Get a Library Card & Borrow Materials
You don’t need a library card to visit Howard county Library System (HCLS) to read books or magazines, conduct research on a computer, or attend a class.
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Access eContent
Need a good audiobook for a long car ride? Wonder how to replace a part on your vehicle? Want to learn a new computer software skill? Howard County Library System provides free, convenient access to an extensive selection of electronic content. Download eBooks, audiobooks, research materials, and magazines. Stream movies, television shows, and music. Learn new languages or career skills through online courses. Find help with homework. Available anytime, anywhere HCLS Now! is the gateway to free, on-demand, self-directed education for all ages.
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Access My Account
Click here to access your account.
Access The Internet
All Howard County Library System branches offer computers with high speed Internet access and an office software suite. Read HCLS’ Internet Use Guidelines and Policy.
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Apply for a Passport
As an enhancement to Cultural Connections and a convenience to the community, Howard County Library System’s (HCLS) East Columbia Branch and Glenwood Branch accept passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
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Apply for a Satellite Collection Card
Book a Meeting Room – Policy and Regulations
Howard County Library System (HCLS) meeting rooms (“Rooms”) are intended primarily for HCLS sponsored classes and professional development, as well as for meetings conducted by the HCLS Board of Trustees.
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Borrow From the DIY Collection
Find Materials
To perform a general keyword search, type your terms in the “type your search terms here” box. For more specific results, click Advanced Search, then fill in as much information as you know in the left panel. Results display in the center panel, with the most current and popular titles heading the list. You may sort by year, title, or author. Click on a title for a full view with item details.
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Get a Job with the Library
It’s really quite simple. Howard County Library System (HCLS) is a world-class organization because we hire world-class people.
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Get Homework Assistance
Working closely with your school’s media center, Howard County Library System (HCLS) supplements homework and research assistance. HCLS Instructor & Research Specialists stand ready to work with you.
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Learn about Community Book Clubs
A wide variety of Book Clubs offering a range of topics and discussion times are available to book lovers! New members are always welcome and discussions are facilitated by HCLS instructors.
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Learn about Study Rooms
Quiet study rooms are available at most Howard County Library System branches and usually do not need an appointment. Quiet study rooms are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. Study rooms feature work tables, chairs, and electrical outlets.
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Use Interlibrary Loan
If we do not own a specific item, it can usually be found via Marina (a statewide method of requesting items from other Maryland public libraries). Please keep in mind that materials obtained via Marina may take up to two weeks to arrive. If you are unable to find materials via Marina, a request can be made via the Request Book link in My Account (in Marina). Materials obtained from out-of-state libraries may take longer to arrive depending on availability and delivery methods.
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Use Public Computers
All Library branches offer workstations with high-speed Internet access and word processing software. Howard County Library System offers computers for public use for the purpose of accessing its collections, searching for information, and performing basic communication tasks, such as IM, email and word processing.
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Volunteer
Volunteers play an integral role at Howard County Library System (HCLS) by providing valuable assistance to HCLS staff and customers. Our goal is to place volunteers in meaningful areas that will provide a satisfying experience while contributing to the high-quality public education HCLS delivers to everyone in the community.
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