There are 30 upcoming classes.
Korean for Beginners
Date: 12/04/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (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.
Fun With Spanish (ages 6-11) TK
Date: 12/06/23Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
30 Minutes. Ages 6-11. Ticket required.
Join Ms. Adriana to have fun learning some basic Spanish vocabulary with lessons for common elementary themes. New vocabulary introduced each week. Ms. Adriana uses the Muzzy app to guide attendees through lessons on conversational Spanish vocabulary. Muzzy is free to those with an HCLS card. Click here to connect to the library's Resource page to review lessons or learn at your own pace.
Windows & Mirror Book Club
Date: 12/06/23Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 14-17. Read and discuss books with diverse viewpoints that tackle tough issues, such as finding and establishing identity. Reading the book is encouraged, but not required.
Food provided.
Registration preferred.
Windows allow us to experience other cultures, and mirrors reflect parts of our own. Read and discuss books from diverse viewpoints over snacks, in HCLS' Windows & Mirrors Book Club for Teens.
December Book: I am not your perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez. Prefer to listen? Try an audio book for free with Libby.
*Books for this book club have been set aside for students who would like to attend the book club. Ask for one at Savage's customer service desk.
Book Description: Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents' house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family. But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga's role. Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out every possible way Julia has failed.
Read more about the book here.
See other Windows & Mirrors Book Club events here.
Día de las Velitas / Little Candle Day (ages 5-10 with adult) TK
Date: 12/07/23Time: 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 5-10 with adult. 45 minutes. Ticket required.
Join us in making Paper Lanterns to celebrate "Little Candles' Day". A traditional Colombian holiday which takes place every year on the 7th of December. The tradition consists of lighting candles and lanterns.
Windows & Mirrors High School Book Club
Date: 12/11/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Windows allow us to experience other cultures, and mirrors reflect parts of our own. Read and discuss books from diverse viewpoints over pizza.
December book: African Town by Irene Latham and Charles Waters.
"Chronicling the story of the last Africans brought illegally to America in 1860, African Town is a powerful and stunning novel-in-verse."
Copies available at the Elkridge branch Customer Service Desk. Prefer to listen? Try an audio book for free with Libby. Reading the book is encouraged, but not required. Learn more about the book here.
See other Windows & Mirrors Book Club events here.
Museum@TheLibrary: The Walters: Across Asia – Face of the Divine
Date: 12/13/23Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
The Walters Art Museum presents a landmark installation of its Asian and Islamic collections, offering new ways to examine and experience both Asian and Islamic art.
The Walters collection of Asian art comprises about 9,000 objects and encompasses works spanning 5,000 years of artistic traditions from diverse cultures and regions, most notably Japan, Korea, China, India, Nepal, Tibet, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. The collection of Islamic art, comprising some 1,200 objects, is one of the richest in the United States with particular strengths in Persian, Turkish, and Mediterranean cultures, as well as Islamic South Asia.
We bring this collection to you through a set of two classes.
Docent Leslie Bethell has been with The Walters since 2015. She has an AB from Mount Holyoke College in French Literature and Medieval Studies (1991) and an MA from St. John’s College in Annapolis (1997). She is a RPCV (Mongolia 2003-2005), She has worked on health projects in Sierra Leone (2005), and in Malawi as the Education Coordinator in a refugee camp (2006-2008). Stateside, She has taught middle and high school French and Social Studies at Loyola Blakefield (1997-2001), managed programs at the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs (2009-2012), and managed the after school education program at the Village Learning Place (2012-2013).
Image:
Credit line: “Unidentified artist, Seated Buddha, Myanmar/Burma, 18th–19th century, wood, dry lacquer, gilding, and glass inlay. Gift from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Southeast Asian Art Collection, 2002, acc. no. 25.232”
Nov 15
Across Asia – Hand of the Artist
Across Asia features stunning objects that highlight the skill of artists and artisans spanning centuries and vast geographies. Examine the metal work, enameling techniques, wooden joinery, or intricate jeweling displayed in this exhibit as you learn more about the stories of the people and cultures that created them.
Dec 13
Across Asia – Face of the Divine
Objects of devotion, especially those featuring deities, holy individuals, and sacred spaces, have touched the heights of human artistic achievement. Explore the ways that different cultures and spiritual traditions across Asia have given form and shape to beings beyond earthly experience.
SCROLL DOWN TO REGISTER.
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.
Fun With Spanish (ages 6-11) TK
Date: 12/13/23Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
30 Minutes. Ages 6-11. Ticket required.
Join Ms. Adriana to have fun learning some basic Spanish vocabulary with lessons for common elementary themes. New vocabulary introduced each week. Ms. Adriana uses the Muzzy app to guide attendees through lessons on conversational Spanish vocabulary. Muzzy is free to those with an HCLS card. Click here to connect to the library's Resource page to review lessons or learn at your own pace.
Rise Above: Test Taking Skills
Date: 12/13/23Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
- Does the thought of studying for a test feel overwhelming?
- Do you get stressed and seem to forget everything once the questions are in front of you?
- Have you ever been disappointed with your score on a test after you worked really hard to get ready for it?
- Do you wish there was a better way to prepare for and perform on tests?
This class is designed for teens grappling with executive function differences who are seeking a fresh perspective on effective study habits, memory retention, test-taking strategies, and stress-busting techniques. Be prepared to build a personalized toolkit for test-taking success and transform your test anxiety into academic confidence.
FAM: Fun At Miller
History Helpers: Preserving Our History in a Digital Transcription Meet-Up
Date: 12/14/23Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Make Smithsonian collection historical documents and biodiversity data more accessible by transcribing them while in a group setting. We'll provide the space and the training. Bring your own laptop, or use one of ours. Learn more at https://transcription.si.edu/.
World Languages Cafe
Date: 12/14/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 14 - 18 (High School), Ages 19+ (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,*Spanish, and *Urdu (*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.
Windows & Mirrors Teen Book Club at Miller
Date: 12/16/23Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 14-17 | Registration preferred | Pizza included! | Pick up the book from Miller Branch's customer service desk* | Reading the book is encouraged, but not required.
Windows allow us to experience other cultures, and mirrors reflect parts of our own. Read and discuss books from diverse viewpoints over pizza, in HCLS' Windows & Mirrors Book Club for Teens, inspired by author Nic Stone.
December book: Black Enough edited by Ibi Zoboi, read the whole book or a few stories from the collection. Prefer to listen? Try an audiobook for free with Libby.
*Books for this book club have been set aside for students who would like to attend the book club. Ask for one at Miller's customer service desk.
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Book description: "Black Enough is an essential collection of captivating stories about what it’s like to be young and Black in America. Black is...sisters navigating their relationship at summer camp in Portland, Oregon, as written by Renée Watson. Black is…three friends walking back from the community pool talking about nothing and everything, in a story by Jason Reynolds. Black is…Nic Stone’s high-class beauty dating a boy her momma would never approve of. Black is…two girls kissing in Justina Ireland’s story set in Maryland. Black is urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more-- because there are countless ways to be Black enough."
Read more about the book here.
See other Windows & Mirrors Book Club events here.
FAM
Winter Dance Party - Celebrate with Music and Dance with Misako Ballet [families] TK
Date: 12/16/23Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: All Ages / Families
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Families. 60 min. Ticket required.
Join us to celebrate the winter season with music and dance! Misako Ballet Company will perform ballet pieces featuring ballet dance with a Japanese twist. Young children in the audience will be invited to learn a quick piece and perform it - a great opportunity to expose children to the art of dance.
Tickets available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Asian American Literature Book Club (Online)
Date: 12/18/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Join our monthly discussion of Asian American literary titles.
- Sept 18 2023 Holding Pattern by Jenny Xie
- Oct 16 2023 Permission to Come Home by Jenny T. Wang
- Nov 20 2023 Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto
- Dec 19 2023 Banyan Moom by Thao Thai
- Jan 23 2024 The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
- Feb 27 2024 Last Tang Standing Lauren Ho
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.
World Languages Cafe @ East Columbia (in person) - special holiday sched
Date: 12/19/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
In collaboration with the Columbia Association, the World Language Cafe is now expanded to Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch Library. It will be held simultaneously at the Senior Center on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 7-8:45pm.
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, Hebrew, *Irish Gaelic, *Italian, *Japanese, Korean, *Portuguese, and *Spanish. (*Currently available at East Columbia Branch Library and the Senior Center)
Tuesday, 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, or East Columbia Branch, please email [email protected] or call 410-924-2226.
Fun With Spanish (ages 6-11) TK
Date: 12/20/23Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
30 Minutes. Ages 6-11. Ticket required.
Join Ms. Adriana to have fun learning some basic Spanish vocabulary with lessons for common elementary themes. New vocabulary introduced each week. Ms. Adriana uses the Muzzy app to guide attendees through lessons on conversational Spanish vocabulary. Muzzy is free to those with an HCLS card. Click here to connect to the library's Resource page to review lessons or learn at your own pace.
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 12/21/23Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (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 The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Date: 12/27/23Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: All Ages / Families
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Experience the culture surrounding Kwanzaa that celebrates history, values, family, and community.
For all ages/families. Registration preferred.
Teen Action Board (TAB) Meeting
Date: 12/27/23Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Fun! Friends! Community! Culture! Social Justice!
Are you a passionate and creative teen (ages 11-18) eager to make a difference and be a voice for your generation? If so, we have an exciting opportunity just for you!
Join Miller’s Teen Action Board or TAB and help shape the future of YOUR Library!
We're searching for talented, motivated, and forward-thinking teens to join our team and transform our library into an epicenter of inspiration, knowledge, and fun!
What is the Teen Action Board?
TAB empowers teens to make their voices heard and make change in the library by collaborating with our instructors to shape programs, services, and events specifically for our teen community. You'll also cultivate essential skills like team building, creativity, networking, socializing, and leadership!
As a member of the Board, you will have the chance to:
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Influence library policies and decisions, ensuring that the voices of teens are represented
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Help design exciting events, classes, workshops, and activities tailored to teen interests
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Collaborate with fellow board members to create innovative initiatives that promote literacy, diversity, and inclusion
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Assist in developing a strong Teen and YA collection
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Discover and recommend the latest books, movies, and digital resources to your friends
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Expand your network by connecting with like-minded teens, librarians, and professionals in various fields
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Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through meaningful projects and collaborations
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Enhance your college applications and career resume with a standout extracurricular experience
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Earn volunteer service hours
Don't miss out on the chance to make a difference in your community and have a blast doing it.
TAB meets monthly. No tickets or registration required - just come on in and join us!
FAM: Fun At Miller
Windows & Mirrors Book Club (ages 11-13)
Date: 12/27/23Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6), Ages 11-13 (Middle School)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Ages 11-13. Registration required.
Read and discuss books with diverse viewpoints that tackle tough issues, such as finding and establishing identity. Pick up your copy of our next book at the Central Branch Customer Service Desk.
Dec 27 - The Brave by James Bird
Jan 31 - Fast Pitch by Nic Stone
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 01/03/24Time: 7:45pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7:45 - 8:45 pm
Windows & Mirrors High School Book Club
Date: 01/08/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 11-13 (Middle School), Ages 14 - 18 (High School)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Read and discuss books with diverse viewpoints that tackle tough issues, such as finding and establishing identity.
The January title is All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. Copies available at the December meeting and Elkridge Customer Service desk.
History Helpers: Preserving Our History in a Digital Transcription Meet-Up
Date: 01/11/24Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Make Smithsonian collection historical documents and biodiversity data more accessible by transcribing them while in a group setting. We'll provide the space and the training. Bring your own laptop, or use one of ours. Learn more at https://transcription.si.edu/.
World Languages Cafe
Date: 01/11/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 14 - 18 (High School), Ages 19+ (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+.
Newly added in Feb. 2023 at the Miller Branch Library: American Sign Language practice table.
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 [email protected] or call 410-924-2226, or [email protected] or call 410-715-3178
Fun With Spanish (ages 6-11) TK
Date: 01/17/24Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
30 Minutes. Ages 6-11. Ticket required.
Join Ms. Adriana to have fun learning some basic Spanish vocabulary with lessons for common elementary themes. New vocabulary introduced each week. Ms. Adriana uses the Muzzy app to guide attendees through lessons on conversational Spanish vocabulary. Muzzy is free to those with an HCLS card. Click here to connect to the library's Resource page to review lessons or learn at your own pace.
World Languages Cafe @ East Columbia (in person)
Date: 01/23/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
In collaboration with the Columbia Association, the World Language Cafe is now expanded to Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch Library. It will be held simultaneously at the Senior Center on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 7-8:45pm.
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, Hebrew, *Irish Gaelic, *Italian, *Japanese, Korean, *Portuguese, and *Spanish. (*Currently available at East Columbia Branch Library and the Senior Center)
4th Tuesday, 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, or East Columbia Branch, please email [email protected] or call 410-924-2226.
Fun With Spanish (ages 6-11) TK
Date: 01/24/24Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
30 Minutes. Ages 6-11. Ticket required.
Join Ms. Adriana to have fun learning some basic Spanish vocabulary with lessons for common elementary themes. New vocabulary introduced each week. Ms. Adriana uses the Muzzy app to guide attendees through lessons on conversational Spanish vocabulary. Muzzy is free to those with an HCLS card. Click here to connect to the library's Resource page to review lessons or learn at your own pace.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 01/24/24Time: 7:45pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7:45 - 8:45 pm
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 01/25/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Online Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (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 Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style by Paul Rudnick.
Fun With Spanish (ages 6-11) TK
Date: 01/31/24Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Ages 6 - 11 (Grades 1-6)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
30 Minutes. Ages 6-11. Ticket required.
Join Ms. Adriana to have fun learning some basic Spanish vocabulary with lessons for common elementary themes. New vocabulary introduced each week. Ms. Adriana uses the Muzzy app to guide attendees through lessons on conversational Spanish vocabulary. Muzzy is free to those with an HCLS card. Click here to connect to the library's Resource page to review lessons or learn at your own pace.
English Conversation Class (in-person)
Date: 01/31/24Time: 7:45pm - 8:45pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Ages 19+ (Adults)
Program type: Race, Equity & Inclusion
Description:
Is English your second (or third) language? Practice speaking and listening in a small group.
Wednesdays, 7:45 - 8:45 pm
