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.
English for Beginners - Adult (In-Person)
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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 Needles
Date: 04/25/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
Looking for dedicated time to work on projects? Bring stitching you'd like to finish, connect with others, and share ideas and tips. Drop in anytime between 10 am and 12 pm.
Speaking & Listening For English Language Learners - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Children
Description:
Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Date: 04/25/24Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Description:
Make and Take a plant marker with the Laser Cutter Engraver
Date: 04/25/24Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Explore how to use the laser cutter/engraver and design program. Create your own plant marker
This class is designed for ages 10+. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Anyone planning to make an item is required to register. Materials provided.
Building Urgent Optimism for the Future w/ Jane McGonigal
Date: 04/25/24Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults, Everyone
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
How do we prepare ourselves for "unthinkable" change? How do we ready our teams and organizations for "unimaginable" future events? Find out in this interactive session with New York Times bestselling author and Institute for the Future research director, Jane McGonigal. You'll learn a new framework for cultivating "urgent optimism" in the face of uncertainty. You'll practice the art of mental time travel, and learn how to take others to a better future with you! And you'll take away a practical tool to help others fight "normalcy bias", and think more creatively and effectively in the face of dynamic global events.
Brought to you by the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Maryland Libraries Together, a collaboration of Maryland Libraries to engage communities in enriching educational experiences that advance an understanding of the issues of our time. This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act Administered by the Maryland State Library. Follow the link below to register and reserve your mobile e-ticket.
Classroom Ready (ages 3-5, RG)
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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
Teen Space
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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.
Forensic Science: Biology
Date: 04/25/24Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Have you ever wondered what goes on during a crime scene investigation? Join us to learn the techniques forensic scientists use to crack a case.
April 25 - Join us to celebrate National DNA Day to learn about forensic DNA analysis!
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
AV Lab
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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 Book Club
Date: 04/25/24Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Community Events
Description:
Read and discuss alongside fellow teen bookworms! This month’s title is The Other Merlin by Robyn Schneider. Pick up a copy at the Glenwood Branch customer service desk, or online via Libby.
Teen Connect 2.0 - Create River Rock Mandala Art
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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.
Paint a River Rock Using a Mandala Stencil or Your Own Design with Acrylic Paint Pens
We supply the river rocks, mandala stencils, and a variety of quick drying acrylic paint pens. Make cool rock art for your room, garden, or as a gift for someone you love.
This is still a Drop-In program but you may register for a reminder.
FAM: Fun At Miller
Windows & Mirrors Book Club (ages 11-13) RG
Date: 04/25/24Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 11-13. Registration required.
Read and discuss books with diverse viewpoints that tackle tough issues, such as finding and establishing identity. Pick up your copy of our next book at the Central Branch Customer Service Desk.
Dec 27 - The Brave by James Bird
Jan 31 - Fast Pitch by Nic Stone
Feb 29 - Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Make Your Own Plant Markers with the Laser Cutter
Date: 04/25/24Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Keep track of what’s blooming in your garden. Using the Makerspace laser cutter-engraver, create a custom reusable plant marker for your garden. All materials will be provided. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
STEM Fun: Exploration Stations (Families) TK
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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.
Encore Cinema
Date: 04/25/24Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Art, Movies & Music
Description:
ENCORE CINEMA at Howard County Library System and East Columbia Branch & 50+ Center presents "see-again" worthy DVD movies on a large screen! Doors open at 6:15pm.
Thursday April 25 Viva Las Vegas Lucky Jackson arrives in town with his car literally in tow ready for the first Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Admission is free. In partnership with Howard County Department of Aging and Independence
Registration is appreciated but not required.
English for Intermediate Language Learners - Adult (In-Person)
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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.
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 04/25/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Discuss LGBTQ-related books and make new friends in a queer- & trans-affirming group setting. All identities and all ages (18+) are welcome.
Copies of the discussion title are available for pick-up from the Central Branch; ask for a copy at the Customer Service desk.
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, our discussion title will be The Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar, winner of the Lambda Literary Award and the Stonewall Book Award.
DIY Window Screen Repair
Date: 04/25/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
Join us to learn to repair your torn or damaged window and door screens to take in the cool spring breeze. This class will include a discussion of window screen types and the tools necessary to replace screen in aluminum frames. Bring your one window screen if you like.
Intermediate ESL - Adult (Online)
Date: 04/25/24Time: 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: 04/25/24Time: 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.