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 36 upcoming classes.
Baby's Play Date (infant-23 months)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:00am - 11:15am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Baby's Play Date (infant-23 months)
Description:
Allow 20 min.
Play with our toys, read a board book, and visit with others.
American English Pronunciation - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
This class is designed for English language learners. Improve your spoken English as we focus on listening and speaking skills with an emphasis on everyday pronunciation, intonation, and stress, as well as unique American rhythms. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected].
Preparation for US Citizenship Exam - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
This class is designed for English language learners who are interested in taking the US citizenship exam. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
Reading & Vocabulary For English Language Learners - Adult (In-Person)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
This is an in-person class designed for adult English language learners. Improve your reading level and English language knowledge with evidence-based strategies that build your reading skills. Instruction focuses on reading speed, word patterns, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. This class meets twice a week on Monday & Wednesday. If you're new to this class, you'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation. This orientation is required for all participants. Email [email protected] for more information.
3 2 Fun (ages 2-3 with adult) TK
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Art, Movies & Music
Description:
Time For Us (18 months-3 years with adult) TK
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Time For Us (18 months-3 years with adult) TK
Description:
TIME FOR US
Ages 18 months-3 years with adult; 30 min.
Develop early learning skills through stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes.
Ticket required.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Play Partners (infant-23 months with adult) TK
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Play Partners (infant-23 months with adult) TK
Description:
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Hatchlings: New Baby and Me
Date: 04/24/24Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Health & Wellness
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.
Attendees take home a book, calendar, and song booklet.
This four-week series will take place on Wednesdays at 10:30am on 04/03, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24. *Attending all sessions is encouraged, but not required. *
Hatchlings: New Baby and Me is part two of the Mother Goose on the Loose: Hatchlings class series. It follows part one, Hatchlings: Baby on the Way, for expectant parents. Families are welcome, but not required, to participate in both.
The MGOL Hatchlings materials were developed for the Maryland State Library Agency with funds from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood, as part of the PDG Birth-5 funds through Grant Number 90TP0032-01-00, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Stunning Gatefold Cards
Date: 04/24/24Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
Create handmade Stunning Gatefold greeting cards for Nurturers using die cuts, patterned papers, stamps, and other embellishments.
3 2 Fun (ages 2-3 with adult) TK
Date: 04/24/24Time: 11:15am - 11:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Art, Movies & Music
Description:
All Together Now (All ages) TK
Date: 04/24/24Time: 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Just for Me (ages 3-5) TK
Date: 04/24/24Time: 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Just for Me (ages 3-5) TK
Description:
Read with a Ranger [families] TK
Date: 04/24/24Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Families (Recommended for ages 2-10). 45-60 min. Ticket required.
Explore the natural world through stories and activities. Learn how to spot the signs of wild animals and see their tracks up close, or silently glide into the world of owls and make a craft.
Tickets are available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Teen Space
Date: 04/24/24Time: 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.
On the Road to Kindergarten at Deep Run Mobile Park (ORK)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Mobile Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: On the Road to Kindergarten at Deep Run Mobile Park (ORK)
Description:
Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Apr 10 & 24, May 8 & 22, Jun 12 & 26
Deep Run Mobile Park
6551 Old Waterloo Rd. Elkridge, MD 21075
At the pool area. In case of inclement weather, the visit may be cancelled.
Miércoles 3:30 - 5:30 pm
10 y 24 de abril, 8 y 22 de mayo,12 y 26 de junio
Deep Run Mobile Park
6551 Old Waterloo Rd. Elkridge, MD 21075
Cerca de la piscina. En caso de mal tiempo, la visita puede ser cancelada.
The Meetup
Date: 04/24/24Time: 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.
Periodic Build: It's Elemental
Date: 04/24/24Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Periodic Build: It's Elemental, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Interact with the fascinating elements in the periodic table! Learn about the structure of the periodic table and how you can infer element characteristics based on periodic trends. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Video Gaming & Chill
Date: 04/24/24Time: 4:15pm - 6:15pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Culture & Language
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!
Not into video games? Film a Tiktok, bring a book, watch some Youtube or just come hang out and have a good time! This is a super laid back time and space for you do what you want.
Adult AV Lab
Date: 04/24/24Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
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.
Teen Beyond Words in The Enchanted Garden
Date: 04/24/24Time: 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
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, 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 April is Garden
FAM: Fun At Miller
Crazy 8’s: Math Club for 3rd - 5th Grade
Date: 04/24/24Time: 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Crazy 8’s: Math Club for 3rd - 5th Grade
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
3rd - 5th grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.
Crazy 8's is a nationwide math club designed to get kids fired up about math. Every week kids get to build cool stuff, play fun games, solve mysterious puzzles, or make music...and make friendships at the same time.
Crazy 8’s: Math Club for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Date: 04/24/24Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Kindergarten- 2nd 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 3 - May 22
Upcycled Clothing Workshop
Date: 04/24/24Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Gardening & Nature
Description:
Ever wanted to wear something but you’ve outgrown it? Or maybe it has a hole or you just consider it “out of style?” We have a solution.
The Youth Climate Institute’s Fashion Forward Team will be hosting an event for middle and high school students. This event will focus on educating students about sustainability and improving clothing quality. Students can learn how to work with different materials to repair their clothes at each different station: a station for sewing, a station for cutting, and a station for painting/drawing.
This event will have loads of opportunities to bring life back into an article of clothing with the hopes that it can be worn again. All you have to provide is an article of clothing! Don’t throw… show up at this event. Hope to see you there! - YCI Fashion Forward
Good Endeavor: A Book Discussion with Author Ned Tillman
Date: 04/24/24Time: 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: History & Genealogy
Description:
Join award-winning author Ned Tillman for a discussion of his book, Good Endeavor.
Following this book discussion, Mr. Tillman presents Historical Fiction as a Lens For the Future, focusing on the value of fiction and non-fiction for telling the stories of our past and how they can be used to get a sense of how life really was over the centuries.
Family Fun at Your Library: Video Game Night (Families)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
All ages. Allow 30 min.
Are you ready to level up your gaming skills and have some fun? Stop by and play different video games that are fun for the whole family!
English for Intermediate Language Learners - Adult (In-Person)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 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.
Historical Fiction as a Lens For the Future
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: History & Genealogy
Description:
Award-winning author Ned Tillman discusses how historical fiction provides perspective on the challenges we face today. Tillman is the author of four books-- two non-fiction and two fiction. Tillman discusses the value of both genres for telling the stories of our past and how they can be used to get a sense of how life really was like over the centuries.
His books provide the reader with insight and perspective on the parallels to challenges we see in our lives today. His latest book, Good Endeavor, uses his 300-year-old childhood homestead as his setting to explore social and environmental challenges down through the centuries. He discusses how he created a series of colorful characters to share realistic stories of their lives, loves, and losses during five different generations of this Maryland family.
Prior to the presentation, Mr. Tillman will host a discussion of his newest book, Good Endeavor.
In Other Worlds SFF Book Club (In-Person)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Welcome science fiction & fantasy enthusiasts and other intrepid readers!
Discuss a wide-array of SFF movies (2nd Wednesdays) and books (4th Wednesdays)
Apr 24: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
May 22: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
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 click HERE.
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.
In Other Worlds SFF Book Club (Online)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Welcome science fiction & fantasy enthusiasts and other intrepid readers!
Discuss a wide-array of SFF movies (2nd Wednesdays) and books (4th Wednesdays)
Apr 24: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
May 22: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
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.
This is a hybrid book club that meets both online via Zoom (this listing) and in-person at East Columbia Branch. To register for our in-person session please follow this LINK.
E-books & e-audiobooks available via Overdrive/Libby
Physical copies of the current month book club choice are 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.
Romance Reads (Online)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Love to read romance novels? Do you need an escape from reality? Join the Romance Reads Book Discussion!
Discuss books by a different romance author each month with other fellow romance readers. You will "zoom" away with new authors and books to add to your wish list of books to read!
For this session, we will be focusing on books by the author Fern Michaels. Please read any book of your choice by Fern Michaels.
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 the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Savage 3D Printing Club
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Interested in 3D printing? Building your own 3D printer at home?
Join fellow community members interested in this fun and useful technology to work on 3D design projects, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about CAD and our Makerbot Method X.
All are welcome, no experience necessary.
In Concert: Celtic Music Club
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group:
Program type: Art, Movies & Music
Description:
Come and join us for a concert for the whole family! The Celtic Music Club, featuring Drew Vervan will perform a blend of Celtic classics and modern tunes celebrating Irish and Scottish culture.
Intermediate Korean (Online)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Prerequisite: Korean for Beginners. 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.
English Conversation Class
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
The English Conversation Class (ECC) provides opportunities for adult English language learners to practice speaking and listening skills, increase fluency, improve pronunciation skills, and build confidence to think and speak English in a relaxed and fun way. Participants will receive help with vocabulary, idioms, pronunciation, and other practical subjects in daily life.
This free program is hosted by HCLS Elkridge Branch Library and facilitated by community volunteers. The Club will meet weekly on Wednesdays 7-8:45pm. No registration required.
Clases de conversación de inglés en la biblioteca de Elkridge, condado de Howard
Todos los miércoles de 7 a 8:45 pm
La clase de conversación de inglés les prove una oportunidad para los estudiantes adultos a escuchar y hablar el inglés, además de aprender sobre varios aspectos culturales en un ambiente agradable y relajado. Los participantes recibirán ayuda en los campos de vocabulario, modismos, pronunciación y otros temas prácticos de la vida cotidiana.
Este programa gratuito lo ofrece la biblioteca de Elkridge, parte del sistema de bibliotecas del condado de Howard, y lo administra voluntarios de la comunidad. El club se reúne semanalmente los miércoles de 7 a 8:45 de la noche. No se require ninguna inscripción.
English As A Second Language Levels 1, 2 & 3 - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
These classes are for adult English language learners from beginning to low intermediate levels. The classes meet twice a week on Mon. & Wed., 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].
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 04/24/24Time: 7:45pm - 8:45pm
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, 7:45 - 8:45 pm