THEME: CELEBRATING 85 YEARS! Deadline: May 31, 2025
We need your creativity! Help HCLS celebrate 85 years by designing a library card. Winners will be available in September, for National Library Card Sign-up Month.
Entries judged on originality, design, theme expression, and reproducibility.
All entries must be clear and reproducible.
Consider what medium works best for you. Sparkle crayons, gel pens, and neon colors do not reproduce well.
Do not use trademarked or copyrighted images from TV shows, movies, or books or include computer or AI generated art.
If you include words, check for correct spelling and legibility. Keep text away from edge. In fact, keep all important design details away from the edges.
Dear adults: Please don’t “help” the young artists in your life with anything other than completing their information legibly on the entry form.
Return your design to any Howard County Library System (HCLS) branch by Saturday, May 31, 2025. One entry per person. Forms available at HCLS branches and at hclibrary.org.
One winner for each category (six total) will be chosen.
“A bold and soaring work of history …whip-smart, deeply researched, and beautifully written.” ~ Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of King: A Life
The heart-pounding true story of the daring American women who piloted the most dangerous aircraft of World War II through the treacherous skies of Britain. They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses–all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone serve in this capacity: even Americans, even women piloted warplanes. Thus, 25 daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft.
In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior.
With cinematic sweep, Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams.
Becky Aikman is the author of two books of narrative nonfiction: her memoir, Saturday Night Widows (available as an e-book from CloudLibrary and an e-audiobook from Libby), and Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge. A former journalist at Newsday, Aikman has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She lives in New York.
Preserving Culture Through Clay: Tradition, Resilience, and Artistry
Through the month of May, HCLS Miller Branch presents a beautifully curated exhibit that blends tradition, resilience, and artistry: Finding Identity and Honoring Tradition Through Ukrainian Pottery. The display highlights the intersection of heritage and contemporary creation, featuring works by Maryland-based studio potter Natalia Kormeluk, alongside pieces by resident artists from the National Museum of Ukrainian Pottery in Opishne, Ukraine.
Opishne, a town in central Ukraine, is widely regarded as the heart of Ukrainian ceramics. Since its founding in 1986, the National Museum of Ukrainian Pottery has built one of the world’s largest collections of traditional Ukrainian pottery and hosts the most extensive open-air modern clay sculpture installations anywhere on the globe. Despite the devastation brought by Russia’s 2022 invasion, the museum has remained steadfast in its mission—reopening to the public in 2023 and continuing to host artist residencies, international symposiums, and scholarly research opportunities.
Among those who returned to support the museum’s work is Natalia Kormeluk, an experienced studio potter and educator. Natalia is the Coordinator of the Graduate Ceramics Program at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and also teaches at the Columbia Art Center. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is part of both private and institutional collections, including the University of Pittsburgh and the National Museum of Ukrainian Pottery.
Artist Talk: Finding Identity and Honoring Tradition Through Ukrainian Pottery
«Пізнання ідентичності і вшанування традицій через українське гончарство»
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Time: 2 – 3:30 PM Location: HCLS Miller Branch Free | Registration encouraged Register here.
Join Maryland ceramic artist Natalia Kormeluk as she shares her experiences living and working at the National Museum of Ukrainian Pottery during wartime. Through stories, images, and firsthand accounts, Natalia offers insight into how artists continue to live, create, and teach amid conflict. She highlights the museum’s unwavering commitment to cultural continuity and explore how ceramics serve as a vessel for identity, connection, and hope.
This exhibit and accompanying talk offer a rare and deeply human glimpse into the world of Ukrainian pottery—an art form rooted in history and shaped by resilience. It stands as a testament to cultural survival, creative defiance, and the enduring power of art to connect, heal, and carry traditions forward.
Nancy T. is an instructor and research specialist and the display coordinator at Miller Branch. When she’s not in the branch, you’ll find her in the swimming pool, sitting with her cat, or out walking in the fresh air.
Howard County Library System is thrilled to showcase a selection of student artwork at HCLS Miller Branch as part of the “Every Voice Matters” traveling exhibit—the first stop on a statewide tour running through August.
This powerful display celebrates inclusion, creativity, and the unique voices of students from across Maryland. This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters,” echoes the fundamental belief that every individual has a unique perspective and contributes meaningfully to their school communities. More than 125 students from across the state submitted entries. Artwork was selected for recognition based on inclusive messaging, use of medium, and alignment with the contest theme. Special congratulations to this year’s first place winners in the elementary and high school categories—both from Howard County: Ananya K (Veterans Elementary School) and Annabel M (Glenelg High School).
The “Together We’re Better” program has been promoting meaningful inclusion in Maryland schools for more than 20 years. In addition to the diversity celebration toolkit and school assemblies, the Artwork and Drawing Contests allow elementary, middle, and high school students in Maryland to show their creative sides through artwork promoting acceptance and appreciation of the diverse abilities and talents of all classmates. The pen and ink drawings created by high school students are being transformed into pages of a Children’s Coloring Book, to be published later this spring and made available at public venues, including libraries.
The artwork on display at HCLS Miller Branch represents a sampling of this year’s entries, as part of the 2024-2025 “Together We’re Better” Inclusive Education Campaign Artwork and Drawing Contests, a long-running annual program from The Arc Maryland in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Department of Disabilities, and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.
In Partnership with The Arc of Howard County
The Arc Maryland is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of persons with I/DD and their families. They do this through public policy, advocacy, public awareness, and training and membership support. The Arc Maryland is a membership-based organization of 8,000 members. Their local network of chapters provides a wide range of human services and other supports to people with I/DD and their family members, including individual and public policy advocacy, residential, educational, and vocational services, employment, family supports and early intervention that promote people with I/DD to participate and be included in their communities.
We invite you to visit the display at HCLS Miller Branch to experience these extraordinary student artworks and reflect on how we can all help build inclusive communities—where every voice truly matters. HCLS is grateful to Natalie (Dohner) Brooks, Director of Education Initiatives and Partnerships at The Arc Maryland, for organizing and installing this insightful exhibit celebrating inclusion, creativity, and the unique voices of students from across Maryland.
To learn more about the “Together We’re Better” inclusive education campaign , visit The Arc Maryland’s website: https://thearcmd.org/programs/twb/.
Nancy T. is an instructor and research specialist and the display coordinator at Miller Branch. When she’s not in the branch, you’ll find her in the swimming pool, sitting with her cat, or out walking in the fresh air.
During National Library Week we celebrate the many roles libraries play in their communities. We are hubs for preschoolers attending classes and learning skills to prepare for kindergarten, teens working on homework and looking for places to belong, new Americans learning English, immigrants studying to take the U.S. Citizenship exam, parents and seniors looking for connections, veterans working through trauma, and community members seeking to broaden their perspectives.
This year’s National Library Week is more poignant than ever. With the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, many libraries who depend on federal funding will be forced to shut their doors. In Maryland, federal grants fund statewide programming, innovative training, librarian certifications, operating costs, and other expenses. Libraries use federal funds to provide access to the internet, create new and novel programs for a range of interests, and train staff.
In Howard County, we are fortunate that our community places a high value on libraries. While the portions of our budget that will be affected are still uncertain, we remain committed to the three key focus areas identified in our strategic plan released last year:
All children enter school ready to learn, with emphasis on ages birth to 3;
Teens and young adults feel a sense of agency and belonging, and
An inclusive, connected community where everyone feels they belong.
Through community meetings, surveys, and interviews, you told us these were important, and we intend to continue addressing them no matter what happens at the federal level.
For 85 years we have enjoyed broad support from you, our community. And with your continued support, we will be here for another 85 years – and more!
We look forward to seeing you in our branches this week as we celebrate National Library Week and the critical work we do with our community.
Beginning Saturday, we celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March. Established in 1981 as a memorial week, it grew to the entire month in 1987. It’s purpose is to commemorate and encourage the study, observance and celebration, “of the vital role of women in American history.” From Betsy Ross to Diana Ross, women have made a wide variety of contributions to our culture and society.
Join us for a few classes early in the month, and visit the library’s calendar often for more opportunities to celebrate. There’s an adage, sometimes attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, that says, “Well behaved women seldom make history.” It certainly holds true for Zelda Fitzgerald, DC’s madams, and Dorothy Parker!
Zelda Fitzgerald’s Journey Sat, Mar 1 | 2 – 3 pm HCLS Miller Branch For adults. Register here.
Historian Jack Burkert gives glimpses into the fascinating life of Zelda Fitzgerald, the “First Flapper” of the Jazz Age. Born in comfortable circumstances in Montgomery, Alabama, the twenty-year-old Zelda Sayre married F. Scott Fitzgerald, beginning their tumultuous life together. Their adventures took them across America and through Europe, writing both short stories and novels, while Zelda sought artistic fulfillment. By 1930, early signs of her mental illness coupled with his alcoholism made their partnership of greatness a distant dream. Through twenty years of treatment, a maturing Zelda paints, dances, writes, and slowly recovers, creating a life story few could imagine.
Off the Mall, DC: Madams of DC Fri, Mar 7 | 12 – 1 pm online For adults. Register here.
Step into the lesser known history of Washington, D.C.’s red light district and learn about the lives of the women who shaped it. Washington, D.C. experienced an unprecedented rise in prostitution during and after the Civil War. During this period, Pennsylvania Avenue became D.C.’s most notorious red-light district, from the ramshackle “boarding houses” of Murder Bay to the glamorous pleasure houses of Marble Alley, all within sight of the Capitol. Also, a new profession for women was rising, that of the “female lobbyist.” This virtual tour introduces you to some of the most notorious women of mid-19th century DC.
Presented in partnership with Off the Mall D.C. founder and guide, Katie Kirkpatrick
Dorothy Parker: Unique American Writer Thu, Mar 13 | 7 – 8 pm HCLS Glenwood Branch For adults. Register here.
Writer, poet, screenwriter, playwright, and essayist Dorothy Parker was known as the wittiest woman in America in the mid-20th century. In an era when the printed word was powerful and readers voraciously consumed written comments, critiques, and opinions, her sharp writing appeared in the New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and other publications. Readers anxiously awaited her next words as her clever quotations became legendary, but her personal life was often troubling: alcohol, divorce, and suicide attempts continued through her life. Learn about the legacy of this unique contributor to the American literary tradition from historian Jack Burkert.
The Clarksville Youth Care Group (CYCG), a student-run nonprofit in Howard County, is showcasing creative artwork made from recycled household items by talented local students. The display will run through the end of February in the display cases at HCLS Miller Branch. With support from a Howard County Youth Engagement Programming (YEP) Grant, CYCG has been actively promoting environmental sustainability, indoor composting, and upcycling throughout the county.
The display features more than 70 pieces of artwork crafted from everyday recycled materials, such as toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, eggshells, milk cartons, glass bottles, cans, scrap paper, paper cups, socks, sunflower seed shells, fruit nets, and more. Students have transformed glass bottles into vases or night lights, repurposed egg cartons and toilet paper rolls into animal sculptures and flowers, turned milk cartons into desk organizers, and fashioned scrap paper into jewelry. Old socks have even been upcycled into pumpkins!
Upcycling has become an increasingly popular part of the sustainability movement, allowing people to transform waste into new products while reducing environmental impact. This creative display hopes to inspire more people to explore upcycling, showing that all it takes is a little imagination and perseverance to create something beautiful.
CYCG President and Co-Founder Amanda Wang expressed her appreciation for Howard County Library System for the opportunity to share student-created upcycled artwork. Amanda said, “We hope to inspire more people to start upcycling, which is easy and fun with just a little bit of imagination and creativity.”
To complement the display, HCLS, in partnership with CYCG, is hosting a hands-on Upcycled Art class on Saturday, February 22 from 2:30–4:00 PM at HCLS Miller Branch.
Join us for this exciting workshop where we explore the art of upcycling through creative paper projects. Learn how to repurpose old magazines, gift wrap, and newspapers into stylish bracelets, earrings, and home décor. All materials will be provided—just bring your imagination!
Nancy T. is an instructor and research specialist and the display coordinator at Miller Branch. When she’s not in the branch, you’ll find her in the swimming pool, sitting with her cat, or out walking in the fresh air.
Mon, Feb 24 | 7 – 8:30 pm HCLS Miller Branch For adults. Register here.
Jeffrey Boutwell discusses his new book,Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy, a biography of family member George S. Boutwell – perhaps the most consequential American political figure you’ve never heard of. During his career from 1839 to 1905, George Boutwell was Governor of Massachusetts, served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, was treasury secretary for Ulysses Grant and Commissioner of Revenue for Abraham Lincoln, helped create the Republican Party in the 1850s, and forty years later opposed Republican Presidents William McKinley and Teddy Roosevelt over their plans to annex the Philippines following the Spanish-American War.
Boutwell was instrumental in framing the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, initiating the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, and investigating white vigilante violence against Black people in Mississippi in the 1870s. For seven decades, George Boutwell sought to “redeem America’s promise” through racial equality, economic equity, and the humane use of American power abroad.
Jeffrey Boutwell is a writer and historian living in Columbia, Maryland, after a 40-year career in journalism, government, and international scientific policy. He began his career as a reporter and editor with the famed City News Bureau of Chicago and was a book reviewer for the Chicago Sun-Times. After two years in the Windy City, Boutwell moved to Berlin and then to England, where he received an M.Sc. in Economics and Politics from the London School of Economics. He received a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. He has written and spoken widely on issues ranging from nuclear weapons arms control to Middle East peace to environmental issues.
“It is important for all of us to see ourselves in books.” – Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, founder of the African American Read-In
Howard County Library System joins our community in honoring Black History Month, a month-long celebration of African American life, History, and culture, established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and founded and promoted by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The ASALH states that Black History Month is a, “way to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, History, and culture to the global community.” February events at HCLS are for a variety of ages and include read-ins, stories, and crafts. Events planned with a teen audience as the focus include an AfroFuturism ArtLab and teen art exhibit, an author event with We Need Diverse Books founding member Lamar Giles, and an online discussion featuring curator Kevin Strait from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The African American Read-In “was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.” The commitment for nationwide promotion extends from 1990 to the present. To date, the initiative has reached more than six million participants around the world.
According to the NCTE website, “During the month of February, schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting an African American Read-In. Hosting an event can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers.”
Tracey Williams, president of the Southern Howard County/Laurel Chapter of Continentals Society, Inc., says, “It is crucial for all children to hear the voices of African American authors, gain insight into their experiences, and explore our rich heritage.”
Howard County Library System celebrates African American authors and culture as a participant in the National African American Read-In.
Read-In Opportunities All ages; drop-in. Honor Black History Month by participating in the National African American Read-In. Community partners and library staff read aloud from books by African American authors. Light refreshments. Sat, Feb 8 at 12 – 2 pm HCLS East Columbia Branch Sat, Feb 8 at 1 – 3 pm HCLS Glenwood Branch
Meet at the children’s bubble wall to hear library staff read stories by African American authors. Listen for just one or stay for more! Thu, Feb 20 at 1 – 2 pm HCLS Elkridge Branch
Anansi Tales & Crafts Ages 3 – 11. Anansi is a classic African folktale character who is known for his trickster ways. Enjoy his woven web of cunning triumphs! Fri, Feb 28 at 10:30 – 11: 15 am HCLS Central Branch
In partnership with: Continental Societies, Inc., Southeastern Regional Howard County/Laurel Chapter; Columbia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center; The Society Incorporated, Howard County, MD Chapter; Howard County Public School System; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Lambda Omega Chapter Emerging Leaders; African American Community Roundtable of Howard County; and the Youth Leadership Program.
Afrofuturism for Teens
Afrofuturism ArtLab: Learn & Create! Ages 11 – 18. Register here. What is Afrofuturism? Explore this multimedia concept, then create your own related artwork. Your work may be chosen for HCLS Miller Branch’s Afrofuturism Student Art Exhibit for Black History Month. All materials supplied, but feel free to bring anything you would like. Sat, Feb 8 at 3 – 5 pm HCLS Miller Branch
Afrofuturism with NMAAHC Curator Kevin Strait All ages. Register here. Curator Kevin Strait from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture discusses his recent exhibit, Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures. Strait shares the history of Afrofuturism, and how the exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture. Thu, Feb 20 at 6 – 7 pm online & HCLS Miller Branch
Author Event: Lamar Giles Ages 10 and up. Register here. A founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Lamar Giles discusses his novel, The Getaway, (currently in development for TV), and his journey as a writer, while engaging in a Q&A moderated by local teens. School Library Journal writes, “Nonstop action, increasingly dangerous risks, and themes of racism and classism will keep readers engaged and flying through this one—and rethinking that planned resort vacation.” Mon, Feb 24 at 6 – 8 pm HCLS Miller Branch
Two men at Howard County Library System. East Columbia Branch
by Tonya Aikens, President & CEO
At Howard County Library System (HCLS), we firmly believe in the dignity of all humans, regardless of their immigration status, gender, race, economic status, religious or cultural background, political ideology, or other identifier. Our libraries are open to all people, no questions asked.
Following the Executive Orders issued since January 20, many people have asked how they impact libraries. At HCLS, our vision, mission, and values remain unchanged. We continue to pursue a vision of an empowered community where all people reach their potential, and our mission remains as your place to learn, grow, and connect. Our organizational values of community, equity, intellectual freedom, learning, and teamwork serve as our foundation. We steadfastly affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting our community and maintaining the core values that guide our work.
Specifically, we wish to address three Executive Orders (EO) that impact libraries.
The recission of EO 14084 (Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services) will impact libraries and cultural institutions across the nation. In Howard County, we are fortunate to serve in a community that believes in and supports the educational and societal value libraries provide. While some library systems are almost exclusively federally funded, less than five percent of our budget is derived from the federal government.
Importantly, Maryland’s passing of the Freedom to Read Act in 2024 was an intentional act to safeguard the autonomy of libraries that receive state funding by prohibiting the censorship of books based on the author’s background, origin, or viewpoints, as well as partisan disapproval. The bill also ensures protection for school and public library staff who adhere to the state library standards outlined in the bill, shielding library workers from retaliation.
Regarding EO 13993 (Revision of Civil Immigration Enforcement Policies and Priorities), libraries are unwavering in our commitment to your privacy. We provide resources and services to everyone who walks through our doors without regard to immigration status. At HCLS, it has always been our policy and practice to safeguard community member information. We developed specific guidance for all members of our staff reaffirming that HCLS does not provide community member information to law enforcement or immigration officers unless the request for information is accompanied by a court order or warrant signed by a judge. HCLS does not collect or track community member immigration information and therefore has no information to share. Please note that areas open to the public in our facilities are open to all and immigration officers may enter without a warrant. ICE agents may enter places open to the public, question people in public places, and conduct inquiries according to their statutory powers under 8 U.S. Code § 1357.
Regarding EO 13988 (Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation), the Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014 prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in public accommodations. This is interpreted to give transgender people the right to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.
While Federal policies may continue to change, our priorities remain the same:
Our individuality and our unique gifts and talents make us stronger. At HCLS, our staff and community are encouraged and supported in showing up as their full selves.
Libraries remain vital spaces for learning, collaboration, and connection. We are committed to preserving the resources, programs, and support systems that enable their success.
Our role in the community as a trusted partner and advocate for equitable access is more critical than ever.
We will continue to prioritize programs and initiatives that address the needs and aspirations of those we serve.
Thank you for helping to ensure HCLS continues to be the place where all people may learn, grow, and connect.
CHAPTER CHATS 