Find educational classes and enriching experiences for all ages and interests.
- Click here for video tutorials by HCLS instructors
- Click here for a list of on-demand classes (e.g, Gale Courses, Lynda.com, Cisco).
- Click here to participate in summer reading.
Virtual classes and events presented on Zoom are closed captioned by request only. If you would like to request closed captioning for a live class or event, email [email protected] at least three business days in advance.
TO SEARCH select a beginning AND ending date on the calendar below by clicking in the date field. Use the more specific dropdown fields to further customize your search. IMPORTANT… RESET between each search.
There are 34 upcoming classes.
Origami Engineering
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Origami Engineering, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Get hands-on experience in the ancient art of paper folding! Students will see how origami can be used to create structures like solar panels, bridges, and packing materials. They will take a close look at tessellating polygons and how, with the art of paper folding, these amazing structures can be used by scientists and engineers. Taught by a HiTech instructor. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome.
SAT Math Prep
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: SAT Math Prep, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Enhance your math savvy to improve your SAT score! Relieve test anxiety by taking
practice tests in a low-risk environment and gain full comprehension of what to
expect on test day. Examine the types of problems that are presented on the SAT
and acquire test-taking skills that will last a lifetime!
Wonders of Chemical Reactions 1
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Explore chemistry in a fun and colorful environment! Conduct experiments that range from the physical and chemical properties of matter to Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry, and even Acid-Base Chemistry. Registration required. Grades 6-12. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Pins and Needles
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
Looking for dedicated time to work on projects? Bring stitching you'd like to finish, connect with others, and share ideas and tips. Drop in anytime between 10 am and 12 pm.
Just For Me (3-6 years) TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Just For Me (3-6 years) TK
Description:
JUST FOR ME
Ages 3-6; 30 min.
For children who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills.
Limited Attendance. Ticket required.
Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Description:
3, 2, Fun (ages 2-3 with adult) TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 2-3 years with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Preschoolers develop skills for talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing through stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes.
Free ticket available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Spring into Reading! ( All ages with Adult) TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Everyone
Program type: Spring into Reading! ( All ages with Adult) TK
Description:
Ticket required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to class.
Spring themed stories, songs and activities for children and adults to enjoy together.
Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Play Partners [infant-23 months with adult] TK
Description:
Civil Engineering
Date: 03/28/24Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Civil Engineering, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
How did they build the Hoover Dam, Eiffel Tower, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge? Explore the principles of engineering in building the largest structures in the world!! Taught by a HiTech Instructor.
Electrical Engineering
Date: 03/28/24Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Electrical Engineering, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Lights On, Lights Off! Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when you flip a light switch on the wall or press the ON button of a battery-powered fan in the summer? Why do some toys need AAA batteries to operate while other toys need C batteries? Discover the math and science principles used by Electrical Engineers as you work to build simple circuits using our very own Circuit Maker kits. Taught by a HiTech instructor. Register online!
STEM Heroes
Date: 03/28/24Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Did you know that in 1992, Mae Jemison made history as the first Black female astronaut? She is also an engineer, a physician, a professor, and an entrepreneur! Join us to learn about the diverse scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who have made great strides in STEM fields throughout history and today. Explore their important experiments, feats of construction, and ingenious inventions with hands-on activities while learning about their incredible lives. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Make & Trade Friendship Bracelets (Ages 10+)
Date: 03/28/24Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Make & Trade Friendship Bracelets (Ages 10+), Make & Trade Friendship Bracelets (Ages 10+), Teens, Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
Recommended for Ages 10+. Drop-in class, no registration required.
Drop-in and make some Swift-inspired friendship bracelets at our workshop! Trade bracelets with other fans at the workshop, or take your bracelets with you to trade with friends and family.
No previous experience is required. All supplies provided.
Detective Science (ages 8-10) TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Detective Science (ages 8-10) TK
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 8-10. 45 minutes. Ticket required.
Attention all detectives: the library is in need of your help! Use your deductive skills to solve a mystery and learn how forensic scientists solve real crimes using evidence like fingerprints, chromatography, and more.
DIY Solar Eclipse Pinhole Projector (ages 6-8, RG)
Date: 03/28/24Time: 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 6-8, 45 minutes. RG.
A partial solar eclipse will happen in Columbia on April 8, 2024! Learn more about the sun and what happens when the moon blocks the light from the sun by creating a pinhole projector!
Your pinhole camera will let you see an image of the Sun that is safe to look at. But remember to never look directly at the Sun without equipment that's specifically designed for looking at the Sun. Note that sunglasses, binoculars, and telescopes do NOT count as proper protection.
Forensic Science: Biology
Date: 03/28/24Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Have you ever wondered what goes on during a crime scene investigation? Join us to learn the techniques forensic scientists use to crack a case. Learn about fingerprinting, footprinting, and hair, saliva, and DNA analysis. Registration required. Grades 6-12. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Movie Magic: Chroma Key
Date: 03/28/24Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Movie Magic: Chroma Key, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Dive into the world of video special effects! Students will create their own reality using the technique of compositing. They will record and edit their own video and learn the history and science behind the film industry’s own movie magic. Learn about the chroma key technique and how it evolved over time. Taught by a HiTech instructor. Register online!
Physics Olympics
Date: 03/28/24Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Physics Olympics, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Explore Physics in a new light! Discover various principles and laws of Physics and test your knowledge through a variety of challenges and experiments. Register once for all four sessions, Monday - Thursday.
Boredom-Busting Board Game Fun! [all ages]
Date: 03/28/24Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: Boredom-Busting Board Game Fun! [all ages], Boredom-Busting Board Game Fun! [all ages], Teens, Adults, Everyone
Program type: Crafts, Fun & Games!
Description:
All ages. (Children under 8 with adult.) Allow 30 min. Ho. Co. schools closed.
Drop in for some board game fun! Games will be available for all ages.
Straw Structure STEM (ages 9-12)
Date: 03/28/24Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Ages 9-12. Registration required.
Join a group and use your creativity and STEM skills to design the best structure in only an hour! Create your designs using only straws and connectors!
TEEN Crochet Lab
Date: 03/28/24Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Branch: Miller Branch
Age group: TEEN Crochet Lab, Teens
Program type: TEEN Crochet Lab
Description:
Ages 11-18 | Walk-in, no registration needed, but feel free to register for reminders.
POP-UP DATE FOR SPRING BREAK!From beginners to advanced, work on your crochet projects, while chatting and sharing ideas with other yarn lovers in this creative space. Beginners learn basic stitches and techniques from experienced crafters, advanced teens enjoy inspiration trading tips, tricks, and techniques. Some crochet hooks and yarn will be available, feel free to bring your own.
FAM
Babysitting Entrepreneurship 101
Date: 03/28/24Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: College & Trade Schools
Description:
Attention teens interested in babysitting! Earn a babysitting certificate from the University of Maryland Extension Program. This three part class runs on March 26, 27, & 28 from 3-5 pm; and will cover resume drafting, mock interviews, practice diapering, preparing activity kits, safety information and more. Registration Required.
*Register for each class separately. Ages 13-18.
**Register for and attend all three classes to receive a certificate of completion.
Registration link for class 1:
https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/babysitting-entrepreneurship-101-189220
Registration link for class 2:
https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/event/babysitting-entrepreneurship-101-189221
Audio Video Technology Workshop
Date: 03/28/24Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Audio Video Technology Workshop, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Includes access to the sound booth and other HiTech equipment to record and mix music or create videos. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Taught by a HiTech instructor. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome.
Cosmology
Date: 03/28/24Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Do you watch The Big Bang Theory, but want to know more about the Big Bang? Study the origin and development of the universe, and learn how to identify stars, constellations, and planets in the night sky. Registration required. Grades 6-12. Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Paper Roller Coasters
Date: 03/28/24Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Branch: Savage Branch
Age group: Paper Roller Coasters, Teens
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Learn about the processes and techniques involved in creating paper roller coasters. Engineer a roller coaster for the HiTech Carnival! Using paper, tape, and other materials you could find in your home, students will build a scale model of a roller coaster! Register once for all four sessions!
Teen Book Club
Date: 03/28/24Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Glenwood Branch
Age group: Teen Book Club, Teens
Program type: Community Events
Description:
Read and discuss alongside fellow teen bookworms! This month’s title is Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn. Pick up a copy at the Glenwood Branch customer service desk, or online via Libby.
Windows & Mirrors Book Club (ages 11-13) RG
Date: 03/28/24Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Windows & Mirrors Book Club (ages 11-13) RG, Windows & Mirrors Book Club (ages 11-13) RG
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
Feb 29 - Dear Martin by Nic Stone
STEM Fun: Exploration Stations (Families) TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Children, STEM Fun: Exploration Stations (Families) TK
Program type: Tech Skills or STEAM
Description:
Families; allow 30 minutes. Ticket required.
Explore and engage in various STEM activities through self-guided stations.
Linocut Printmaking w/ J. Scott
Date: 03/28/24Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: DIY & Makerspace
Description:
During this class participants will have the opportunity to create an original linocut. They'll learn carving techniques for printmaking, how to color separate their artwork, and how to hand press their own prints.
All supplies are provided.
This class is part of a series.
- Waiver required for participation -
Encore Cinema
Date: 03/28/24Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Branch: East Columbia Branch
Age group: Adults
Program type: Encore Cinema
Description:
ENCORE CINEMA at Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch & 50+ Center presents "see-again" worthy DVD movies on a large screen! Doors open at 6:15pm.
Thursday March 28 The World According to Garp
Admission is free. In partnership with Howard County Department of Community Resources & Services.
Registration is appreciated but not required
Note that this will take place in the same building as the library and not at the newly opened 50+ Center
Pajama Time (all ages) TK
Date: 03/28/24Time: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Branch: Central Branch
Age group: Children
Program type: Early Learning
Description:
Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Howard County Parks: Beyond Your Backyard
Date: 03/28/24Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Branch: Elkridge Branch
Age group: Adults, Everyone
Program type: Health & Wellness
Description:
Answer the call of the wild! Join a knowledgeable Park Ranger in an exciting exploration of the outdoor opportunities and natural beauty of Howard County Parks. Captivating forests, serene meadows, and energetic waterways offer the perfect backdrop for a variety of activities. Learn about hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, and more. Get insider tips on the best trails, family-friendly activities, and park safety.
This session is part of HCLS' Earth Day Celebration series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events.
Murder, Mischief, and Mayhem
Date: 03/28/24Time: 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!
Reads of Acceptance (Online)
Date: 03/28/24Time: 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 She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan.
This session is part of HCLS' Women's History Month series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events.