Howard County Library System and the Howard County Public School System are excited to bring you the 2023 Battle of the Books at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
National Library Week is drawing to a close for this year, but there’s still so much to celebrate. Tonight, more than 300 teams of fifth graders compete in Battle of the Books at Merriweather Post Pavilion (rain or shine)!
These are the titles that students have read and become experts about:
Battle of the Books is an energetic competition between fifth graders who form teams and then “battle” to win through quizzes based on 12 books. They must know the books, inside and out. Last year, I served as a Battle of the Books judge, and I was overwhelmed by the energy! The kids’ enthusiasm for this event can’t be overstated, and it’s something special to witness. This year, a record number of teams registered, and I know it’s going to be another amazing event.
I am lucky enough to have a mother who passed on her love of reading to me and my sister. The library was a sacred place for me when I was growing up. I would often borrow 10 or more books at a time. Fast forward to today: if you walk into my house right now, you’ll find stacks of books in almost every room. Planting the seeds early in my life led to lifelong curiosity and a thirst for learning. For me, reading is an exploration and an adventure I go on almost every single day. It’s an honor for me to serve on the Friends Board. Join me and support Battle of the Books by becoming a Friend of the Library. You’ll be making a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Wendy Slaughter, Friends & Foundation of HCLS Board Member
If you’d like to join the Friends and support the Library, you can give a donation right now and receive a beautiful basket of flowers as a thank you. Friends supports Battle of the Books by purchasing sets of books for all teams.
When you hear the word “library,” what do you picture? Many envision a building with books, computers, and spaces for community gathering. They are often pleasantly surprised to learn that libraries offer much, much more.
In celebration of this year’s National Library Week theme, “There’s More to the Story,” I am excited to share some of the ways the children’s staff of the Miller Branch is serving our community beyond our walls.
Preschool visits
You may be familiar with HCLS’ top-notch early learning classes, but did you know that we also take these classes “on-the-road?” Our children’s staff make visits to local preschool and prekindergarten programs (both public and private) within our community, collaborating with teaching staff to plan theme-related classes that incorporate engaging stories, finger plays, and songs. It’s always exciting to see our youngest customers outside the branch as students in their classrooms, some of whom we taught previously in our library classes. A perfect example of this is when a staff member reconnected with a young customer who came to Maryland with his mother as refugees from Ukraine last summer. How rewarding it was to see him learning in school, knowing that the library and his preschool have supported his family during their transition.
Bridges
This spring our children’s staff have provided enrichment activities at the Bridges after-school programs at Cradlerock Elementary and Stevens Forest Elementary Bridges, as part of our A+ Partnership with Howard County Public School System. From making salt dough, to exploring snap circuit boards and creating “Wiggle [ro]Bots,” students were able to engage in a variety of exciting and hands-on STEAM activities. They were also able to get a preview of some of the materials we have available for use in our children’s classes at the library! This has been an awesome way for students and school staff to connect with the library where they are and become acquainted (or reacquainted) with ways HCLS can support them.
After-school events
The library has long supported school-wide family events, such as math and reading nights, bedtime stories, and more. What a great way to engage with families and school staff to share library resources, classes, and events! Often, our prize wheel is the highlight of these visits; children love the opportunity to spin the wheel and share something they enjoy at the library and/or learn about what their library card can do for them. Did you know HCPSS students are automatically given an account with the library as part of our A+ Partnership? This account works as a traditional library account would, allowing students to use hcpss.me to access books, electronic resources, and other materials.
Some upcoming events Miller children’s instructors are preparing for include but are not limited to: Manor Woods Elementary’s Multicultural Night, Waterloo’s Carnival, and Hollifield Station’s Blacktop Party. We cannot wait to join in on the fun!
Hatchlings
HCLS continues its work with Mother Goose on the Loose: Hatchlings, the FREE interactive early literacy program geared to expectant families and families with infants, complete with songs, fun activities, and freebies. What began as a pilot with the Maryland State Library continues to expand as we identify new partners within the community.
The goal of Hatchlings is to familiarize families with the following concepts:
Babies introduced early to books and reading become children who perform better in school.
Reciting nursery rhymes and singing songs helps your baby get ready to learn to read.
Reading and singing help with baby’s brain and language development.
Best of all, the majority of this can be done within everyday routines and activities!
Current partnerships include The Family Institute of Howard County’s Department of Community Resources and Services, Howard County General Hospital’s New Moms Support Group, The Judy Center, and more. Sessions are held at community partner locations, as well as in branch. The collaboration between HCLS and these organizations has increased caregivers’ knowledge of general county resources available to their families – many of which they are surprised to discover are free – as well as children’s library classes and items available for borrowing (e.g., our educational toy collection).
As the program grows, we are beginning to see an overlap in participants who have attended other events and have happened to make their way to Hatchlings. Some caregivers are astonished to learn that the library is coordinating the sessions outside of the branch, and the concept has changed their understanding of where library activity takes place.
So, as you can see, the library is more than just a building! HCLS models regularly the importance and benefits of bringing the library to the community, and how such partnerships leverage the great work we do.
Sylvia is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch. She enjoys crafting, listening to audiobooks, naps, and walks with her dogs in 75 degree-ish weather.
At a press conference on March 30, 2023, County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard County Library System (HCLS) President & CEO Tonya Aikens were joined by Governor Wes Moore to announce the proposed location and design for the new Library at the Kittamaqundi Lakefront. To learn more, you can visit our website for FAQs, watch a newly released video from Dr. Ball, or listen to the library’s latest Hijinx podcast.
In the latest episode of Hijinx, Tonya Aikens and Addison Landers discuss how the Lakefront Library builds a future that belongs to everyone. Tonya addresses how the new library will serve children preparing for kindergarten, teenagers looking for a space to call their own, and lakefront visitors in need of public amenities. The new Library brings the branch up to Maryland minimum standards of 1 square foot per county resident. Tonya believes that libraries are not just about books, but they are for people. Placing the person at the forefront of the library allows for re-imagined inter-generational spaces, like literacy kitchens that promote STEAM concepts and wellness for the community. The podcast addresses architect Thomas Heatherwick’s radically human buildings and how the design will seamlessly merge public education, community space, and nature. Finally, you hear firsthand how the creative change in location includes more housing, state funding, gifted lands, and a home for the new library location in some of the county’s most desirable real estate.
The Top Five Things to Know about the Lakefront Library
1. The new Lakefront Library will be built on important and valuable undeveloped site in Howard County. The lakefront is the community’s heartbeat and gathering place. Placing the new Library there provides more public space and is a tangible representation of commitment to and investment in County residents and visitors. Thomas Heatherwick’s design of the Lakefront Library will complement the dynamic architecture of iconic architect Frank Gehry.
2. A new, larger Central Library has been a part of the Downtown Columbia Plan since it was unanimously adopted by the County Council in 2010. The current branch is undersized, not only for current residents, but also for the anticipated population growth called for in the Plan. A minor renovation of the building in 2016 addressed structural, end-of-life, interim fixes, and transformed staff space into public space.
3. The Lakefront Library design includes a parking structure with approximately 500 parking spaces, more than double the number on the site today and the first truly public parking lot/garage at the Lakefront (current parking is owned by Whole Foods).
4. This investment in public education for all comes from a variety of sources, including private donors, the State of Maryland, grants, General Obligation (GO) Bonds, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIF revenue generated by the area’s development is intended for the creation of public spaces, transit improvements, parks, and parking. This funding mix requires less County funding than when the library was planned for the Merriweather District. The Library building: $94M Site work and public parking: $38.5M Library park and transportation improvements: $10.3M
5. Learn more about the project and read FAQs, and voice your support through written testimony or at County Council hearings.
While books are at the center of any library’s collection, libraries are about so much more!
Can you name 5 Things that the library offers (other than books)?
We’ve been asking this question recently – and it’s fun to see some responses, especially in light of this year’s National Library Week theme: There’s More to the Story. Everyone has a slightly different answer – we’ve been asking our managers, but you might encounter the social media team in a branch sometime soon. You can find some answers in the source magazine and on our website.
Your library card opens a world of possibilities and remains true to our mission of Public Education for All. 5 Things lists have mentioned these and others:
classes and events
language learning
passport services
STEAM and Literacy activity kits
arts and crafts
digital media
DIY tools
Art and photo prints
toys and ukuleles
So, let us know … how do you use the library? What are your favorite 5 Things?
Libraries are full of stories – literally and figuratively. While everyone knows about the stories you can find on our shelves, what about the stories people tell each other when they participate in book discussion groups, children’s classes, panel discussions, author talks, and teen events? Libraries are where we tell our own stories and listen to other people’s stories, where we learn from others and build community.
An instructor at our Savage Branch relayed this story, “(name)’s mom told me how she enjoys when I teach because she gets to learn and practice ASL vocabulary with her daughter. This is important because she has recently been diagnosed as hard-of-hearing, and she may suddenly lose her hearing at any moment. She asked me to help her with a couple of signs, and I was also able to direct her to local organizations, resources, and class opportunities that could help with her ASL journey. We don’t know everyone’s story coming into our classes, but how awesome it is to be the right person at the right time for someone.”
Why do you like coming to the library? What’s your library story?
Look for National Library Week posts over the next five days. We look forward to sharing information with you about the “State of the Library,” the 5 Things campaign, and the exciting possibilities of the new Lakefront Library. As always, Chapter Chats brings you a wide range of reviews, classes and events, and general library news.
Introducing Booker
Howard County Library System’s story now includes a mascot … Booker! Thank you to everyone who helped choose a name from our survey on social media this year. Booker is a saw-whet owl, a species native to Maryland, who brings wisdom and enthusiasm to the library.
Booker looks forward to going on Summer Reading Adventures with children, ages 0-5 and 6-10, this summer. Look for our new mascot on the upcoming issue of source, too.
Earth Day (April 22) challenges us to find new ways to protect and preserve our planet. No doubt you’ve heard the mantra “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” The 3 R’s are all important strategies but REDUCE comes first for a reason: waste prevention is the number one priority to protect the Earth. The less we consume, the fewer things that need to be reused or recycled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American produces almost five pounds of waste every day, and a family more than 18 pounds, adding up to almost a ton of garbage annually.
If you want to shrink your footprint and reduce waste, libraries can help. Clearly, by borrowing books instead of buying them, we reduce the number of books in garbage heaps or recycling bins. This Earth Day, lighten your load. Before you buy, TRY IT at the library!
Video games: Don’t gamble on buying a game that may not have staying power. Borrow games from the Library and take them for a test drive before you buy.
Toys: Have your children mastered all the puzzles at home, or outgrown the toys from their last birthday? Surprise them with free toys borrowed from the Library. Play with them for three weeks, then trade them for a whole new bunch!
DIY Tools: Don’t buy something you’ll only use for one project – come to our DIY Center. Whether you need an aerator for your lawn, a pressure washer for your deck, or a special Mickey Mouse cake pan for a birthday, you can borrow it the Elkridge Branch DIY Center.
Artwork: Spice up your home or office walls with artwork borrowed from our Central and Glenwood branches. You can trade it out every six weeks – a waste-free wonder of redecorating!
Building a Better Garden with Less Effort For adults. Register here. Establishing a vegetable garden can require a lot of time and money and yield minimal results. Learn how you can establish a productive vegetable plot with less effort than you are currently expending. Tue, Apr 25 | 7 – 8 pm Miller Branch
Gardening for the Budget–Minded Kitchen For adults. While some veggies are already affordable at the grocery store or farmer’s market and might not be worth the effort to grow (hello onions!), you can easily grow other kitchen staples at home to save money. Find out what they are and discover other money-saving cooking tips.
Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch who loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.
Welcome! Welcome! All Howard County families with children aged 3-5 are welcome to join us as we celebrate the Month of the Young Child with Back to the Basics at the annual Children’s Discovery Fair.
Our goal is to prepare your child for school readiness and success in education. This year’s offering has a stellar line up of literacy, movement, music and steam activities – story times, crafts, free dental screenings, give a-ways, and much more! For starters, the library’s On the Road to Kindergarten van will be at the Discovery Fair the entire time. Everyone is welcome to climb on board and see what this mobile library has to offer. You can get a library card on the spot and check out any of the amazing finds aboard.
Then, how about the variety of classes and demonstrations offered specifically for you and your children? Ever wonder about STEAM activities for your preschooler? Join the fun of the Shape Hunt while your child participates in counting, grouping and comparing shapes. Explore movement and have fun while dancing with scarves and clapping to the beat of the music. Let your child engage in the sporting challenge of Solo Cup Bowling.
Take the challenge with Free* Interactive* Easy-To-Do competitions and demonstrations specifically designed for your preschooler. The menu includes some of these exciting activities: *Loud and silly story times *Creating art tools *Cars and ramps *Blowing bubbles *Puzzles *Building with Lego and blocks *Marching band and many others! And when you need a break…calm yourself and relax with yoga movement and play.
See you on Saturday, April 22 from 10 am – 1 pm at the North Laurel Community Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel).
Kathleen is a full-time Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch.
On March 31, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden proclaimed April 2023 as Second Chance Month.
“I believe in redemption — but for hundreds of thousands of Americans released from State and Federal prisons each year, or the nearly 80 million who have an arrest or conviction record, it is not always easy to come by.We are not giving people a real second chance.“
How to Help an Incarcerated Individual Create Their Own Successful Reentry Thursday, April 20 | 7 – 8 pm HCLS Miller Branch
Imagine if you paid your debt to society and returned home with no place to live, no job, and no money. What would you do to survive? Might you be tempted again to criminal activity?
Vanessa Bright believes that re-entry should begin the day after an individual enters the correctional facility to serve a sentence.
During How to Help an Incarcerated Individual Create Their Own Successful Reentry, Vanessa discusses strategies and resources to help and prepare returning citizens create a path to own their success. “Re-entry” refers to the transition of an incarcerated individual from prison back into the community. Re-entry programs in correctional facilities are not created equal, with some institutions committed to preparing individuals for their return home, while others provide little to no services or programs.
Returning citizens are often confronted with one pressing re-entry challenge after another, everything from finding a place to live and arranging substance abuse treatment to getting a job. They often face the exact same pressures and temptations that landed them in prison in the first place. The state of Maryland releases about 7,400 individuals per year. Finding strategies to create positive outcomes for them is critical for reducing future crimes.
A setback can easily lead to relapse and a return to prison, known as recidivism, measured by looking at the criminal acts that returning citizens commit in the three years after prison release. The latest statistics in Maryland show a 41 percent recidivism rate.
Vanessa Bright’s workbook, entitled Create Your Life Plan Now: Your Road Map to Reentry, focuses on soft skills, which characterize how a person interacts in relationships with others, including communication, time management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Soft skills are carried throughout life. The workbook has modules on financial literacy, goal setting, career readiness, entrepreneurship, and character development. Workbooks will be available to purchase and can be delivered to correctional institutions on your behalf.
Vanessa Bright is the director of the MD Reentry Resource Center (https://mdrrc.org/) and a former educator in the Maryland Criminal Justice system, primarily at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women.
HCLS considers supporting justice-involved citizens as a key part of our equity work.
Rohini is the Adult Curriculum Specialist with HCLS. She loves literature and rainy days.
I recently read, or perhaps re-read, TheGrapes of Wrath. If I was assigned this masterwork in school, I skipped it or watched the film (which is also great). Either way, both were wasted on my young mind. The 15-year-old me could not have begun to empathize with these people. Not to mention we were probably still in the Reagan/Bush 1 era, and I feel this sort of thinking had gone out of vogue. No political statement intended; except for some small bumps, those were fairly prosperous economic times for many middle-class folks.
I was assigned and recall avoiding Of Mice and Men, and I can’t even remember that film. I’ve also seen East of Eden, but only because James Dean was in it. That said, I’m familiar with John Steinbeck: his reputation and the themes he’s known for (California and its workers). Maybe a decade ago, I read Travels with Charley: In Search of America, the autobiographical story of his travels with his dog (Charley). It was quite good, and I recommend it.
I digress. Coming in at just under 500 pages, with an overarching theme of extreme poverty to the point of starvation, The Grapes of Wrath is a masterwork of American literature. And it’s a story that is timeless, sadly. I read a lot of books, mostly good ones, but it’s easy to forget what it is to read a great book. Although you should be reading all sorts of books and anything that you like, not all books are great, I’m sorry to say.
In broad strokes, this novel concerns humanism and details the need for a social safety net in America. However, I would not describe the book as a polemic because it’s subtle and it humanizes nearly all the characters who are constantly being dehumanized. The Grapes of Wrath was published in 1939 during the Great Depression, and it painstakingly details the problems people faced when fleeing the dust bowl. It tells the story of the Joad family, who leave Oklahoma after being forced off their land, as they go in search of work and a better life in California.
In many ways this seems like a common trope. The progression of technology changing the way people can meet their needs has certainly been written about again and again (although I’m a sucker for these sorts of stories). Steinbeck deftly illustrates the greed, self-preservation, and dehumanization of others that undergird the whole system. For example, the Joads do not think about traveling to California independently; instead, they are lured there by people looking to exploit their labor.
One of the saddest aspects of the book is the Joads’ optimism. They obstinately believe that all they need is some work, which they’re more than willing to do. Their naiveté and failure to appreciate the omnipresent power imbalance in America is both admirable and maddening. However, Steinbeck illustrates this often as a criticism of the American ethos. Tom, the main character and oldest son, begins to realize, with the help of the Preacher turned humanist thinker, that the game is not as fair as they all believed. Tom’s rebellion throughout the book provides a counterpoint to the acceptance of less and less by starving people.
The truly tragic part is the control the owners, banks, and corporations wield over society. For example, their ability to use the law to enforce their rules is despicable. They are terrorizing people who just want to eat and labeling anyone “red” who speaks for labor.
My favorite part of the book, and the most impressive, is how Steinbeck intersperses the linear story of the Joads’ journey with vignettes about the time, the land, or the people in the abstract. The passages are amazing and can stand on their own. Steinbeck’s technique is strong and unique, and I can’t think of another book written quite like this (although I’m sure one probably exists). I wonder if Steinbeck’s intent is to break up the difficult and moving chapters with something beautifully written. The Grapes of Wrath has poetic moments, particularly when he portrays the kindness and generosity of poor people.
The Grapes of Wrath is a tough book; by no means a feel-good read, but a plea to recognize our shared humanity. Perhaps it’s also a piece of propaganda for a labor movement and a social safety net. I think any reader would be hard pressed to be unmoved by this classic.
Thursday, April 20 at 7 pm In person; Savage Branch Register
Libraries have come a long way – from a time when including a table of contents was the most innovative, revolutionary advancement in conducting research to the advent of search engines. How we interact with information, how we keep ourselves informed, and how we use the tools at our disposal have all evolved.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the next wave of that evolution. Though it’s the subject of many science fiction novels, its real-world applications are wildly interesting. Artificial Intelligence refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. These tasks may include speech recognition, image analysis, and decision-making. AI is already being used in a variety of fields, from healthcare to transportation, and its potential applications are only growing.
Savage Branch is having a crash course and conversation about the fascinating world of AI on Thursday, April 20. We plan to explore the basics of AI, looking at what it is, how it’s used, and its potential impacts on society. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone who’s interested in staying up-to-date on the latest technological advancements, there’s something for you!
In our AI class, you’ll learn about the different types of AI and their real-life examples. For example, machine learning is a type of AI that allows computer systems to learn and improve from experience, without being explicitly programmed. Deep learning is another type of AI that uses neural networks to process and analyze large amounts of data. We’ll also explore natural language processing, which enables computers to understand and interpret human language.
But it’s not just about the technical aspects of AI. We’ll also delve into the ethical considerations surrounding AI, such as bias and privacy concerns. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s essential to evaluate the potential impact on society and address these issues.
Our AI class is designed for anyone who wants to learn about this exciting and rapidly evolving field, regardless of technical background or experience. Our experienced instructors guide you through the basics of AI in a clear, structured, and informative manner. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of the most transformative technologies of our time.
The possibilities of Artificial Intelligence appear to be limitless. And what’s more – some of this blog post was generated by AI. I asked it to analyze my other writing to create a blog post on this class in my style, and I think it did a decent job. Did you catch anything that felt off? If you want to learn more, to discuss how this is possible, or just play with the possible applications, join us at Savage on April 20 to learn more.
Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.
CHAPTER CHATS 