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 34 upcoming classes.
Baby's Play Date (infant-23 months)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
Allow 20 min.
Play with our toys, read a board book, enjoy music, and visit with others.
Pronunciation for English Language Learners - Adult (In-person)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Language
Description:
This is an in-person class 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. If you're new to this program, you'll receive an email invitation to take a placement test to determine your level. This test is required for all participants.
Reading, Writing & Grammar - Adult (Online)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Language
Description:
This is a class for English language learners. It focuses on essential English grammar and on the basics of writing for work and personal communication. Each class session will focus on one or two concepts of grammar and allow students to apply these grammar concepts in writing sentences, paragraphs and simple essays. If you're new to this program, you will receive an email invitation to take a placement test to determine your level. This test is required for all participants.
3, 2 Fun! (2-3 years with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
Ticket required.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
3, 2, Fun! [ages 2-3 with adult] TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
Play Partners (infant-23 mos with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
3, 2, Fun (2-3 yrs with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.
Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 11:15am - 11:45am
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
3, 2, Fun! [ages 2-3 with adult] TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Play Partners (infant-23 mos with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
All By Myself [ages 4-6] TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten), Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Description:
Ticket required. Tickets are available 15 minutes before class
Market to Mealtime: How to Grow and Cook with Herbs (Online)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 14 - 18 (High School), Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Health & Wellness
Description:
Join us for a 30-minute lesson on tips and ideas on how to grow and cook with herbs with Howard County's SNAP-Ed's educator Razan Sahuri.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event.
Razan Sahuri works at the University of Maryland Extension. She is Howard County’s Maryland SNAP-Ed nutrition educator. Razan holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and a Master’s degree in Public Health. Through her work with the University of Maryland Extension, Razan partners with Howard County Public School System, Head Start Centers and the Howard County Food Bank to deliver nutrition education to students, parents, and teachers. These collaborations also involve leveraging resources between Maryland SNAP-Ed and local community agencies, to facilitate greater access to and availability of healthy food options and influence the adoption of policy, systems, and physical environment changes related to a healthier lifestyle.
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP in cooperation with Maryland’s Department of Human Services and University of Maryland Extension. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For more information click here.
Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
Teen Time
Date: 02/07/23Time: 2:30pm - 6:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School)
Program type: Homework Club
Description:
Teen Time at HCLS East Columbia Branch is an initiative for neighborhood teens that enhances student academics in a fun, welcoming, after-school environment.
For registration information, please contact Carmen Jessop 410-313-7717 [email protected]
Little Learners (ages 3-5 with adult) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
Audio and Movie Editing Workshop
Date: 02/07/23Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Student will have access to audio and video editing software and will be able to create and/or edit video and create musical sequences using Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X. Drop-In
HiTech Tuesday - Digital Illustration
Date: 02/07/23Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Discover how to create illustrations using an iPad Pro and the drawing apps, Sketchbook and Procreate! Use the various tools in these apps to design, draw, and color your own dynamic illustrations. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Babysitting/Entrepreneurship 101
Date: 02/07/23Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: College & Career
Description:
This is a six-hour course that provides participants all the tools needed to establish a trustworthy and professional babysitting business with leadership skills to promote in diverse communities. Taught by a University of Maryland Extension Instructor and participants receive a certificate at completion. Must attend all 3 sessions. Age 13 and up. Registration required; only register once for the 3-day series please.
ABC Spanish Club (Bilingual) (Ages 6-9) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Language
Description:
Ages 6-9; 30 min. Ticket required.
If your child has "learn Spanish" in their New Year's Resolution, this is the perfect class for them.
Each week, we will study a different letter of the alphabet. First class is "Letter A”. We will read books in Spanish, and have fun with music and activities related to the letter of the week (Beginner level).
Parents are more than welcome to join as well.
Anime Art Club
Date: 02/07/23Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: Writing
Description:
Meet up with fellow anime and manga fans to practice drawing your favorite characters (or create your own!), recommend the manga you're reading and the anime you're watching and check out our collection/make suggestions for it. Ages 11-18, drop-in.
Everyday Activism: A Facilitator's Training
Date: 02/07/23Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Hospitality is an effective form of everyday activism. Learn to create spaces that support people’s varied experiences related to privilege, oppression, and social justice, especially as it relates to the social construct of race. You will be given tools to host and facilitate meaningful gatherings to bridge common divides and encourage uncommon connections.
In this virtual two-day workshop, you will learn how to facilitate Table Talks, Movie Night Discussions, Listening Circles, Cultural Outings, Panel Discussions, and Book Clubs.
Seats in this interactive, virtual two-day workshop are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please register for one two-day session. An email address is required to receive the link to join the workshop. Login instructions will be emailed to registered participants before the start of the workshop..
- Tuesday, February 7 & Wednesday, February 8, 6 – 8 pm
- Thursday, February 9 & Friday, February 10, 9 - 11 am
You may also be interested in our Everyday Activism: A New Lens for Howard County seminar.
About Suzanne Haley:
Suzanne Haley inspires soul care and human solidarity through compassionate truth-sharing, awakening empathy, and activating courageous citizenship. She is the Founder & CEO of S. Haley & Associates and co-founder of Changing the Lens, a community-building movement created to dismantle internalized and systemic racism. Suzanne participates with task forces, alliances, committees, and diverse collaborative efforts to encourage, educate, request, and demand equity and justice. She also works with local, regional, national, and international organizations to foster collective alliances for racial justice and healing through community building. She hopes to stimulate inside-out change that will bridge the gap of indifference and make a difference in the larger worlds of work, faith, community, and society.
Contact us at [email protected] if you need assistance or would like to let us know you are not available at these times but are interested in future opportunities.
Family Fun at Your Library (Families) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: All Ages / Families
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
All ages. Allow 30 min.
Explore hands-on, interactive activities for family members of all ages. These weekly activities develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and literacy skills. Each week offers a different set of activities, including STEM exploration stations, origami, tangrams, craft nights and more!
STEAM Team [ages 6-10] TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Ages 6-10. 45 min. Ticketed.
Work together in small groups investigating hands on STEAM activities.
Tickets available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
DEAR: Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers (ages 5-10, TK)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 0 - 5 (Infant/Toddler/ Preschool/Kindergarten), Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Language
Description:
Ages 5-10; allow 20 min. Parent/guardian must sign permission slip or have one on file prior to participating. Ticket and book required.
Bring a book or borrow one of ours. Read to Fidos for Freedom's therapy dogs in a relaxing and encouraging environment while increasing oral reading skills and self-confidence.
Art Wars! Black History Month Edition
Date: 02/07/23Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
FOR GRADES 6th-12th. | Drop-in, but register if you would like a reminder
In 40 minutes, what can you create? Bring just your imagination to Art Wars, a fun class series giving artists a safe space to create based on a common theme. This month create artwork inspired by prominent African-American artists to honor Black History Month. You'll learn a little about each artist's work, then have 40 minutes to create your own. Enter the contest for a chance to win a prize, or just create and enjoy! Materials provided.
- Dress for mess!
- Students can only use materials available in this class.(students are not permitted to bring their own art supplies)
- If you'd like, we'll display your art at the library!
Future Art Wars classes will be announced soon!
English For Intermediate English Language Learners - Adult (In-Person)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Language
Description:
This is an in-person class for intermediate adult English language learners who wish to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. It meets in the Tapestry Room in HCLS Central Branch. If you're new to this program, you'll receive an email invitation to take a placement test to determine your level. This test is required for all participants.
Pajama Time (families) TK
Date: 02/07/23Time: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: All Ages / Families
Program type: Start Ready (Kindergarten Readiness)
Description:
Ticket required.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Spies, Lies, and Alibis Book Discussion Group
Date: 02/07/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
We focus on spies, espionage, and world intrigue, alternating both classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction, from the twentieth century and beyond.
Join us for discussion of the following titles on the first Tuesday of the month:
Feb 7 - Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
Mar 7 - Munich by Robert Harris
Apr 4 - Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott
Art in the Evening: Creative Clay
Date: 02/07/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 14 - 18 (High School), Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: DIY & Crafts
Description:
Join us every month to explore new artistic themes or media in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Creative Clay: Enjoy a relaxing evening of sculpting and learn simple techniques for working with Air-Dry Clay.
Creative Journaling
Date: 02/07/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group:
Program type: Writing
Description:
Looking for a fun, inspired way to curate your reading list or to plan your day in style? Try journaling! In this class you will learn about the different types of journaling and the many different ways you can lay out your journal. After learning about the types of journaling, try your hand at making your very own handmade journal to decorate in your preferred style. We will also explore the idea of maintaining a list of books you have read or want to read in a journal format.
Knot Just Knitters
Date: 02/07/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School), Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: STEM / STEAM
Description:
Ages 11-18 & Adults; Drop-in, 90 min.
Beginners welcome! Work on your stitching, knitting or crocheting projects while chatting and sharing ideas. Find inspiration as you trade tips tricks and techniques with other crafting enthusiasts. All crafters welcome.
English As A Second Language Levels 4, 5 & 6 - Adult (Online)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Description:
These classes are designed for adult English language learners who are in high intermediate and advanced levels. Classes meet twice a week on Tue. & Thur., 7-9PM. If you're new to this program, you'll receive an email invitation to take a placement test to determine your level first. This test is required for all participants.
English For Community Participation - Adult (Online)
Date: 02/07/23Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Language
Description:
This is a class for English language learners. Improve your English reading skills, vocabulary and grammar by using a wide range of civics-related subject matter including government, community, emergency services, and naturalization process. If you're new to this program, you will receive an email invitation to take a placement test to determine your level. This test is required for all participants.
