Do you have students that like to read and are looking for a new way to express their appreciation for favorite titles? They can decorate a cake to look like a book cover!

They can help us celebrate the International Edible Book Festival and Howard County Library’s Fourth Annual Edible Books Contest at the Miller Branch on Wednesday, March 30 at 7 pm. The contest is simple: bake and decorate a cake to look like your favorite book. All decorations must be edible, and all cakes must be made and decorated by you.

Winners will receive prizes from Michaels and Barnes & Noble. The contest is open students aged 9-17. Register online or call 410-313-1950.

Courtney Gardinier – Miller Branch

Have your students passed the book?

If so…they are among the 469 world-wide teen readers who have made Pass the Book this year’s YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) MAE Best Literacy Program for Teens, an award honoring an outstanding reading or literature program that brings young adults and books together to encourage the development of life-long reading habits.

If not…contact your Library liaison to get your students involved in this award-winning project!  Teens can visit any HCL branch to pick up a copy of this year’s Pass the Book, Pay the Piper by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple.  (Or, we can bring copies right to your classroom!)  Once the book is in-hand, teens register the book’s unique number at hclibrary.org/passthebook; read the book; and pass the book on to another teen who will repeat the process.

Thanks to all of our teen readers who registered, read, and passed…as well as to all of our teachers who introduced the project to their students.  We couldn’t have done it without you!

Katie George – Administration Office

The Fourth Annual Edible Books Contest is on its way!  Maybe you have students who are avid readers who would be be interested in entering, but who aren’t as confident in their decorating skills as they are in their reading skills.

They can visit Miller Branch on Tuesday, March 15at 7 pm to learn how to decorate a cake like a professional. All the edible masterpieces can be entered into the  Edible Books Contest on Wednesday, March 30.

Register online or call 410-313-1950.

Courtney Gardinier – Miller Branch

You Wouldn’t Want to Live When… Ancient Rome, Imperial China, Mayan Civilization

Back by popular demand! Travel back through history and discover what life was like in the ancient world. Join historian (and HCL Instructor) Courtney Gardinier, at Howard County Library Miller Branch, as she teaches teens about different ancient civilizations. Crafts, trivia, and goofy hats are all a part of the fun as teens discuss what is was like to be a soldier in Ancient Rome, an emperor in Ancient China, or an Ancient Mayan priest.

Registration required for each class.

Saturdays, 2 – 4 pm

Ancient Rome – March 12

Imperial China – April 9

Mayan Civilization – May 7

Courtney Gardinier – Howard County Library, Miller Branch

Roses are red, Violets are blue…

Poetry doesn’t have to be hard, and it can be fun too! Join us at the Miller Branch on Thursday February 17^th to learn how to create simple and unique poetry by using old magazines, books and even unwanted Valentine’s Day cards. All poems created at this event will be eligible for submission in the Word Up! poetry contest. Register online or call 410-313-1950.

Courtney Gardinier -Miller Branch

Greg has been spotted many new places since the release of his latest book, The Ugly Truth.

At Elkridge Landing Middle School (ELMS) he visited one of HCL’s newest Media Specialists, Ms. Kimberly Sheibley. At ELMS, she’s been connecting teachers with her HCL liaison on numerous assignments, and had a small display of fliers in her Media Center about upcoming events at HCL. Thanks for your support Ms. Sheibley and Mrs. Thomas.

Greg stopped by Bonnie Branch Middle School  in the middle of their computer upgrade. Even in the midst of this major undertaking, Mr. Yeargin made time to chat with his branch liaison about new books  and upcoming assignments. Thank you, Mr. Yeargin and Ms. Wendt for your flexibility and superb communication.

Would you like Greg to visit your school? Drop a note to your HCL liaison, or put it in the notes section of your A+ Assignment Alert. Greg would love to visit your school next!

Sarah N. Russo – Elkridge Branch

In honor of Groundhog Day, your students can join us to explore the science of shadows and light. Projects include making a pinhole camera and building a sundial. Registration required.

SAVAGE Feb 3 Thu    6:30 – 8 pm

John Jewitt – Howard County Library, Savage Branch

Let’s face it: some teens just LOVE being the first to hear about something. It can be just about anything, but just knowing that they are privy to information other people don’t have gives them a sense of inside knowledge. With the First Look Committee at the Central Branch on Tuesday, December 21 at 7:00 pm, your students can do just that. They will get to peruse books that the public hasn’t seen yet because they have yet to be published. Talk about inside information; who will they share the juicy plot line with first?

Amy Stephens – Howard County Library Glenwood Branch

Crystal formation? A science class all about ice and snow? How very cool!

Invite your students to join us at Miller Branch on Thursday, December 16 at 7 pm to learn all about the formation of icicles and snowflakes, discover how to super-cool water and test the best way to melt ice. Register online or call 410-313-1950.

Courtney Gardinier – Miller Branch

Do your students have what it takes to be Howard County Library’s Teen Trivia Master? Do they know the exact date of Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington’s death, or which god or goddess was owed the first offering at every household sacrifice?

Starting in December, Howard County Library’s Miller Branch is going to find out at its monthly Teen Trivia Night that challenges students to answer trivia questions about their favorite YA books and series. Each month’s winning teen will receive the title of Teen Trivia Master and a $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Harry Potter Trivia – Wednesday December 8, 7-8 pm

Rick Riordan Mythology Trivia – Wednesday January 12, 7-8 pm

Hunger Games Trivia – Wednesday February 9, 7-8 pm

Courtney Gardinier – Miller Branch