January 29 marks the beginning of the lunar new year and two weeks of celebration. 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese calendar, and folks will celebrate with cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year. According to chinesenewyear.net, “The Snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, offers opportunities for personal growth and change.” We invite you to mark the lunar new year at the library, with classes for everyone:

Lunar New Year: What Animal Are You?
All ages.
Drop in all month to celebrate Lunar New Year! Are you a lion? An ox? A rabbit? Find out what animal matches your birth year, then decorate a paper animal to join others in this self-directed community art project. Which of the twelve zodiac animals will have the most on display? On January 31, our community art project ends and reveals which animal has the most matches.
Jan 2 – 31 at HCLS Savage Branch
ongoing during regular hours

Lunar New Year Celebration
Families, all ages.
Celebrate Lunar New Year with stories, songs, and a craft.
Wed, Jan 29
2 – 2:45 pm
HCLS East Columbia Branch

Lunar New Year Fest
For families. Registration recommended at bit.ly/Lunar2025
Experience the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year with live performances, engaging activities for all ages, and educational presentations about the holiday’s cultural significance. Savor traditional snacks and drinks while connecting with friends and neighbors at this community collaboration.
Bring your family and friends to welcome the Year of the Snake in a joyful, festive atmosphere!
Sat, Feb 1
1 – 4 pm
HCLS East Columbia Branch

And you can always practice your language skills at:

World Languages Cafe
For teens and adults. Register at bit.ly/languagescafehcls
In collaboration with the Columbia Association, the World Language Cafe takes place at the East Columbia 50+ Center and HCLS Miller Branch. 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 American Sign Language, Chinese Mandarin, Dutch, French, Hebrew, Irish Gaelic, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. If you are interested in volunteering as a language table host, please contact diane.li@hclibrary.org
4th Tuesdays; 7 – 8:45 pm
East Columbia 50+ Center

2nd Thursdays; 7 – 8:45 pm
HCLS Miller Branch