Find educational classes and enriching experiences for all ages and interests.
- Click here for video tutorials by HCLS instructors
- Click here for a list of on-demand classes (e.g, Gale Courses, Lynda.com, Cisco).
- Click here to participate in summer reading.
Virtual classes and events presented on Zoom are closed captioned by request only. If you would like to request closed captioning for a live class or event, email [email protected] at least three business days in advance.
TO SEARCH select a beginning AND ending date on the calendar below by clicking in the date field. Use the more specific dropdown fields to further customize your search. IMPORTANT… RESET between each search.
There are 32 upcoming classes.
Adult Beyond Words - Special Day
Date: 05/13/25Time: 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 Pollinators & Other Bugs
English For Beginning Language Learners-Adult (In-Person)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Adult English Classes
Description:
Our classes are full through June, but you can enroll for the Fall semester now. Secure your seat by emailing [email protected] today!
This in-person class is for adult English language learners at the beginning level. It meets on Tuesday & Thursday from 10am-12pm. Orientation and testing are required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
ESL - English Language Learning - Beginning to Advanced - (virtual)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Adult English Classes
Description:
Our classes are full through June, but you can enroll for the Fall semester now. Secure your seat by emailing [email protected] today!
This virtual class is for adult English language learners at the beginning to advanced levels. There will be separate sections for each level. Classes are on Tuesday & Thursday from 10am-12pm. Orientation and testing are required for all new students. Email [email protected] for more information.
3, 2, Fun! [ages 2-3 with adult] TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Ages strictly enforced with limited exceptions.
Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
Play Partners (infant-23 months) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
3, 2, Fun (Ages 2-3, with an adult) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Little Learners: Spring Into Science (3-5 years with adult) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:30am - 11:15am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Ticket required.
Explore spring science themes through children's literature and hands-on activities.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Hatchlings: New Baby and Me (Newborn-6 months with adult) RG
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, Teens, Adults
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Infants birth-6 months with adult. 45-60 minutes. Registration required, one per household.
Welcome home, baby! Hatchlings: New Baby and Me is an interactive four-week early literacy class series for parents/caregivers with newborns from birth - 6 months. Learn more about supporting your baby's development through fun songs and activities together.
FREE family take-home kit includes a book, activities calendar, and song booklet for attendees.
Please bring a baby blanket for floor / tummy time.
Community partners plan to be present to share local resources for families.
This four-week series will take place on Tuesdays at 10:30 am on 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27. *Attending all sessions is encouraged, but not required.*
Content is adapted from the Hatchlings Program by Betsy Diamant-Cohen from a grant originally sponsored by the Maryland State Library Agency and the Maryland Department of Education. Betsy Diamant-Cohen is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 11:15am - 11:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
3, 2, Fun! [ages 2-3 with adult] TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Ages strictly enforced with limited exceptions.
ELKS Excellent Reads
Date: 05/13/25Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us to discuss The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez
All By Myself [ages 4-6] TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Ages strictly enforced with limited exceptions.
All By Myself, Ages 4-6, TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Teen Space (ages 11-17)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
After-school hang out time for teens! Come enjoy some snacks, video games, and board games!
Teen Spot
Date: 05/13/25Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Description:
Relax after school at Teen Spot - a space for middle and high school students to unwind with video games, board games, and arts and craft supplies.
Drop ins welcome!
See other activities at Savage here.
Game Spot at East Columbia
Date: 05/13/25Time: 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
Bored after school?
Stop by our Teen Area for board and card game play or video game play in our gaming room.
Ages 11-18.
Drop in.
Video Gaming & Chill
Date: 05/13/25Time: 4:15pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
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!
And if you're not into video games, come hang out and have a good time!
Pequeños Lectores (Bilingual) (Ages 6-9) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
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.
Join us for Easy-to-Read Stories in Spanish, and have fun with activities related to the book of the week.
Teen Sprouts: Field Trip to Community Ecology Institute (Ages 14-18)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Gardening & Nature
Description:
Join us for a hands-on adventure at a local farm! Explore the farm, get your hands dirty as we plant, and discover what it takes to get food from farm to table. You will learn about sustainability and the important role farms play in our environment and community. We will meet at Miller Library, transportation and food will be provided.
Waiver must be completed by parent or guardian. Download (see attachment) and email to [email protected] OR submit on day of event.
This event is a part of the Teen Sprouts Agricultural and Culinary Immersion Program. Sign up for each event individually. You do not need to participate in the entire series.
May 21: Culinary Class at Miller Library
June 4: Culinary Class at Miller Library
June 11: Field Trip TBD
FAM - Fun At Miller
Mayfield Woods Music Night
Date: 05/13/25Time: 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
The Mayfield Woods Middle School Chamber Choir is excited to present a series of songs centered around the theme of Water Music. Poems and stories related to water as a powerful, life-giving source can be related to the way that music moves through and impacts our lives.
Spanish Conversation and Vocabulary (Bilingual) (Ages 8-12) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
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.
*This class is designed for students with a basic understanding of Spanish up to a medium Spanish level.
Anime Club
Date: 05/13/25Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
Ages: 11 - 18. Watch anime together, make art/crafts, and explore Japanese language/cultural tie-ins at this meet up for fellow anime fans. Drop-ins encouraged and welcomed!
Anime Club is a weekly hangout dedicated to our 11- 18 population and their love for anime, art, cosplay, and video games. Please come ready to have fun and make friends.
Celebrate 85 Years of Reading with Howard County Library System, All Ages w/ an Adult, TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
Celebrate 85 Years of Reading with Howard County Library System
Families (ages birth – 8 w/ adult). Allow 30 min.
Celebrate 85 years of reading as you participate in activities featuring books and book characters, past and present. Show your love for the library. Refreshments. Receive a FREE book while supplies last. Sponsored in part by Kathleen Glascock Fund.
Mon Mar 31 2-4pm | Glenwood Branch
Mon Mar 31 2-4pm | Savage Branch
Tue Apr 29 6 - 7:30 pm | East Columbia Branch
Wed May 7 2 - 4 pm | Miller Branch
Tue May 13 6 – 7:30 pm | Central Branch
Thu Jun 26 1 – 3 pm | Elkridge Branch
Tickets are available 15 minutes before class at the Children's Desk.
Mah Jongg Meet Up
Date: 05/13/25Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
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:
May 13 and 27
June 10 and 24
July 8 and 22
English For Beginning Language Learners-Adult (In-Person)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Adult English Classes
Description:
This in-person class is for adult English language learners at the beginning level. It meets on Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Orientation and testing are required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
Pajama Time (families) TK
Date: 05/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Eclectic Evenings Meeting (Online)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of fiction and nonfiction titles.
2nd Tuesdays, 7-8 pm
Join for a discussion of the following title:
May 13: The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan (e-book | e-audio)
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.
Copies of the discussion title are available for pickup from the Central Branch; ask for a copy at the Customer Service desk.
Warning Graphic Content (Online)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of graphic novels. 2nd Thursdays 7 - 8 pm.
May 13 One Hundred Tales by Osamu Tezuka
June 12 I Hate This Place by Kyle Starks
July 10 No/One by Kyle Higgins and Brian Buccellato
August 14 Made in Korea by Jeremy Holt
September 11 Ghost Omnibus by Erik Luke AND Ghost Vol 1: In The Smoke and Din by Kelly Sue Deconnick
October 9 Bad Gateway by Simon Hanselmann
November 13
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation. You will receive the link to the online class in the confirmation email. This email will also contain as the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Title is available via hoopla
Maryland Libraries Together Discussion - "Free For All: The Public Library" (Online)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: History & Genealogy
Description:
Learn how public libraries shaped the country and continue to be a sanctuary for Americans everywhere. Watch Free for All: The Public Library at a local screening, or online via MPT at your convenience, and then participate in a community-driven discussion about the documentary. This discussion takes place on Zoom. Register with an email address to receive the link to join the discussion.
Free for All: The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today's librarians who service the public despite workingin a contentious age of closures and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.
Free for All: The Public Library premieres on Independent Lens on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025. Watch online, or attend a local screening:
WESTERN MARYLAND
- Tuesday, April 8 @ 5pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Frostburg Library | RSVP
- Friday, April 11 @ 12pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ South Cumberland Library | RSVP
- Wednesday, May 21 @ 5pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Ruth Enlow Library | RSVP
CENTRAL MARYLAND
- Thursday, April 3 @ 6pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Fallston Library | RSVP
- Saturday, April 5 @ 2pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Abingdon Library | RSVP
- Wednesday, April 9 @ 2pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Baltimore County Public Library, Pikesville Branch | RSVP
- Wednesday, April 9 @ 6:30pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ BCPL, Cockeysville Branch | RSVP
- Wednesday, April 9 @ 6pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Enoch Pratt Free Library | RSVP
- Wednesday, April 9 @ 6:30pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Joppa Library | RSVP
- Saturday, April 12 @ 1pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Edgewood Library | RSVP
- Saturday, April 26 @ 2:30pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Aberdeen Library | RSVP
- Saturday, April 26 @ 10:30am: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Norrisville Library | RSVP
- Wednesday, April 30 @ 6pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Bel Air Library | RSVP
- Monday, May 5 @ 7pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Howard County Public Library, Central Branch | RSVP
- Wednesday, May 7 @ 6pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library | RSVP
CAPITAL REGION
- Tuesday, April 29 @ 5pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Fairmount Heights Branch Library | RSVP
EASTERN SHORE
- Tuesday, April 8 @ 2:00pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Ocean City Library | RSVP
- Tuesday, April 8 @ 6:30pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Cecil County Public Library, North East Branch | RSVP
- Friday, April 11 @ 9am: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Talbot County Free Library | RSVP
- Friday, April 11 @ 2pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Leonardtown Library | RSVP
- Saturday, April 12 @ 11am: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Queen Anne's County Library, Kent Island Branch | RSVP
- Saturday, May 24 @ 1pm: Free For All: The Public Library Screening @ Charlotte Hall Library | RSVP
SOUTHERN MARYLAND
The program is made possible through a partnership with Maryland Libraries Together and Howard County Library System.
Sewing Machine Basics
Date: 05/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
Have you always wanted to learn to sew? Or would you like to give sewing a try without purchasing a machine? Or maybe it’s been a while and you just need a refresher. In this class you will learn the basics of using a sewing machine. Then we will put your new skills to use with a practice project.
We provide the machine, tools, and fabric for a project. You just need to show up and learn to sew!
ESL - English Language Learning - Beginning to Advanced (virtual)
Date: 05/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Adult English Classes
Description:
This virtual class is for adult English language learners at the beginning to advanced levels. There will be separate sections for each level. Classes are on Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm-9pm. Orientation and testing are required for all new students. Email [email protected] for more information.
