Classes & Events

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 48 upcoming classes.

Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00am - 12:00am
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:

During June and July, drop by the Equity Resource Center and Collection (ERCC) on the second floor of the Central Branch and experience this fascinating, multi-media exhibit. Opera has profoundly influenced modern music, leaving its mark on various genres and musical styles.

Learn about the legacy of Mary Cardwell Dawson and her impact on opera and American music history. Her history is captured in this exhibit which features a Listening Room so customers can hear not just her singing, but other artists she influenced.

Mary Cardwell Dawson and the National Negro Opera Company were an important touchstone in the history of Black opera. While companies devoted to Black performers and European repertoire had existed since the late nineteenth century, this is one of the first to be run by a Black woman. Nearly 2000 were hired over its 20-year history with performances taking place in Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York and Pittsburgh.

Intro to Web Development

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Learn the basics of web development (HTML/CSS/JavaScript). Hands-on activities and live coding will help students build confidence and real skills

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Basics of Programming: From Artie to Java

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Did you know that programming is a key component in many technologies used today? Learn about the basics of programming, robotics, and automation in this hands-on lab with Artie. Then move on to the basics of Java, a class-based, object-oriented language used to design applications. Learn data and expressions, using classes and objects, conditionals, and loops. Create programming projects each day based on the topics covered.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Carnival Engineering: Pinball

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Engineer Pinball games for the HiTech Carnival! Build a table-top pinball machine, and use Arduino micro-controllers, sensors and software to keep score!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Carnival Engineering: Skeeball

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Engineer a Skeeball Game for the HiTech Carnival! Build this classic carnival game from scratch using Arduino micro-controllers, sensors and software to keep score of your game. Highest score wins!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Catapult

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Be catapulted into the adventure of solving mechanical problems with a catapult! Learn not just basic engineering, but also mechanical engineering techniques. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Dive into Geology

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Dive into Geology

Have you ever wondered what kinds of rocks make up our planet? Are you interested in learning about beautiful minerals, powerful natural hazards, and fascinating careers in geology? Join us for a look into the Earth’s most incredible geological artifacts! 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Intro to Genetics

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Get an introduction to the basics of Mendelian Genetics! We’ll explore topics such as inheritance patterns, genetic diversity, and genetic diseases using laws derived from Gregor Mendel’s important experiments. Punnett Squares, genetics crosses, and pedigrees will help demonstrate the role and function of alleles in genetic inheritance from one generation to the next.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Java

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Discover the basics of Java, a class-based, object-oriented language used to design applications. Learn data and expressions, using classes and objects, conditionals, and loops. Create programming projects each day based on the topics covered.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Movie Magic: Cosmetics

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Dive into the world of special effects, through the view of a Makeup Artist! Students will learn the history and science behind the film industry’s own movie magic. Learn about the chemicals that are found in the cosmetics used to create monsters and zombies in the movies, and then create your own design using DIY monster cosmetics.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Photography

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Learn how the digital single lens reflex camera is engineered to utilize part of the electromagnetic spectrum we call visible light. Obtain hands on experience using a DSLR camera and learn numerous picture-taking techniques. Contribute to a database of photographs that will be used to promote future HiTech classes.

Rocketry

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Come and design your own rocket that soars well beyond the roof of the library. Learn about how engineers generate and manipulate forces that propel projectiles thousands of feet into the air.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Science of Art

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Learn how the creation of art is influenced by science and do experiments in chemistry, fluid dynamics, and color theory to make amazing works of art! Students will create acrylic-pour paintings, make their own watercolor paints, and use resin and alcohol ink to create a one-of-a kind piece of art. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

English Conversation Class-Adult (In-Person)

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Adult English Classes
Description:

This is an in-person class for intermediate and advanced adult English Language Learners. Practice English conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events. Please email [email protected] for more information.

All Together Now (all ages with adult) TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Description:

All Together Now [all ages] TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Program type: Early Learning
Description:

Picture Book Parade with Craft (2-5 years with adult) TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Play Partners (Ages 0-23 Months), TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:

Little Learners Storybook Friends (ages 2-5 with adult) TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 11:00am - 11:30am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Ages 2-5 with adult; 45 minutes.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

All Together Now (all ages with adult) TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 11:15am - 11:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Description:

All Together Now [all ages] TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Program type: Early Learning
Description:

Carnival Chemistry

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

This course will cover a review of basic chemistry concepts and will guide students to build and design chemistry-related carnival games.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Carnival Engineering: Instruments

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Creating sound has been a preoccupation of humanity since the beginning of time. But what is sound? How is it created, and how can we manipulate it into the variety of tones, pitches, and timbres that become symphony or cacophony? Build a stringed instrument while you explore the physics behind sound creation.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Chemical Engineering

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Dive into the exciting world of chemical engineering through real-world challenges! Over just five days, students will explore core chemical engineering concepts—like reaction design, separation processes, heat transfer, and process optimization—by building and testing their own prototypes using safe, hands-on experiments.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Engines & Mechanical Engineering

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Exploring the intricacies and design processes of model LEGO car engines using a mechanical engineering mindset.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Hydroponics

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Want to know how to garden without soil? Learn about the structure of plants and explore various hydroponics technologies to grow food using less space and less water.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Illustrate with Procreate

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Have you ever looked at a digital illustration and wondered “How did they do that?”  Learn tips, tricks, and the steps to creating your own illustration in the iPad app, Procreate.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri for one week, register once for all sessions.

Marine Biology

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

The students will do a deep dive into some of the marine environments they see often but know little about. They will look at the ocean, rivers, Chesapeake Bay, intertidal zones, and coastal features to see what makes each of them unique and how the animals have adjusted to living there.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Movie Editing I

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Discover the world of post-production! Learn the skills of a film/video editor while acquiring an understanding of the technology involved with the profession. Edit video and audio using iMovie and Logic Pro X.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Science of Art

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Registration required.

Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Summer Meal Program

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children, Teens
Program type: Health & Wellness
Description:

HCPSS 2025 Summer Lunch Meal Program provided by Howard County Public School.

Provided daily, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday, from June 23 to August 1, 2025, except on Friday, July 4, 2025 for children aged 18 and under.

There are no applications, enrollment fees, or other costs to participate in this program. Children must be present to receive free meals.

Animation

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Using the iPad Pro and animation apps such a FlipAClip and Animation Sketch, students will learn how to create their own 2D animations using their own drawings and the principles of squash and stretch.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri for one week, register once for all sessions.

Basics of Programming - Hands on Lab (Artie)

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Did you know that programming is a key component in many technologies used today? Robotics and automation are two of the areas that are at the forefront of technologies that require programming knowledge. Learn about the basics of programming, robotics, and automation in this hands-on lab with Artie.  

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

CyberSecurity & the World

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Students will learn about protecting their information, recognizing fishing scams, navigating social media and different types of cyber attacks. There will be hands on opportunities for encrypting and decrypting messages getting a high level understanding of network security, cyber security as a profession, and more all while having fun and creating a melody to remember!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Electrical Engineering

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Lights on, lights off! Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when you flip a light switch on the wall or press the ON button of a battery-powered fan in the summer? Why do some toys need AAA batteries to operate while other toys need C batteries? Discover the math and science principles used by electrical engineers as you build simple circuits to power various devices.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Illustrator

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Learn how to create digital designs using Adobe Illustrator!

Registration preferred. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Origami Engineering

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Get hands-on experience in the ancient art of paper folding! Students will see how origami can be used to create structures like solar panels, bridges, and packing materials. Take a close look at tessellating polygons and how these amazing structures can be used by scientists and engineers.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

A/V Lab

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Join us for access to the sound booth and other HiTech equipment to record and mix music or create movies.

Registration preferred. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Carnival Engineering: Strongman

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Engineer a Strongman Game for the HiTech Carnival! Build this classic carnival game from scratch using Arduino micro-controllers, pressure sensors, and LED lights. Whoever can light up the most lights wins!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Design for Laser Cutting & Engraving

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Using a variety of software and techniques, design your own keepsakes that you can print using the Glowforge™ laser cutter and engraver!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Design for Laser Cutting & Engraving

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Using a variety of software and techniques, design your own keepsakes that you can print using the Glowforge™ laser cutter and engraver!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Dunk Tanks & Water Misters

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Using the principles of engineering, help us keep our carnival cool this year by building the water mister arch and a dunk tank!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Exploring Computing Language through Humanoid Robots & the ROBOTIC DOG!

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Learn the structure and design of artificial intelligence. Explore the concepts needed to program a human-to-robot interactive conversation and investigate recent technological advances like the Robotic Dog!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri. Register once for all sessions.

Learn Astronomy

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Scientists use lots of different telescopes to peer into the vastness of space. What have they found? From powerful supernovas and quasars to massive black holes and huge nebulas, the universe is full of extreme and strange objects. And there are so many more cosmic mysteries to explore!

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Science of Colors & Tie-Dye

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Explore the use of color and tie-dye techniques in this fun class. Students will tie-dye drawstrings bags, pencil cases, and fabric that will be part of a larger project for the Carnival.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Zoology

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

This course will cover an overview of the topics in zoology, including cell biology, taxonomy, major vertebrate groups, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Activities related to the course material will be completed each day.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This class is being held Mon - Fri, register once for all sessions.

Owl Pellet Dissection (ages 8-10) TK

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:

Ages 8-10; 45 minutes.

Learn all about amazing owls! In this class you will learn how and what owls eat, as well as how a pellet is formed in an owl's unique digestive system. Dissect a sterilized pellet and use investigative skills to analyze and identify the contents to determine what the owl ate!

Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Readers' Theater (9-14 years) RG

Date: 07/18/25
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children, Teens
Program type: Art, Movies & Music
Description:

Ages 9-14 years; 60 min. Registration required.

Calling all readers to take the stage! Build confidence by reading lines aloud while playing a character. Class finishes with a performance of our readers' theater play for all.