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 19 upcoming classes.
Exhibit: Hidden Voices- Mary Cardwell Dawson: The Legacy of an Opera Pioneer
Date: 07/12/25Time: 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.
All Together Now (all ages with adult) TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Description:
All Together Now (All Ages) TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Description:
Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
All Together Now (families) TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
All Together Now, Summer Reading Adventures, Everyone, TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Cuentos en Español y Tiempo de Juego (edades 0-5 con adulto) TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Edades 0-5 años con adulto. 30 minutos. Se requiere un tiquete gratis disponible en el escritorio del área infantil.
Únase a nosotros para cuentos, canciones y rimas en español. Seguido de un tiempo de juego.
Toddler Time [ages 6-24 months with adult] TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Ages 6-24 months with adult. Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Play with toys, meet new friends, enjoy music, and develop cognitive, motor and social skills.
Ask A Master Gardener
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Gardening & Nature
Description:
Find the answers to gardening questions by talking with a University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener. Drop in; no registration required.
Compost Demonstration (In-Person)
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults, Everyone
Program type: Gardening & Nature
Description:
Learn the basics of composting. Composting reduces pressure on our landfills and recycles organic waste material into helpful soil supplements for gardens, container plants, and lawns. Free compost bins will be available to Howard County residents.
Drop in; no registration required.
In the event of inclement or severe weather, this session may be canceled. Check this page for updates, or call the Miller Branch at 410-313-1950 to confirm before heading to the branch.
Digital SAT Practice Test
Date: 07/12/25Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: College & Trade Schools
Description:
Take a practice Digital SAT at the library, run by C2 Education of Ellicott City. Test will begin promptly at 10:30, so please arrive on time!
Registration required. Bring your own graphing calculator, fully charged laptop, and laptop charger.
Please complete the attached Student Information Sheet and submit it via email or in-person to the library. The information shared will be accessed by C2 Education and the College Board for the Practice Exam. Your scores and log-in information will not be shared with anyone other than yourself and C2 Education.
Attend the Scoreback Session at 6:30 pm on July 16th.
Using Citizen Science to Guide Your Gardening Practices
Date: 07/12/25Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Gardening & Nature
Description:
Do you love butterflies? Learn from Master Gardeners use the data from Citizen Science projects to increase the pollinators and beneficial insects in your yard. We’ll talk about gardening for birds and frogs too. Citizen science programs such as Monarch Watch, Project Bud Burst, and Project Feeder Watch can bring the kinetic energy of life to your yard.
Summer Reading: Celebrate Libraries!
Date: 07/12/25Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Everyone
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
Join us to celebrate 85 years of Howard County Library System and all things summer reading with activities for all ages! Sponsored in part by Friends and Foundation of HCLS.
Events and Activities
- FREE Snacks & Prizes (while supplies last)
- Decorate your own party hat or crown
- Celebrate with songs in the karaoke room
- Make memories at the selfie station
- Explore the branch to complete the story walk and scavenger hunt
Learn more about Summer Reading Adventures: Celebrate Libraries here!
All Together Now (all ages with adult) TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 11:15am - 11:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, Everyone
Description:
All Together Now (All Ages) TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 11:15am - 11:45am
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Description:
Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Pets on Wheels
Date: 07/12/25Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults, Everyone
Program type: Health & Wellness
Description:
Therapy dog(s) from Pets on Wheels will be at the East Columbia Branch for friendly visits with customers. Drop in - no registration required.
Pets on Wheels is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that brings friendly therapy pet visits to people across Maryland. Learn more about them at petsonwheels.org.
Juguemos Con Letras (Ages 6-12) TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Culture & Language
Description:
Ages 6-12; 30 min. Ticket required.
Únase a un tiempo de diversión jugando Scrabble y juegos de Lapiz y Papel en Español.
*This class is designed for students with a basic understanding of Spanish up to an intermediate Spanish level.
Let's Draw...Summer Fun! [3rd-5th grade] TK
Date: 07/12/25Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
3rd-5th grade. 30-45 min. Ticket required.
Create your own summer inspired drawing using how to draw guides, video tutorials, and drawing tips. Begin with drawing warm-ups to get your creativity flowing. Then create your own drawings using the resources provided.
Tickets are available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Grades enforced with limited exceptions.
Digital SAT Practice Test (grades 9-12)
Date: 07/12/25Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: College & Trade Schools
Description:
Grades 9-12. Registration required.
Are you studying for your SAT exam? Experience the Digital SAT by taking a practice exam administered by C2 Education. Return the following Wednesday 7/16 at 6 pm for your practice exam scores and for a Q&A (parents/guardians are welcome to attend the scoreback session).
COMPLETE and RETURN the Student Information Sheet attached to this class description to [email protected] or in person at the Central Branch by 7/11 to complete your registration. If your form is not submitted by this date, your registration may be cancelled. The information shared will be accessed by C2 Education and the College Board for the purposes of the practice exam. Your scores and log-in information will only be accessible to you and C2 Education.
Please bring your chromebook, calculator and charger if possible. Email [email protected] if you do not have access to a computer and we will reserve one for your use during the test.
DSAT Scoreback Session will be held on Wednesday, July 16 @ 6 pm at the HCLS Central Branch.
Crochet Club (8-11 years with adult) RG
Date: 07/12/25Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
Ages 8-11; 60 min. Registration required.
Learn from and collaborate with other crocheters while attempting our featured beginner patterns. Some materials are provided to learn skills in class. Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials.
