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 35 upcoming classes.
English for Beginners - Adult (In-Person)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
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 Central Branch. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
Pins and Needle Arts
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
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 [email protected].
Speaking & Listening For English Language Learners - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
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. Plenty of opportunities are provided to practice both speaking and listening as the class analyzes the stories for content, themes, and vocabulary. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
What is a Certified Medical Assistant? For English Language Learners - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
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 field. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
Just For Me (3-6 years) TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Just For Me (3-6 years) TK
Description:
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.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Description:
3, 2, Fun (ages 2-3 with adult) TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
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.
Free ticket available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Play Partners (Ages 0- 23 Months) TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Children
Description:
Ticket required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to class.
Play Partners (Ages 0-23 Months), TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Children
Description:
Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Description:
Noontime Books--IN PERSON
Date: 04/18/24Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us for an in person discussion of Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez, at 12PM on April 18, 2024 at the Central Branch.
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. Copies are available at the Central Branch Customer Service desk.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email Beth Haynes at [email protected].
Classroom Ready (ages 3-5, RG)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Ages 3-5 years; 30 mins. RG, Registration required.
Preschoolers start practicing going to class on their own. They will learn to follow rules and routines, understand feelings, and talk about stories. They may also learn about shapes and numbers, use scissors, draw and write, make guesses about what is going to happen, learn about the world, and be creative.
F.I.G. aka Friends in the Garden [ages 4-6 with adult] RG
Date: 04/18/24Time: 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 4-6, with adult. 45 min. Registration required. Register once for all 3 sessions.
Cultivate learning by working together on a garden project. Make new friends and learn about the animal friends that help plants grow.
Check out the full schedule of upcoming gardening classes at Miller here: bit.ly/garden_at_miller
Light but not Fluffy
Date: 04/18/24Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss light-hearted books that will make us smile. The books will talk about love, hope, and grace. They will include humor, and perhaps some snark, to spice things up. It will be fun! Join us.
3rd Thursdays: 2 - 3 pm
Join for a discussion of the following titles:
April 18th: Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
May 16th: Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
June 20th: Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
Ask at the Adult Research Kiosk on second floor for a copy of the book, beginning 4 weeks before the discussion date.
Registration is preferred, not required.
Bingo Social
Date: 04/18/24Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
B-I-N-G-O! Get sociable and win prizes. Compete and converse with other bingo fans.
Games will be held on a rotating Thursday schedule at all branches, so please make note of the location for each date. Click the branch name below to register; please register for each date separately.
- 3/14/24 Elkridge Branch
- 4/18/24 Miller Branch
- 5/16/24 Glenwood Branch
- 6/27/24 East Columbia Branch
- 7/18/24 Central Branch
- 8/22/24 Savage Branch
Teen Space
Date: 04/18/24Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teen Space, Teens
Program type: Health & Wellness
Description:
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.
The Meetup
Date: 04/18/24Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: The Meetup, Teens
Description:
A hang out for teens to connect, play games and create.
AV Lab
Date: 04/18/24Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: AV Lab, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
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.
Crazy 8’s: Math Club for 3rd - 5th Grade
Date: 04/18/24Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
3rd - 5th grade. 45-60 min. Registration required.
Crazy 8's is a nationwide math club designed to get kids fired up about math. Every week kids get to build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess, and make friendships at the same time.
Apr 4 - May 23
Teen Connect 2.0 - Assemble & Decorate a Balsa Wood Birdhouse
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Teen Connect 2.0
Based on you're feedback, we've redesigned Teen Connect! It will only be on Mondays and Thursdays on full school days from 6-7 pm. Each one will feature a specific mini-class or activity and offer a chance to connect with other like-minded teens. As always, we will still have our video gaming systems, board & card games, and community coloring supplies out as well.
Assemble & Decorate a Balsa Wood Birdhouse
Assemble and decorate a charming small balsa wood birdhouse and add a personal touch to your indoor or outdoor sanctuary.
This is still a Drop-In program but you may register for a reminder.
FAM: Fun At Miller
STEM Fun: Exploration Stations (Families) TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, STEM Fun: Exploration Stations (Families) TK
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Families; allow 30 minutes. Ticket required.
Explore and engage in various STEM activities through self-guided stations.
STEAM Powered Book Club [ages 7-9] RG
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 7-9. 45 minutes. Registration required.
Read Treemendous : diary of a not yet mighty oak by Bridget Heos (which can be picked up at the Miller Branch children's desk after registering) before the meeting. Join our discussion about the book, then participate in a related STEAM activity.
This session is part of HCLS' Earth Day Celebration series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events.
CANCELED Life Skills: Reuse, Reduce & Recycle (and make a cool craft!)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Gardening & Nature
Description:
Join the Howard County Recycling Division to learn the 3 R's to help keep our planet healthy, and practice reusing by making a cool t-shirt bag made out of...you guessed it...an old t-shirt that avoided the landfill!
Open to middle school students, high school students, and adults, registration required.
Military Family Night at the Library (All ages) TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Everyone
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
All ages. 60 Minutes. Ticket required.
In celebration of the Month of the Military Child (April) and Military Appreciation Month (May), several Maryland library systems this Spring are offering a special reading event for military and veteran families in their communities. Families attending these programs will enjoy a reading of the book, Unstoppable Me, and receive their own copy for their home. This special reading program will also provide the opportunity for military and veteran families to connect with one another as well as to other community resources. Libraries are pleased to celebrate our military and veteran families and military-connected youth!
Thursday Next Book Club @ Backwater Books
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us to discuss Hidden Valley Road, Inside the Mind of an American Family, by Robert Kolker
Please note: just this meeting we will be meeting off site at Backwater Books, 8156 Main Street, Ellicott City
English for Intermediate Language Learners - Adult (In-Person)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
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. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
Mah Jongg 101
Date: 04/18/24Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
With this 2-week series, discover the basics of the challenging game of Mah Jongg. It is a game of skill, strategy, calculation and involves a degree of chance. Week 1, learn about the tiles and an overview of the National Mah Jongg League rules of play for American Mah Jongg. Week 2, put what you've learned into practice.
Pajama Time (all ages) TK
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
April Showers Trivia: Spring Brainpower!
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
As the weather warms up, seize the perfect opportunity to stimulate your mind with some fun and fascinating trivia! Join us for an exciting evening of questions and challenges that will test your knowledge and spark your curiosity. Perhaps you will even learn something new.
Whether you're a seasoned trivia enthusiast or simply looking for a fun evening, this class is for you. Even if you're not ready to play, feel free to join us, watch, and learn.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to showcase your trivia prowess. Who will be crowned our April Thursday Trivia Champion?
Register with an email address to receive a class reminder.
High School Diploma For Adults
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
Earn a Maryland high school diploma for adults! Join this information session to learn about the entry requirements, program structure, and support resources available to eligible adults in Maryland, free of charge, through Howard County Library System’s Project Literacy.
Learn Astronomy: Black Holes
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
What is a black hole? Can you get sucked in and lost forever? Find out and learn more about the astronomical phenomenon of black holes. Homeschoolers welcome. Younger siblings and parents invited to attend with teen participant.
Nonfiction Addiction Book Club (In-Person)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Community Events
Description:
Explore the genre of nonfiction and join our discussions on third Thursdays!
Mar 21: Tell Me Everything by Erika Krouse
Apr 18: South to America by Imani Perry
May 16: Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World by Alexander William
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation.
This is a hybrid book club that meets both in-person at East Columbia Branch (this listing) and online via Zoom. To register for our online Zoom session please follow this LINK.
E-books & e-audiobooks available via Overdrive/Libby
Physical copies of the current month book club choice will be kept behind the customer service desk at East Columbia branch. Please stop by and ask for your copy.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
Nonfiction Addiction Book Club (Online)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Explore the genre of nonfiction and join our discussions on third Thursdays!
Apr 18: South to America by Imani Perry
May 16: Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World by Alexander William
This is a hybrid book club that meets both online via Zoom (this listing) and in-person at East Columbia Branch. To register for in-person session please follow this LINK.
*E-books and E-Audiobooks available via Overdrive/Libby
Physical copies of the current month book club choice will be kept behind the customer service desk at East Columbia branch. Please stop by and ask for your copy.
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.
Intermediate ESL - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
These classes are for adult English language learners at intermediate levels. The classes meet twice a week on Tue. & Thur., 7-9pm. If you're new to this program, you will receive an email invitation to attend an orientation. This orientation is required for all participants.Email [email protected]
Reading & Vocabulary For Intermediate to advanced English Language Learners - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/18/24Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
This class is designed for adult English language learners. Improve your English language knowledge with evidence-based strategies that build your reading skills. Instruction focuses on reading speed, word patterns, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday. Registrants will receive an email invitation to attend an orientation. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.