There are 73 upcoming classes.
Global Reads
Date: 01/06/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books on different cultures around the world as well as immigrant fiction.
1st Mondays; 7- 8 pm.
Join for a discussion of the following titles:
Jan 6: The English Experience by Julie Schumacher
Feb 3: James by Percival Everett
Mar 3: Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzales
Ask at the customer service desk for a copy of the book, beginning 4 weeks before the discussion date.
Read. Think. Talk.
Date: 01/06/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us for a discussion of books that explore humans, and their conditions.
On January 6th we will discuss A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers.
Spies, Lies, and Alibis Book Discussion Group
Date: 01/07/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: 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:
January 7 - A Covert Affair: The Adventures of Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS by Jennet Conant
February 4 - The Partisan by Patrick Worrall
March 4 - Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program That Brought Nazi Scientists to America by Annie Jacobsen
Books on Tap (book club)
Date: 01/08/25Time: 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Books on Tap reads across a wide variety of genres and points of view. Since we meet in the community, you are responsible for reserving the following titles for each meeting. Most are available in electronic formats, too.
We meet at The Ale House Columbia.
Winter titles
December: This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs
January: Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
February: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Mystery Book Club (in-person)
Date: 01/08/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend online, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-virtual-263169
Mystery Book Club (online)
Date: 01/08/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8 pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend in-person at the Savage Branch, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-savage-263160
What's On Your Shelf? Fiction and Nonfiction Book Chat
Date: 01/09/25Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Community Events
Description:
Share fiction and/or nonfiction titles that are on your bookshelf and we will share titles from our shelves. If you don't have a title to share, find inspiration in what others recommend and start building your reading list.
Readers also have the opportunity to ask for recommendations or to ask our instructors questions about books, reading, and the library. Previous discussion topics have included book donations, Little Free Libraries, and Goodreads (the world's largest website for readers and book recommendations).
Warning Graphic Content (Online)
Date: 01/09/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of graphic novels. 2nd Thursdays 7 - 8 pm.
January 9 Moby Dick by Herman Melville
February 13 Deprog by Tina Horn
March 13 Feral by Tony Fleecs
April 10 Revival by Tim Seeley
May 8 One Hundred Tales by Osamu Tezuka
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.
Title is available via hoopla
Between the Lines: An Intersectional Book Club
Date: 01/10/25Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Between the Lines is a space for readers who want to make an effort to read, highlight, and discuss layered stories. We'll discuss our chosen book, and then look closer into the context that makes the book relevant to all of us, exploring, in community, the ways that fiction can help us see our world more clearly.
Drop by before 5 pm to grab a drink or snack from Brewing Good, then join us to discuss the layers in our book of the month! We focus on works that address more than one perspective, in an effort to use literature to better understand the world around us.
Join us the second Friday of the month from 5-6 pm.
November - The Firekeeper's Daughter
December - The Death of Vivek Oji
January - Dragonfruit
February - The Unfortunates
*Registration is optional. Register if you wish to receive email reminders and updates about this event and similar events.
ELKS Excellent Reads
Date: 01/14/25Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Eclectic Evenings Meeting (Online)
Date: 01/14/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of fiction and nonfiction titles.
2nd Tuesdays, 7-8 pm
Join for a discussion of the following title:
January 14: Go As a River by Shelley Read (e-book | e-audio)
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Copies of the discussion title are available for pickup from the Central Branch; ask for a copy at the Customer Service desk.
Bas Bleu Book Discussion Group
Date: 01/15/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Bas Bleu, French for “bluestocking,” refers to an intellectual or literary woman. We read a variety of literary fiction, and all are welcome – not just bluestockings!
Join us for a discussion of the following books:
December 18 - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
January 15 - Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea
February 19 - The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Nonfiction Book Club (in-person)
Date: 01/15/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- December 18 - Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie
- January 15 - The Rooster House: My Ukrainian Family Story by Victoria Belim
- February 19 - The 272: The Families Who were Enslaved and Sold to Build The American Catholic Church by Rachel Swarns
This listing is for the in-person session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. View the online sessions for Winter here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-online-286558
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
Nonfiction Book Club (online)
Date: 01/15/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- December 18 - Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie
- January 15 - The Rooster House: My Ukrainian Family Story by Victoria Belim
- February 19 - The 272: The Families Who were Enslaved and Sold to Build The American Catholic Church by Rachel Swarns
This listing is for the online session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. If you would like to attend online, please register to receive the Zoom link.
We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. View the in-person sessions for Winter here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-person-286553
Registered customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining these titles, please email [email protected]
Noontime Books--IN PERSON
Date: 01/16/25Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us for an in person discussion of The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, at 12pm January 16th, 2025, at the Central Branch.
Customers may place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Additional copies are available at the Central Branch Customer Service desk.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email Wendy Camassar at [email protected].
Light but not Fluffy
Date: 01/16/25Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss light-hearted books that will make us smile. The books will talk about love, hope, and grace. They will include humor, and perhaps some snark, to spice things up. Be prepared to laugh!
3rd Thursdays: 2 - 3 pm
Join for a discussion of the following titles:
December 19th: Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler
January 16th: Don't Forget to Write by Sarah Goodman Confino
February 20th: I Hope this Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
Ask at the Adult Research Kiosk on second floor for a copy of the book, beginning 4 weeks before the discussion date.
Registration is preferred, not required.
Thursday Next Book Club
Date: 01/16/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Romance Reads (Online)
Date: 01/22/25Time: 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 Emily Henry. Please read any book of your choice by Emily Henry.
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.
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 01/27/25Time: 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.
This month's book will be Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune.
Asian American Literature Book Club (Online)
Date: 01/27/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Join our monthly discussion of Asian American literary titles.
- Sept.16 2024 Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now by Jeff Yang
- Oct. 21 2024 The Mountains Sing by Nguyẽ̂n Phan Qué̂ Mai
- Nov. 18 2024 On the noodle road : from Beijing to Rome, with love and pasta by Jen Lin-Liu
- Dec. 16 2024 Stay True: a memoir by Hua Hsu
- Jan. 27 2025 Lies and Weddings: a novel by Kevin Kwan
- Feb. 24 2025 Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Registered customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
In Other Worlds SFF Book Club (In-Person)
Date: 01/29/25Time: 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 (quarterly on 2nd Wednesdays) and books (monthly on 4th Wednesdays)
Jan 29: Saga (Volumes 1-6) by Brian K. Vaughan
Feb 26: Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Mar 26: Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
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: 01/29/25Time: 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 (quarterly on 2nd Wednesdays) and books (monthly on 4th Wednesdays)
Jan 29: Saga (Volumes 1-6) by Brian K. Vaughan
Feb 26: Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Mar 26: Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
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.
Veterans Book Group 2025 (Online)
Date: 02/02/25Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Veterans, both active and retired military, are invited to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Registration is open to veterans/active duty only, please.
All reading materials are provided. Space is limited.
1st Sundays; February 2 - June 1 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Online.
The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and, even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups!
The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with Howard County Library System.
Reading Selections:
February 2: Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton Romesha
March 2: The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson
April 6: The Special Prisoner by Jim Lehrer
June 1: In Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War by Tobias Wolff
Image credit: Generated using AI
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Read. Think. Talk.
Date: 02/03/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us for a discussion of books that explore humans, and their conditions.
On December 9th we will discuss If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin.
Books on Tap (book club)
Date: 02/05/25Time: 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Books on Tap reads across a wide variety of genres and points of view. Since we meet in the community, you are responsible for reserving the following titles for each meeting. Most are available in electronic formats, too.
We meet at The Ale House Columbia.
Winter titles
December: This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs
January: Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
February: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
This session is part of HCLS' Black History Month series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events.
ELKS Excellent Reads
Date: 02/11/25Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
In honor of Black History Month, join us to discuss The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Mystery Book Club (in-person)
Date: 02/12/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend online, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-virtual-263169
Mystery Book Club (online)
Date: 02/12/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8 pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend in-person at the Savage Branch, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-savage-263160
Warning Graphic Content (Online)
Date: 02/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of graphic novels. 2nd Thursdays 7 - 8 pm.
February 13 Deprog by Tina Horn
March 13 Feral by Tony Fleecs
April 10 Revival by Tim Seeley
May 8 One Hundred Tales by Osamu Tezuka
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.
Title is available via hoopla
Author Works: The Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
Date: 02/18/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
On the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance
Meet the Heartbeat of its Black Literary Revolution
100 years after the Harlem Renaissance, a new novel profiles the “literary midwife” who discovered and nurtured literary giants like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston…all while having an affair and love story with civil rights legend W. E. B. Du Bois.
“A page turner and history lesson at once, Harlem Rhapsody reminds us that our stories are our generational wealth— this book and the real lives that inspired it.”—Tayari Jones, New York Times bestselling author of An American Marriage
HARLEM RHAPSODY brings readers into glittering 1920’s Harlem through the lens of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the heartbeat of its literary revolution. Not only did Jessie discover and nurture icons like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Nella Larsen and Zora Neale Hurston. She was also caught up in a decade-long affair and “parallel marriage” with the professor and civil rights activist W. E. B. Du Bois—also her boss in her role as the literary editor of the NAACP’s The Crisis magazine.
In the 1920s, Harlem flourished as a place of Black pride. As the novel follows Fauset’s career, the reader is privy to both the brilliant creativity happening at this time while simultaneously understanding the experience of a Black woman who had to combat incredible sexism and racism to succeed.
Another of Jessie’s most complex yet loving relationships was with her stepmother, Isabella Huff, who was both Jewish and a staunch integrationist. Isabella deeply resented her daughter’s involvement with a married man. But she reveled in Jessie’s influence as someone using words to fight racism. Before the Harlem Renaissance, many if not all Black stories had been written by white writers. In The Crisis, Jessie had finally made available a space for Black writers to publish their own stories.
About the Author:
With almost three million books in print, NAACP Image Award-winning author Victoria Christopher Murray is one of the country’s top Black contemporary writers. Her prominence skyrocketed with recent forays into the inner lives and stories of underappreciated Black women. As the co-author with Marie Benedict of the breakout hits and New York Times bestsellers The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, she traced the lives of Belle de Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, and the Black civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.
Books will be available for purchase at the event, and the author will be signing books post-event.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation.
Nonfiction Book Club (in-person)
Date: 02/19/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- December 18 - Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie
- January 15 - The Rooster House: My Ukrainian Family Story by Victoria Belim
- February 19 - The 272: The Families Who were Enslaved and Sold to Build The American Catholic Church by Rachel Swarns
This listing is for the in-person session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. View the online sessions for Winter here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-online-286558
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
This session is part of HCLS' Black History Month series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events.
Nonfiction Book Club (online)
Date: 02/19/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- December 18 - Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie
- January 15 - The Rooster House: My Ukrainian Family Story by Victoria Belim
- February 19 - The 272: The Families Who were Enslaved and Sold to Build The American Catholic Church by Rachel Swarns
This listing is for the online session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. If you would like to attend online, please register to receive the Zoom link.
We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. View the in-person sessions for Winter here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-person-286553
Registered customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining these titles, please email [email protected]
This session is part of HCLS' Black History Month series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events.
Noontime Books--IN PERSON
Date: 02/20/25Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us for an in person discussion of James by Percival Everett at 12pm, February 20th, 2025 at the Central Branch.
Registered customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Copies are available at the Central Branch Customer Service desk.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email Wendy Camassar
Afrofuturism with Kevin Strait, NMAAHC Curator | Hybrid Watch Party
Date: 02/20/25Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
All ages | Registration suggested, walk-ins welcome while space allows. Want to watch with others? Come to Miller's live watch party.
*This is an IN PERSON "watch party" at Miller for the virtual Zoom event. Prefer to attend online? Register here for the Zoom link.
What is Afrofuturism?
Museum curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Kevin Strait, discusses his past exhibit "Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures", shares the history of Afrofuturism, and how it "has evolved as a concept, philosophy, multimedia genre, aesthetic, and cultural movement. It explores Black identity, agency, and freedom through art and creative works that envision liberated futures for Black life." - NMAAHC
This event is part of Miller's Afrofuturism Series for Black History Month, see other events HERE. Visit Miller between February 10-28, to view the Afrofuturism Student Art Exhibit.
This session is part of HCLS' Black History Month series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events.
About the author:
Kevin Strait is a museum curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Since 2010, he has worked in the museum’s Office of Curatorial Affairs and was part of the core team that acquired objects and developed content for several of the museum’s permanent exhibitions and interpretive spaces. He currently stewards the NMAAHC's collections related to 20th century political and social history and African American popular culture. He curated the temporary exhibition, Afrofuturism - A History of Black Futures, the 2023 winner of the Smithsonian's Excellence in Exhibitions Award and is the co-editor of the exhibition's award-winning companion publication. Strait is a graduate of Wesleyan University and received his Ph.D. in American Studies from the George Washington University.
Thursday Next Book Club
Date: 02/20/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
In celebration of Black History Month, join us to discuss James, an alternate telling of Huckleberry Finn, by Percival Everett.
Between the Lines: An Intersectional Book Club
Date: 02/21/25Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Between the Lines is a space for readers who want to make an effort to read, highlight, and discuss layered stories. We'll discuss our chosen book, and then look closer into the context that makes the book relevant to all of us, exploring, in community, the ways that fiction can help us see our world more clearly.
Drop by before 5 pm to grab a drink or snack from Brewing Good, then join us to discuss the layers in our book of the month! We focus on works that address more than one perspective, in an effort to use literature to better understand the world around us.
Join us the second Friday of the month from 5-6 pm.
November - The Firekeeper's Daughter
December - The Death of Vivek Oji
January - Dragonfruit
February - The Unfortunates
*Registration is optional. Register if you wish to receive email reminders and updates about this event and similar events.
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 02/24/25Time: 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.
This month's book will be Troublemaker for Justice: The Story of Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the March on Washington.
Optional titles for further learning:
- Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin (DVD B RUSTIN B)
- I Must Resist: Bayard Rustin's Life in Letters (B RUSTIN)
This is part of HCLS' Black History Month celebration series. Click here for a full list of classes and events for all ages!
Asian American Literature Book Club (Online)
Date: 02/24/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Join our monthly discussion of Asian American literary titles.
- Dec. 16 2024 Stay True: a memoir by Hua Hsu
- Jan. 27 2025 Lies and Weddings: a novel by Kevin Kwan
- Feb. 24 2025 Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
- Mar. 17 2025 Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
- Apr. 21 2025 Sign, Gone: A Misfit's Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock, and the Fight to Fit in by Phuc Tran
- May 19 Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
Registered customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Romance Reads (Online)
Date: 02/26/25Time: 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 Jojo Moyes. Please read any book of your choice by Jojo Moyes.
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.
Veterans Book Group 2025 (Online)
Date: 03/02/25Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Veterans, both active and retired military, are invited to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Registration is open to veterans/active duty only, please.
All reading materials are provided. Space is limited.
1st Sundays; February 2 - June 1 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Online.
The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and, even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups!
The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with Howard County Library System.
Reading Selections:
February 2: Red Platoon by Clinton Romesha
March 2: The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson
April 6: The Special Prisoner by Jim Lehrer
May 4: Attack on the Liberty by James Scott
June 1: In Pharaoh’s Army by Tobias Wolff
Image credit: Generated using AI
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Mystery Book Club (in-person)
Date: 03/12/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend online, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-virtual-263169
Mystery Book Club (online)
Date: 03/12/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8 pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend in-person at the Savage Branch, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-savage-263160
Warning Graphic Content (Online)
Date: 03/13/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of graphic novels. 2nd Thursdays 7 - 8 pm.
March 13 Deprog by Tina Horn
April 10 Revival by Tim Seeley
May 8 One Hundred Tales by Osamu Tezuka
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.
Title is available via hoopla
Between the Lines: An Intersectional Book Club
Date: 03/14/25Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Between the Lines is a space for readers who want to make an effort to read, highlight, and discuss layered stories. We'll discuss our chosen book, and then look closer into the context that makes the book relevant to all of us, exploring, in community, the ways that fiction can help us see our world more clearly.
Drop by before 5 pm to grab a drink or snack from Brewing Good, then join us to discuss the layers in our book of the month! We focus on works that address more than one perspective, in an effort to use literature to better understand the world around us.
Join us the second Friday of the month from 5-6 pm.
November - The Firekeeper's Daughter
December - The Death of Vivek Oji
January - Dragonfruit
February - The Unfortunates
*Registration is optional. Register if you wish to receive email reminders and updates about this event and similar events.
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 03/17/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
This month's book will be A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland.
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 can be requested through our online catalog, or picked up from the Central Branch (ask for a copy at the Customer Service desk)
Nonfiction Book Club (in-person)
Date: 03/19/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- March 19 - Airplane Mode: An irreverent history of travel by Shahnaz Habib
- April 16 - I Am Code: An artificial intelligence speaks, poems by code-davinci-002
- May 21 - Another Appalachia: Growing up queer and Indian in a mountain place by Neema Avashia
This listing is for the in-person session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. View the online sessions for Spring here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-online-298553
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
Nonfiction Book Club (online)
Date: 03/19/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- March 19 - Airplane Mode: An irreverent history of travel by Shahnaz Habib
- April 16 - I Am Code: An artificial intelligence speaks, poems by code-davinci-002
- May 21 - Another Appalachia: Growing up queer and Indian in a mountain place by Neema Avashia
This listing is for the online session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. If you would like to attend online, please register to receive the Zoom link.
View the in-person sessions for Spring here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-person-298547
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
Noontime Books--IN PERSON
Date: 03/20/25Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us for an in person discussion of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 12pm, Thursday, March 20th, at the Central Branch.
Registered customers may place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Additional copies are available at the Central Branch Customer Service desk.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email Wendy Camassar.
Romance Reads (Online)
Date: 03/26/25Time: 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 Sylvia Day. Please read any book of your choice by Sylvia Day.
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.
Lafayette: The Most Dangerous Man of All
Date: 03/27/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: History & Genealogy
Description:
Over the last 250 years, Americans have named at least 600 towns, counties, parks, lakes, rivers, and schools for the Marquis de Lafayette, the proud French knight who helped their ancestors break from Britain.
However, beyond America, Lafayette’s name can be hard to find. That stark contrast informs the questions historian Richard Bell tackles in this talk about Lafayette and how we here in America, and others elsewhere, have chosen to remember him. Lafayette spent the vast majority of his political career in Europe and the struggle to earn a place in that continent’s pantheon of heroes was almost the death of him and still remains a work in progress.
Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. He has held major research fellowships at Yale, Cambridge, and the Library of Congress and is the recipient of the National Endowment of the Humanities Public Scholar award and the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. He serves as a Trustee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture and as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. (Walk-ins welcome).
Murder, Mischief, and Mayhem
Date: 03/27/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join us for a lively discussion of all things murderous, mysterious, and mischievous. Sometimes it's fiction, sometimes non-fiction, but always interesting!
Veterans Book Group 2025 (Online)
Date: 04/06/25Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Veterans, both active and retired military, are invited to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Registration is open to veterans/active duty only, please.
All reading materials are provided. Space is limited.
1st Sundays; February 2 - June 1 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Online.
The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and, even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups!
The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with Howard County Library System.
Reading Selections:
February 2: Red Platoon by Clinton Romesha
March 2: The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson
April 6: The Special Prisoner by Jim Lehrer
May 4: Attack on the Liberty by James Scott
June 1: In Pharaoh’s Army by Tobias Wolff
Image credit: Generated using AI
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Author Works: Paterson Joseph "The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho"
Date: 04/08/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
“A winning first novel…With the conjuring tricks of historical fiction, Joseph has taken an actual man and, two and a half centuries later, made him as thoroughly himself, and as fully present, as he was the first time round.” ― Thomas Mallon, New York Times Book Review
“[T]he rollicking fictionalized memoirs of a real-life Black British trailblazer . . . An entertaining portrait that also illuminates rare opportunities for Black people in 18th-century London.” ― Kirkus Reviews
The New York Public Library “Book of the Day”
Historical Writers’ Association Debut Historical Crown 2023 Winner
Royal Society of Literature’s Christopher Bland Prize Winner
Shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction
Nibbie at the British Book Awards, 2023
Named one of NPR’s “Books We Love” for 2023
Paterson Joseph is a beloved British actor and writer. Recently seen on Vigil, Noughts + Crosses and Boat Story, he has also starred in The Leftovers and Law & Order UK and he also plays Arthur Slugworth in the Wonka movie. He has won the Royal Society of Literature’s Christopher Bland prize and the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Historical Crown 2023 award.
The Secret Diaries of Ignatius Sancho is his debut novel, and is a story that begins on a slave ship in the Atlantic and ends at the very center of London life. It is a lush and immersive tale of adventure, artistry, romance, and freedom set in eighteenth-century England and based on the true story of the first Black person to vote in Britain, who lead the fight to end slavery. Joseph channels the writing style of the day and draws on the real-life Sancho’s diaries to give voice to his hero’s interior life.
Books will be available for purchase and the author will be signing books post event.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation.
Mystery Book Club (in-person)
Date: 04/09/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend online, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-virtual-263169
Mystery Book Club (online)
Date: 04/09/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8 pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend in-person at the Savage Branch, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-savage-263160
Warning Graphic Content (Online)
Date: 04/10/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of graphic novels. 2nd Thursdays 7 - 8 pm.
April 10 Revival by Tim Seeley
May 8 One Hundred Tales by Osamu Tezuka
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.
Title is available via hoopla
Between the Lines: An Intersectional Book Club
Date: 04/11/25Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Between the Lines is a space for readers who want to make an effort to read, highlight, and discuss layered stories. We'll discuss our chosen book, and then look closer into the context that makes the book relevant to all of us, exploring, in community, the ways that fiction can help us see our world more clearly.
Drop by before 5 pm to grab a drink or snack from Brewing Good, then join us to discuss the layers in our book of the month! We focus on works that address more than one perspective, in an effort to use literature to better understand the world around us.
Join us the second Friday of the month from 5-6 pm.
November - The Firekeeper's Daughter
December - The Death of Vivek Oji
January - Dragonfruit
February - The Unfortunates
*Registration is optional. Register if you wish to receive email reminders and updates about this event and similar events.
Nonfiction Book Club (in-person)
Date: 04/16/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- March 19 - Airplane Mode: An irreverent history of travel by Shahnaz Habib
- April 16 - I Am Code: An artificial intelligence speaks, poems by code-davinci-002
- May 21 - Another Appalachia: Growing up queer and Indian in a mountain place by Neema Avashia
This listing is for the in-person session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. View the online sessions for Spring here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-online-298553
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
Nonfiction Book Club (online)
Date: 04/16/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- March 19 - Airplane Mode: An irreverent history of travel by Shahnaz Habib
- April 16 - I Am Code: An artificial intelligence speaks, poems by code-davinci-002
- May 21 - Another Appalachia: Growing up queer and Indian in a mountain place by Neema Avashia
This listing is for the online session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. If you would like to attend online, please register to receive the Zoom link.
View the in-person sessions for Spring here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-person-298547
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
Noontime Books--IN PERSON
Date: 04/17/25Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
oin us for an in person discussion of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, 12pm, April 17th, 2024 at the Central Branch.
Registered customers may place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Additional copies are available at the Central Branch Customer Service desk.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email Wendy Camassar.
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 04/21/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
This month's book will be Love Is an Ex-Country by Randa Jarrar.
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 can be requested through our online catalog, or picked up from the Central Branch (ask for a copy at the Customer Service desk)
Romance Reads (Online)
Date: 04/23/25Time: 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 Courtney Milan. Please read any book of your choice by Courtney Milan.
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.
Veterans Book Group 2025 (Online)
Date: 05/04/25Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Veterans, both active and retired military, are invited to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Registration is open to veterans/active duty only, please.
All reading materials are provided. Space is limited.
1st Sundays; February 2 - June 1 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Online.
The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and, even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups!
The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with Howard County Library System.
Reading Selections:
February 2: Red Platoon by Clinton Romesha
March 2: The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson
April 6: The Special Prisoner by Jim Lehrer
May 4: Attack on the Liberty by James Scott
June 1: In Pharaoh’s Army by Tobias Wolff
Image credit: Generated using AI
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Warning Graphic Content (Online)
Date: 05/08/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Read and discuss a wide array of graphic novels. 2nd Thursdays 7 - 8 pm.
May 8 One Hundred Tales by Osamu Tezuka
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.
Title is available via hoopla
Between the Lines: An Intersectional Book Club
Date: 05/09/25Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Between the Lines is a space for readers who want to make an effort to read, highlight, and discuss layered stories. We'll discuss our chosen book, and then look closer into the context that makes the book relevant to all of us, exploring, in community, the ways that fiction can help us see our world more clearly.
Drop by before 5 pm to grab a drink or snack from Brewing Good, then join us to discuss the layers in our book of the month! We focus on works that address more than one perspective, in an effort to use literature to better understand the world around us.
Join us the second Friday of the month from 5-6 pm.
November - The Firekeeper's Daughter
December - The Death of Vivek Oji
January - Dragonfruit
February - The Unfortunates
*Registration is optional. Register if you wish to receive email reminders and updates about this event and similar events.
Mystery Book Club (in-person)
Date: 05/14/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend online, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-virtual-263169
Mystery Book Club (online)
Date: 05/14/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Analyze and discuss a wide array of mystery novels from sleuths to spies. 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8 pm.
December: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
January: Dark Angel by John Sandford
February: The White Lady by Jaqueline Winspear
To attend in-person at the Savage Branch, register here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/mystery-book-club-savage-263160
Noontime Books--IN PERSON
Date: 05/15/25Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
oin us for an in person discussion of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford, 12pm May 15th, 2025 at the Central Branch.
Registered customers may place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Additional copies are available at the Central Branch Customer Service desk.
Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email Wendy Camassar.
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 05/19/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
This month's book will be The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang.
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 can be requested through our online catalog, or picked up from the Central Branch (ask for a copy at the Customer Service desk)
Nonfiction Book Club (in-person)
Date: 05/21/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- March 19 - Airplane Mode: An irreverent history of travel by Shahnaz Habib
- April 16 - I Am Code: An artificial intelligence speaks, poems by code-davinci-002
- May 21 - Another Appalachia: Growing up queer and Indian in a mountain place by Neema Avashia
This listing is for the in-person session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. View the online sessions for Spring here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-online-298553
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
Nonfiction Book Club (online)
Date: 05/21/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Book Clubs
Description:
Join the Nonfiction Book Club to share your thoughts on a varied array of Nonfiction selections.
- March 19 - Airplane Mode: An irreverent history of travel by Shahnaz Habib
- April 16 - I Am Code: An artificial intelligence speaks, poems by code-davinci-002
- May 21 - Another Appalachia: Growing up queer and Indian in a mountain place by Neema Avashia
This listing is for the online session, but this book discussion group meets in hybrid format so you may attend either online via Zoom or phone, or in person at the Savage Branch. We meet in the Savage Studio, near the teen area. If you would like to attend online, please register to receive the Zoom link.
View the in-person sessions for Spring here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/nonfiction-book-club-person-298547
Interested customers should place a hold request on the title using their library card in order to receive a copy to read before the discussion. Availability of physical copies is not guaranteed.
For additional assistance in obtaining this title, please email [email protected]
Romance Reads (Online)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 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 Helen Hoang Please read any book of your choice by Helen Hoang.
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.
Veterans Book Group 2025 (Online)
Date: 06/01/25Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Veterans, both active and retired military, are invited to this online discussion series. During five monthly facilitated sessions, discussions center on military experiences and a unique set of readings, which may include classics, fiction, memoirs, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. The readings relate in some way to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Registration is open to veterans/active duty only, please.
All reading materials are provided. Space is limited.
1st Sundays; February 2 - June 1 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Online.
The Veterans Book Group is moderated by David Owens. David Owens is a Navy veteran who served for six years onboard two U.S. Navy warships. Owens attended the U.S. Naval Academy and now runs a small media content production business based in the D.C. metropolitan area. Owens loves to read and, even more so, enjoys the discussions and camaraderie of the veteran book groups!
The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with Howard County Library System.
Reading Selections:
February 2: Red Platoon by Clinton Romesha
March 2: The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson
April 6: The Special Prisoner by Jim Lehrer
May 4: Attack on the Liberty by James Scott
June 1: In Pharaoh’s Army by Tobias Wolff
Image credit: Generated using AI
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
