation – Featured Panelists
We’re excited to welcome these local leaders, each bringing a unique perspective to our conversation about Howard County today:
- Andy Masters – Discusses the ALICE population, housing affordability, and the return of residential segregation.
- Gabe Moreno – Highlights the challenges and contributions of Howard County’s growing immigrant community.
- Ian Kennedy – Reflects on growing up in Columbia and raising a family here, with a special focus on the local arts and culture scene.
- A.J. Ali – Shares why he chose to return to Howard County and his vision for its future.
Important Details
This event is designed as a full experience—beginning with a presentation on Columbia’s founding, moving into a thought-provoking panel discussion, and concluding with small-group conversations.
We kindly ask all attendees to commit to staying for the full duration of the event (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM) to ensure meaningful engagement for all participants.
A light lunch will be provided.
Feel free to download the attached reports to prepare for the conversation!
Registration Required
Please register with an email address to receive event reminders and updates.
Help spread the word: https://bit.ly/thecolumbiaeffect
Invite family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to be part of this important community dialogue.
This event is presented by the HCLS Racial Equity Alliance in partnership with Columbia Housing Center and made possible through the Civic Engagement for Racial Justice in Public Libraries, Exemplar Library Grant.
About the Speaker: Beverly White-Seals
Beverly White-Seals is the President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo), where she has served for 13 years and recently announced her retirement later this year. Under her leadership, the Foundation has distributed more than $28 million in grants and spearheaded impactful community initiatives, including nearly $2.2 million in scholarships and grants in 2024 alone.
A former attorney and senior executive with The Rouse Company, Beverly has dedicated decades to advancing equity, diversity, and community well-being. She has served on more than a dozen nonprofit boards, including Chair of the Board at Howard County General Hospital and as a Trustee of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her legacy includes a long list of awards and a scholarship fund created in her honor to support single parents pursuing careers in healthcare.
As she prepares to retire, Beverly's enduring impact on Howard County’s nonprofit and civic landscape continues to inspire. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a remarkable leader who has helped shape both Columbia’s history and its future.
Adult Beyond Words
Date: 06/09/25Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Adult Beyond Words, an inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of people (ages 18+) with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Participants may partake in five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - with activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - with puzzles and cognitive challenges that nurture intellectual growth and problem-solving skills
Movement - with active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration that focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress
With a new theme and different stations each month, Adult Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for this month is Oceans & Beaches
Beaded Pride Bracelets
Date: 06/10/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Enjoy a fun evening of crafting and celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month by making Pride inspired bracelets to keep or give as gifts.
This class is part of our Pride Month series. Click here for the full schedule of classes and events.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 06/11/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
World Languages Cafe
Date: 06/12/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
In collaboration with Columbia Association, Howard County Library System's Miller Branch will host a monthly World Languages Café, beginning in September on the 2nd Thursday evening, from 7 - 8:45 pm.
Established by the Columbia Association’s International Exchange & Multicultural Program 10 years ago, the World Languages Café (WLC) provides a venue where people meet to practice a world language with fellow community members, facilitated by a native or fluent speaker of that language. Over the years, the WLC has featured languages including *Arabic, *American Sign Language, *Chinese, Dutch, *French, Hebrew, Irish Gaelic, Italian, *Japanese, *Korean, Portuguese, and *Spanish. (*Currently available at Miller Branch Library location)
Second Thursdays, 7 - 8:45 pm
The World Languages Café is free, and registration is preferred, but not required. Please indicate in the registration comments field the language you would like to practice. Ages 13+.
We are also seeking language table hosts. If you are interested in connecting with community members by volunteering to host a table in the language of your choice at HCLS Miller Branch, please email [email protected] or call 410-924-2226.
Beyond Words at East Columbia Branch
Date: 06/13/25Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
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 young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will journey through five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - where hands and hearts intertwine in activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination, fostering a sense of accomplishment
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - where puzzles and cognitive challenges become stepping stones to triumph, nurturing intellectual growth and problem-solving prowess
Movement - where active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Education - where learning takes center stage featuring a focus on counting, letter/word recognition, basic math, or a science activity
With a new theme and different stations each month, Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Welcome to a place where every participant is celebrated for the unique colors they bring to the canvas of life.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for June is "Beach/Ocean."
*Each location will offer the same number of stations, but activities will vary between branches
Resin Crafts - Pride Edition!
Date: 06/13/25Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Learn the basics of creating with craft resin using glitter, foil flakes, alcohol ink, dried flowers and more while making your own sun-catcher, coaster, key chain or earrings/pendant (various projects available). Gloves provided, dress for mess!
Middle and high school students, registration required.
This session is part of HCLS' Pride Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
Fostering Connection through Historic African American Experiences in Howard County
Date: 06/16/25Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Engage, connect and build community in a welcoming and inclusive space for people to explore, learn and heal. Join us for a powerful guided tour of In the Light — The History of African Americans from Slavery to Desegregation, the Harriet Tubman Center’s immersive exhibit exploring the lived
experiences of African Americans in Howard County. Facilitated by Marcus "Sankofa" Nicks.
Journey through the histories of enslavement, segregation, education, neighborhoods, civic activism, and more— and reflect on how these legacies shape our present.
Stay for a community conversation designed to deepen connection, foster healing, and encourage
dialogue in an inclusive and welcoming space. Light refreshments served.
*This session is part of HCLS' Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC) Spring-Summer 2025 series.
This session will also take place on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 6 pm.
Asian American Literature Book Club (Online)
Date: 06/16/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Join our monthly discussion of Asian American literary titles.
- Mar. 17 2025 Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
- Apr. 21 2025 While Time Remains by Yeonmi Park
- May 19 Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
- Jun. 16 Private Equity: a memoir by Carrie Sun
- Jul. 21 The Emma Project by Sonali Dev
- Aug 18 The Kamogowa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
Registered customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
You Betta Werk! The Art & History of Drag
Date: 06/17/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Celebrate Pride through the art of drag!
Travel through time to learn how this form of entertainment has developed over the past 100+ years, from the 1920s "Pansy Craze" to the rise of RuPaul's Drag Race. Then, try your hand at applying 'quick drag' makeup, as demonstrated by a local drag artist. Contact with allergens may occur.
Must be 18+ to participate.
Space & supplies are limited. First-come, first-served.
This class is part of our Pride Month series. Click here for the full schedule of classes and events.
Museum@The Library: Motherhood in Art (In-Person)
Date: 06/18/25Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
This class is a part of the HCLS' Museum@The Library series.
Please note: This class will be in-person at the Miller Branch.
Motherhood in Art (not the Hallmark version).
All artists have mothers, of course, and many artists are mothers themselves. Docent Laura Provan will show a survey of artworks from the collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) that have something to say about motherhood, in one way or another. We’ll look not only at art from the museum’s own holdings, but also at works from other institutions that help shed added light on NMWA’s pieces.
The talk will be interactive. Laura will offer information about the art, the artists, and the times and places in which they live(d) and work(ed), and open up the conversation to the audience to share thoughts. Questions and comments are welcome!
Laura Provan has been a volunteer docent at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) since its re-opening in 2022 following an extensive building renovation. Prior to that she had been a docent at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore from 2015 - 2021. She brings to all her tours a life-long love of the arts and an enthusiasm for sharing that with others.
Image Credit: Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614)m Portrait of a Bolognese Noblewoman (Livia de' Medici Bandini?), ca. 1589, National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 06/18/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Songs of Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad
Date: 06/18/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults, Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Harriet Tubman's story comes alive through traditional code songs, modern melodies, and authentic narration. Journey along the Underground Railroad with historian Linda Harris as she chronicles her annual charity walks through the lens of local African American history.
Linda Harris is the Director of Events and Programming at the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, MD. You can learn more about Linda Harris and the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center at harriettubmanmuseumcenter.org
Registration is optional. Register if you wish to receive email reminders and updates about this class. All seating is first-come, first-served.
This event is presented by the Savage Branch of the Howard County Library System, in partnership with Carroll Baldwin Hall, Savage's community center.
This event takes place at:
9035 Baltimore St
Savage, MD 20763
Teen Beyond Words (Ages 11 - 21)
Date: 06/25/25Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Teen Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will journey through five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - where hands and hearts intertwine in activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination, fostering a sense of accomplishment
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - where puzzles and cognitive challenges become stepping stones to triumph, nurturing intellectual growth and problem-solving prowess
Movement - where active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress
With a new theme and different stations each month, Teen Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Welcome to a place where every participant is celebrated for the unique colors they bring to the canvas of life.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for this month is Oceans & Beaches
FAM: Fun At Miller
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 06/25/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Night (ages 14-18)
Date: 06/26/25Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 12-18. 120 minutes. RG: Registration required.
Play D&D, make friends, and enjoy a snack. All experience levels welcome, beginners included! Missed the first session? No problem—this D&D game is designed for flexibility.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 07/02/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Night (ages 14-18)
Date: 07/03/25Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 12-18. 120 minutes. RG: Registration required.
Play D&D, make friends, and enjoy a snack. All experience levels welcome, beginners included! Missed the first session? No problem—this D&D game is designed for flexibility.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Night (ages 14-18)
Date: 07/10/25Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 12-18. 120 minutes. RG: Registration required.
Play D&D, make friends, and enjoy a snack. All experience levels welcome, beginners included! Missed the first session? No problem—this D&D game is designed for flexibility.
World Languages Cafe
Date: 07/10/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
In collaboration with Columbia Association, Howard County Library System's Miller Branch will host a monthly World Languages Café, beginning in September on the 2nd Thursday evening, from 7 - 8:45 pm.
Established by the Columbia Association’s International Exchange & Multicultural Program 10 years ago, the World Languages Café (WLC) provides a venue where people meet to practice a world language with fellow community members, facilitated by a native or fluent speaker of that language. Over the years, the WLC has featured languages including *Arabic, *American Sign Language, *Chinese, Dutch, *French, Hebrew, Irish Gaelic, Italian, *Japanese, *Korean, Portuguese, and *Spanish. (*Currently available at Miller Branch Library location)
Second Thursdays, 7 - 8:45 pm
The World Languages Café is free, and registration is preferred, but not required. Please indicate in the registration comments field the language you would like to practice. Ages 13+.
We are also seeking language table hosts. If you are interested in connecting with community members by volunteering to host a table in the language of your choice at HCLS Miller Branch, please email [email protected] or call 410-924-2226.
Adult Beyond Words
Date: 07/14/25Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Adult Beyond Words, an inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of people (ages 18+) with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Participants may partake in five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - with activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - with puzzles and cognitive challenges that nurture intellectual growth and problem-solving skills
Movement - with active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration that focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress
With a new theme and different stations each month, Adult Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for this month is
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 07/16/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Asian American Literature Book Club (Online)
Date: 07/21/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Join our monthly discussion of Asian American literary titles.
- Mar. 17 2025 Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
- Apr. 21 2025 While Time Remains by Yeonmi Park
- May 19 Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
- Jun. 16 Private Equity: a memoir by Carrie Sun
- Jul. 21 The Emma Project by Sonali Dev
- Aug 18 The Kamogowa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
Registered customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 07/23/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Teen Beyond Words (Ages 11-17)
Date: 07/23/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
For Teens Ages 11-17 with learning/developmental disabilities.
Come and participate at 5 different activity stations.
This month’s theme: SUMMER
Registration is required.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Night (ages 14-18)
Date: 07/24/25Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 12-18. 120 minutes. RG: Registration required.
Play D&D, make friends, and enjoy a snack. All experience levels welcome, beginners included! Missed the first session? No problem—this D&D game is designed for flexibility.
