There are 37 upcoming classes.
Korean for Beginners
Date: 05/05/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Learn Korean in this 12-week class, taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Learn the Korean alphabet, culture, food, and basic Korean expressions while you have fun in a small group setting. Adults, ages 18+.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
Author Works: Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame (Online)
Date: 05/07/25Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
With an armored, oath-bound hero reminiscent of The Mandalorian and
the Asian-inspired epic fantasy of She Who Became the Sun, this is a stunning queer novella about a dragon hunter finding home with a dragon queen
“A lovely, intricate gem of a fairy tale about finding yourself in another
person and traveling distant lands to finally come home. I loved it.”
—Olivie Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six
Few know the true identity of the masked guildknight of Mithrandon
She barely remembers herself.
The masked guildknight—Yeva—was thirteen when she killed her first dragon. With her gift revealed, she was shipped away to the imperial capital to train in the rare art of dragon-slaying. Now a legendary dragon hunter, she has never truly felt at home—nor removed her armor in public—since that fateful day all those years ago.
Yeva must now go to Quanbao, a fiercely independent and reclusive kingdom. It is rumored that there, dragons are not feared as is right and proper, but instead loved and worshipped. It is rumored that there, they harbor a dragon behind their borders. While Yeva searches for the dreaded beast, she is welcomed into the palace by Quanbao’s monarch, Lady Sookhee.
As they grow closer, Yeva longs to let Lady Sookhee see the person behind the armor, but she knows she must fulfill her purpose and slay the dragon. Ultimately, she must decide who—or what—she is willing to betray: her own heart, or the sacred duty that she has called home for so long.
Neon Yang (they/them) is a non-binary author based in the UK. They have been nominated for the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Lambda Literary, Ignyte, and Locus Awards, and their Tensorate series of novellas (The Red Threads of Fortune, The Black Tides of Heaven, The Descent of Monsters, and The Ascent to Godhood) was an Otherwise Award Honoree. In previous incarnations, Neon was a molecular biologist, a science communicator, a writer for animation, games and comic studios, and a journalist for one of Singapore's major papers.
Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. (Walk-ins welcome).
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 05/07/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Intermediate Korean (online)
Date: 05/07/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Prerequisite: Korean for Beginners (offered at the Miller Branch). Registration required. Ages 18+. Continue learning Korean in this 12-week class taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The class will expand on Korean culture, food, and basic Korean expressions, while you have fun in a small group setting. Attendance at 10 out of 12 classes is required.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
World Languages Cafe
Date: 05/08/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
In collaboration with Columbia Association, Howard County Library System's Miller Branch will host a monthly World Languages Café, beginning in September on the 2nd Thursday evening, from 7 - 8:45 pm.
Established by the Columbia Association’s International Exchange & Multicultural Program 10 years ago, the World Languages Café (WLC) provides a venue where people meet to practice a world language with fellow community members, facilitated by a native or fluent speaker of that language. Over the years, the WLC has featured languages including *Arabic, *American Sign Language, *Chinese, Dutch, *French, Hebrew, Irish Gaelic, Italian, *Japanese, *Korean, Portuguese, and *Spanish. (*Currently available at Miller Branch Library location)
Second Thursdays, 7 - 8:45 pm
The World Languages Café is free, and registration is preferred, but not required. Please indicate in the registration comments field the language you would like to practice. Ages 13+.
We are also seeking language table hosts. If you are interested in connecting with community members by volunteering to host a table in the language of your choice at HCLS Miller Branch, please email [email protected] or call 410-924-2226.
Fostering Connection through Historic African American Experiences in Howard County
Date: 05/09/25Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Engage, connect and build community in a welcoming and inclusive space for people to explore, learn and heal. Facilitated by Marcus "Sankofa" Nicks.
Join us for a powerful guided tour of In the Light — The History of African Americans from Slavery to Desegregation, the Harriet Tubman Center’s immersive exhibit exploring the lived experiences of African Americans in Howard County. Journey through the histories of enslavement, segregation, education, neighborhoods, civic activism, and more— and reflect on how these legacies shape our present.
Stay for a community conversation designed to deepen connection, foster healing, and encourage
dialogue in an inclusive and welcoming space. Light refreshments served.
This session will also take place on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 6 pm.
*This session is part of HCLS' Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC) Spring-Summer 2025 series.
Know Your Rights: A Community Workshop Series Empowering Immigrants in Howard County
Date: 05/12/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
The Howard County Library System, in collaboration with the Luminus Network, Inc., is proud to present "Know Your Rights," a series of workshops designed to inform and empower immigrants in our community. These sessions will provide essential information on how to safely interact with immigration authorities, available immigration relief options, and the Constitutional rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
Workshops will be held at all six Howard County Library branches to ensure accessibility for all residents. No registration required.
*Universal Translation Available
This event will offer universal translation through Instant Language Assistant (ILA). Attendees can access real-time text and audible translations in over 200 languages via their personal smartphone and headset/earbuds.
Korean for Beginners
Date: 05/12/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Learn Korean in this 12-week class, taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Learn the Korean alphabet, culture, food, and basic Korean expressions while you have fun in a small group setting. Adults, ages 18+.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
Adult Beyond Words - Special Day
Date: 05/13/25Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Adult Beyond Words, an inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of people (ages 18+) with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Participants may partake in five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - with activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - with puzzles and cognitive challenges that nurture intellectual growth and problem-solving skills
Movement - with active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration that focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress
With a new theme and different stations each month, Adult Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for this month is Pollinators & Other Bugs
Know Your Rights: A Community Workshop Series Empowering Immigrants in Howard County
Date: 05/14/25Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
The Howard County Library System, in collaboration with the Luminus Network, Inc., is proud to present "Know Your Rights," a series of workshops designed to inform and empower immigrants in our community. These sessions will provide essential information on how to safely interact with immigration authorities, available immigration relief options, and the Constitutional rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
Workshops will be held at all six Howard County Library branches to ensure accessibility for all residents. No registration required.
*Universal Translation Available
This event will offer universal translation through Instant Language Assistant (ILA). Attendees can access real-time text and audible translations in over 200 languages via their personal smartphone and headset/earbuds.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 05/14/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Intermediate Korean (online)
Date: 05/14/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Prerequisite: Korean for Beginners (offered at the Miller Branch). Registration required. Ages 18+. Continue learning Korean in this 12-week class taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The class will expand on Korean culture, food, and basic Korean expressions, while you have fun in a small group setting. Attendance at 10 out of 12 classes is required.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
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)
This session is part of HCLS' AAPI Heritage Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
Asian American Literature Book Club (Online)
Date: 05/19/25Time: 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 While Time Remains by Yeonmi Park
- 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.
This session is part of HCLS' AAPI Heritage Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
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.
Author Works: Spitfires: American Women who Flew in the Face of Danger during WWII
Date: 05/19/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Memorial Day Remembrance
A bold and soaring work of history . . . whip-smart, deeply researched, and beautifully written.” -Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of King: A Life
The heart-pounding true story of the daring American women who piloted the most dangerous aircraft of World War II through the treacherous skies of Britain.
They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft.
In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior.
With cinematic sweep, Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams.
Becky Aikman is the author of two books of narrative nonfiction: her memoir, Saturday Night Widows, and Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge. A former journalist at Newsday, Aikman has written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She lives in New York.
Books will be available for sale and a book signing will take place after the talk.
Korean for Beginners
Date: 05/19/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Learn Korean in this 12-week class, taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Learn the Korean alphabet, culture, food, and basic Korean expressions while you have fun in a small group setting. Adults, ages 18+.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 05/21/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Intermediate Korean (online)
Date: 05/21/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Prerequisite: Korean for Beginners (offered at the Miller Branch). Registration required. Ages 18+. Continue learning Korean in this 12-week class taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The class will expand on Korean culture, food, and basic Korean expressions, while you have fun in a small group setting. Attendance at 10 out of 12 classes is required.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
Beyond Words at East Columbia Branch
Date: 05/22/25Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will journey through five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - where hands and hearts intertwine in activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination, fostering a sense of accomplishment
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - where puzzles and cognitive challenges become stepping stones to triumph, nurturing intellectual growth and problem-solving prowess
Movement - where active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Education - where learning takes center stage featuring a focus on counting, letter/word recognition, basic math, or a science activity
With a new theme and different stations each month, Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Welcome to a place where every participant is celebrated for the unique colors they bring to the canvas of life.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for May is "Pollinators & Other Bugs."
*Each location will offer the same number of stations, but activities will vary between branches
Teen Action Board (Ages 11-18)
Date: 05/24/25Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Teen Action Board at Central Branch provides an opportunity for teen leaders to collaborate and discuss ways to make the library a better place for you! At TAB meetings we will brainstorm ways to influence, design, plan, and implement projects, classes, book displays, and events at HCLS Central Branch. Service hours granted for meetings and any other volunteer activities. Registration preferred. Ages 11+.
World Languages Cafe @ East Columbia 50+ Center (in person)
Date: 05/27/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
The World Languages Cafe is now being held at the new East Columbia 50+ Center; 6610 Cradlerock way, Columbia, Md. 21045 on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Established by the Columbia Association’s International Exchange & Multicultural Program 10 years ago, the World Languages Café (WLC) provides a venue where people meet to practice a world language with fellow community members, facilitated by a native or fluent speaker of that language. Over the years, the WLC has featured languages including Arabic, *American Sign Language, *Chinese, *Catonese, *Dutch, *French, German, Hebrew, *Irish Gaelic, *Italian, *Japanese, *Korean, *Portuguese, and *Spanish. (*Currently available at East Columbia Branch 50+ Center)
4th Tuesday of the month from 7 - 8:45 pm. at East Columbia Senior Center
2nd Thursday of the month from 7 - 8:45 pm at the Miller Branch Library
The World Languages Café is free, and registration is preferred, but not required. Please indicate in the registration comments field the language(s) you would like to practice. Ages 13+.
We are also seeking language table hosts. If you are interested in connecting with community members by volunteering to host a table in the language of your choice at HCLS Miller Branch Library, or East Columbia 50+ Center, please email [email protected] or call 410-924-2226.
Teen Beyond Words
Date: 05/28/25Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Teen Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will journey through five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - where hands and hearts intertwine in activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination, fostering a sense of accomplishment
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - where puzzles and cognitive challenges become stepping stones to triumph, nurturing intellectual growth and problem-solving prowess
Movement - where active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress
With a new theme and different stations each month, Teen Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Welcome to a place where every participant is celebrated for the unique colors they bring to the canvas of life.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for this month is Pollinators & Other Insects
FAM: Fun At Miller
Teen Beyond Words (Ages 11-17)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
For Teens Ages 11-17 with learning/developmental disabilities.
Come and participate at 5 different activity stations.
This month’s theme: BUGS & INSECTS
Registration is required.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pm
Intermediate Korean (online)
Date: 05/28/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Prerequisite: Korean for Beginners (offered at the Miller Branch). Registration required. Ages 18+. Continue learning Korean in this 12-week class taught by Saea Oh, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The class will expand on Korean culture, food, and basic Korean expressions, while you have fun in a small group setting. Attendance at 10 out of 12 classes is required.
Space is limited. In partnership with the Korean Education Center in Washington DC.
Rock on with Bollywood
Date: 05/29/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Rock on to Bollywood music as Bollywood dancer Jaya Mathur demonstrates and teaches the basic steps of Bollywood dancing. Must be 18+. Waiver required. Registration required.
Please dress in appropriate attire conducive to movement and comfort.
This session is part of HCLS' AAPI Heritage Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
Know Your Rights: A Community Workshop Series Empowering Immigrants in Howard County
Date: 05/29/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
The Howard County Library System, in collaboration with the Luminus Network, Inc., is proud to present "Know Your Rights," a series of workshops designed to inform and empower immigrants in our community. These sessions will provide essential information on how to safely interact with immigration authorities, available immigration relief options, and the Constitutional rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
Workshops will be held at all six Howard County Library branches to ensure accessibility for all residents.
No registration required.
*Universal Translation Available
This event will offer universal translation through Instant Language Assistant (ILA). Attendees can access real-time text and audible translations in over 200 languages via their personal smartphone and headset/earbuds.
Where do we go from here? Recognizing the Power We Hold In Tumultuous Times
Date: 05/31/25Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Many of us are asking ourselves these questions: What do we do now? How can we be of assistance when we feel powerless?
The fact is that we are not powerless--not individually and not collectively.
Join us for this interactive 90-minute session as we discuss "everyday" ways of using our power and privilege for the common good in tumultuous times. A. Adar Ayira of Ayira Core Concepts, LLC, facilitates this meaningful and engaging discussion.
This session will also take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6 pm.
*This session is part of HCLS' Spring-Summer 2025 Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC) series.
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].
Pride Button Making (ages 6+)
Date: 06/02/25Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 6+; allow 20 minutes. Drop in.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month by making a custom button to reflect your identity! Choose from provided designs or create your very own. All supplies provided.
This session is part of HCLS' Pride Month celebration series. Please click here to find more classes and events for all ages.
Adult Beyond Words
Date: 06/09/25Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Adult Beyond Words, an inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of people (ages 18+) with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Participants may partake in five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - with activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - with puzzles and cognitive challenges that nurture intellectual growth and problem-solving skills
Movement - with active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration that focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress
With a new theme and different stations each month, Adult Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for this month is
Beaded Pride Bracelets
Date: 06/10/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Enjoy a fun evening of crafting and celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month by making Pride inspired bracelets to keep or give as gifts.
This class is part of our Pride Month series. Click here for the full schedule of classes and events.
Beyond Words at East Columbia Branch
Date: 06/13/25Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Step into the fun and active world of Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will journey through five engaging stations, that include:
Motor Skills - where hands and hearts intertwine in activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination, fostering a sense of accomplishment
Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
Cognitive Skills - where puzzles and cognitive challenges become stepping stones to triumph, nurturing intellectual growth and problem-solving prowess
Movement - where active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
Education - where learning takes center stage featuring a focus on counting, letter/word recognition, basic math, or a science activity
With a new theme and different stations each month, Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.
Welcome to a place where every participant is celebrated for the unique colors they bring to the canvas of life.
Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.
Caregivers must stay with participants at all times.
The theme for June is "Beach/Ocean."
*Each location will offer the same number of stations, but activities will vary between branches
Fostering Connection through Historic African American Experiences in Howard County
Date: 06/16/25Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Teens, Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Engage, connect and build community in a welcoming and inclusive space for people to explore, learn and heal. Join us for a powerful guided tour of In the Light — The History of African Americans from Slavery to Desegregation, the Harriet Tubman Center’s immersive exhibit exploring the lived
experiences of African Americans in Howard County. Facilitated by Marcus "Sankofa" Nicks.
Journey through the histories of enslavement, segregation, education, neighborhoods, civic activism, and more— and reflect on how these legacies shape our present.
Stay for a community conversation designed to deepen connection, foster healing, and encourage
dialogue in an inclusive and welcoming space. Light refreshments served.
*This session is part of HCLS' Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC) Spring-Summer 2025 series.
This session will also take place on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 6 pm.
Asian American Literature Book Club (Online)
Date: 06/16/25Time: 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.
- Mar. 17 2025 Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
- Apr. 21 2025 While Time Remains by Yeonmi Park
- May 19 Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
- Jun. 16 Private Equity: a memoir by Carrie Sun
- Jul. 21 The Emma Project by Sonali Dev
- Aug 18 The Kamogowa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
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.
You Betta Werk! The Art & History of Drag
Date: 06/17/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Celebrate Pride through the art of drag!
Travel through time to learn how this form of entertainment has developed over the past 100+ years, from the 1920s "Pansy Craze" to the rise of RuPaul's Drag Race. Then, try your hand at applying 'quick drag' makeup, as demonstrated by a local drag artist. Contact with allergens may occur.
Must be 18+ to participate.
Space & supplies are limited. First-come, first-served.
This class is part of our Pride Month series. Click here for the full schedule of classes and events.
Songs of Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad
Date: 06/18/25Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Off Site
Age group: Adults, Everyone
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Harriet Tubman's story comes alive through traditional code songs, modern melodies, and authentic narration. Journey along the Underground Railroad with historian Linda Harris as she chronicles her annual charity walks through the lens of local African American history.
Linda Harris is the Director of Events and Programming at the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, MD. You can learn more about Linda Harris and the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center at harriettubmanmuseumcenter.org
Registration is optional. Register if you wish to receive email reminders and updates about this class. All seating is first-come, first-served.
This event is presented by the Savage Branch of the Howard County Library System, in partnership with Carroll Baldwin Hall, Savage's community center.
This event takes place at:
9035 Baltimore St
Savage, MD 20763
