Category Classes & Events

An illustration shows two female fantasy creatures making coffee, with a counter full of pastries in front.

Brand New Book Club Alert!

sahanacallahan Leave a comment
An illustration shows two female fantasy creatures making coffee, with a counter full of pastries in front.

Between the Lines
Third Fridays; 5 – 6 pm
Brewing Good at Savage Mill
Register for emails and updates.

by Sahana C.

Let me know if you can relate, but my attention span has been pretty garbage lately, to be frank. It makes reading harder, and it makes some of my old favorite genres, tropes, and go-tos feel tedious. It makes it hard to motivate myself, when there’s so much on streaming, and my phone is just barely out of reach.  

So recently, the best way I’ve found to get out of my reading slumps is to switch it up. And in the wake of world events over the past few years, I’ve been trying to intentionally read more diversely and to see as many different perspectives as I can through the books I choose. I’ve managed to read some really interesting things, venturing outside of my comfort zone (and it makes giving recommendations, a whole lot easier!). 

Something I love to do when I’m reading something I’m not familiar with, whether my lack of familiarity be related to genre or to the topics and themes in the book, is to try to figure out what in my life can relate. I always ask myself what exists in my life that mirrors this, or if there’s nothing that’s familiar, I try to learn as much as I can about the subject.  

Against a red background, a blue block print of a woman's profile showls long har, with a fish tail embedded.

My favorite book of 2022, for example, was about sapphic Norwegian “witches” from 1621. The Mercies by Killan Millwood Hargrave gave me a lot of context to a witch trial I didn’t even know existed, as well as introduced me to the Sámi people, an indigenous group that spans Scandinavia. Shortly after, I read a cheesy friends-to-lovers novel that had me thinking about the romance in The Mercies all over again. I love doing stuff like that, and I know a lot of people who do, too. Here at the branch, we discuss it among ourselves, as staff, but we kept talking about how fun it would be to do as a book club.

Which is why we’re all here now! In this brand new book club, I’m really hoping that we can make connections. We’ll read books of all sorts, from sci-fi, poetry, historical fiction and romances, to nonfiction, biographies, then more fiction. I really want to discuss the similarities and differences, the intersections and identities, the ways that genre and form show up and make each work.  

Between the Lines is going to be hosted at Brewing Good, at the Savage Mill, and we’re incredibly excited for this partnership. It’s a fantastic setting for a book club, with the cutest café and sitting area. We’ll discuss our book of the month on the third Friday of the month, from 5-6, but come by a bit earlier to grab something to eat or drink, and we’ll settle in slowly.  

We’re kicking off with a fun one this summer: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is about an orc who is done with all of the violence of her life and is ready to start a new life, opening up a coffee shop (are you seeing why we picked this book?) while trying to stay on her new path, regardless of distractions.  

Pick up a copy at the Savage Branch, read the e-book through Libby, or peruse the copies that are already at Brewing Good – either way, we hope to see you on July 21.  

Register for emails and updates.

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.

Classic film poster featuring Indiana Jones in his trademark hat, brandishing a whip. Other characters urround the edges of the poster.

Action Packed Adventure: Fun Films

chtasker Leave a comment
Classic film poster featuring Indiana Jones in his trademark hat, brandishing a whip. Other characters urround the edges of the poster.

by Cherise T.

Join 2023’s Summer Reading Adventures with the best of adventure films. On Sunday, 6/25, at 2 pm, the Central Branch presents Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Released in 1981, Raiders is one of the most popular action films of all time. The series’ fifth installment arrives in theaters on 6/30, so now is the perfect time to revisit the original on the big screen. Don’t stop there: the HCLS collection of amazing films includes not only DVDs, but hoopla and Kanopy on-demand streaming videos.

The Oscar-winning 2018 documentary Free Solo follows climber Alex Honnold’s quest to scale Yosemite’s 3,000-foot vertical rock formation El Capitan without any safety equipment. Directed by filmmaker Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and her husband, National Geographic photographer Jimmy Chin, also a climber, Free Solo keeps its audience on the edge of their seats. Viewers will be astonished by the effort needed to accomplish the feat and the risks involved for Alex and the crew.

Some of the best adventure films are great for all ages. E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial introduces a friendly alien who must be protected from adults and government officials harboring ulterior motives. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, an animated multiverse adventure, follows Miles Morales, teenager turned superhero, who must foil an evil madman and learn from fellow Spider-People. In Spy Kids, Carmen and Juni Cortez set out to rescue their international spy parents from a children’s show television host and an evil mastermind.

A sweeping, nearly four-hour epic, Lawrence of Arabia tells the story of archaeologist and military intelligence officer T. E. Lawrence in the Ottoman provinces during WWI. Lawrence’s complex mixed allegiance between British and Arab soldiers leads him to strike out on his own daring attacks. Lawrence’s book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, as well as the Great Courses CD, Life Lessons from the Great Books, provide further insight into this fascinating historical figure.

The Princess Bride satirizes fairy tales, damsels in distress, swashbuckling pirates, and miracle workers. Follow the trail of, “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

Today it’s Episode IV, A New Hope, but back in 1977, it was the origin story of, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” Star Wars. Buckle up and travel through hyperspace.

As one of the movies’ greatest readers, Belle from Beauty and the Beast (also a live action film), sings, “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.”

Cherise Tasker is an Adult Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch. When not immersed in literary fiction, Cherise can be found singing along to musical theater soundtracks. 

Be part of HCLS’ Summer Reading Adventures.

The title sandwiches a mock version of Washington crossing the Delaware, with Alexandra Petri holding the flog and the ice floes being made of cherry pie.

Humor is good for the soul!

Rohini G. Leave a comment
The title sandwiches a mock version of Washington crossing the Delaware, with Alexandra Petri holding the flog and the ice floes being made of cherry pie.

A witty, absurdist satire of the last 500 years, Alexandra Petri’s US History is the fake textbook you never knew you needed!

by Rohini G.

Every morning, before I plunge into the doom and gloom printed on the front page of the newspaper, I take a few minutes to refresh my soul and laugh loudly. Washington Post’s humor columnist Alexandra Petri’s witty perspective on the absurd in our politics (of which there is no dearth), tickles my funny bone, enlivens my gray cells, and infuses my heart with optimism. A full body workout!

What? You haven’t read her column and are unfamiliar with her razor sharp writing? Ah, my friend, what should I offer you – her hilarious article about whether George Santos should resign (It’s the last thing he should do) or her recent satirical perspective on the U.S. Senate – it’s senior living made permanent. Or better yet, come and meet her in-person on Saturday, June 24 at 2 pm at the Miller Branch as she discusses her new book U.S. History: Important American Documents (I Made Up).

As a columnist for The Washington Post, Alexandra Petri has watched in real time as those who didn’t learn from history have been forced to repeat it. And repeat it. And repeat it. If we repeat history one more time, we’re going to fail! Maybe it’s time for a new textbook.

On Petri’s deranged timeline, John and Abigail Adams try sexting, the March sisters from Little Women are sixty feet tall, and Susan Sontag goes to summer camp. Nearly eighty short, hilarious pieces span centuries of American history and culture. Ayn Rand rewrites The Little Engine That Could. Nikola Tesla’s friends stage an intervention when he falls in love with a pigeon. The characters from Sesame Street invade Normandy. And Mark Twain—who famously said reports of his death had been greatly exaggerated—offers a detailed account of his undeath.

Alexandra Petri is a Thurber Prize finalist. Her satire has also appeared in McSweeney’s and the New Yorker’s Daily Shouts and Murmurs. She lives in Washington, DC. She won the National Press Club Angele Gingras Award for Humor Writing 2016, Shorty Award 2016, Forbes 30 Under 30, Fifty Funniest People Right Now (Rolling Stone).

If there is even a single person standing who can see through the political obfuscation on all sides, and spark humorous conversation, then there is, yet, hope for this world.

Saturday, June 24
2 pm
Miller Branch
Register.

Rohini is the Adult Curriculum Specialist with HCLS. She loves literature and rainy days.

The photograph depicts a hand outstretched against a background of fluffy, bright red material. A rainbow of primary colors is painted on the hand, with the outline of a heart overlaid in black.

Full of Pride

Admin Leave a comment
The photograph depicts a hand outstretched against a background of fluffy, bright red material. A rainbow of primary colors is painted on the hand, with the outline of a heart overlaid in black.
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

by Jessica S.

Happy Pride, y’all! Since 1970s first Pride march in New York City on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, LGBTQ+ community members and allies have turned an incident of brutality and discrimination into an annual celebration that honors the past and works toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Whether you fit somewhere under the LGBTQ+ umbrella or are a supportive ally, we’ve got you!

When you aren’t sure where to start, you can begin with the Rainbow Reads booklists for adults, teens, and kids that are curated by our instructors to make sure everyone is represented. You’re bound to find a title or two that makes you feel seen or opens a window on a different life experience, building empathy and understanding.

Now that you’ve read some new titles, the best way to cement your thoughts is to talk about them with some like-minded souls. Although all our book discussion groups are inclusive and new attendees are always welcome, Central Branch has a perfect fit for LGBTQ+ adults and allies with Reads of Acceptance. Join this group to talk about titles of interest in a safe space for social support, personal growth, and intergenerational learning.

If self-direction is more your jam, the Equity Resource Center housed at Central Branch is a great place for you to spend some time browsing our large collection of titles on LGBTQ+ topics, race, religion, and more. Safely explore the many treasures in this collection and hang out to read – without having to spend a dime. Even if you don’t visit the ERC, library branches are a safe space to chill, read, work on schoolwork, use a computer, or meet up with friends – all are welcome here!

Sometimes we’d all rather celebrate Pride from the comfort of home, and you don’t have to leave the house if you have a library card in hand. OverDrive (and its app, Libby) provides access to e-books, e-audiobooks, and magazines including Out, The Advocate, Gay Times, and Transliving International. The Netflix of libraries, Kanopy offers streaming movies like Oscar-winner Moonlight (2016), Filipino horror-comedy Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013), or the uplifting coming-of-age drama Hearts Beat Loud (2018).

Look for us at Howard County Pride, which takes place in October! And if you are interested in celebrating Pride with something a bit more low-key than a march that still gets you out of the house, check out upcoming library classes and events.

Author Works: Tonee Moll
For adults. Register here.
Tonee Moll reads from and discusses their award-winning book of poetry, You Cannot Save Here, this work is queer, it’s punk, and it uses cultural allusion to address how we live our lives when it feels like the world is ending.
Sat, Jun 17 | 3 – 4 pm
Savage Branch

Films that Connect Us
For adults. Register here.
How do films shape and connect us? Join our film discussion. Please watch the film prior to the discussion date. The film for June is And Then We Danced (available on Kanopy).
Mon, Jun 5 | 4 – 5 pm
online

Pride Button Making
Ages 11-18 and adults. Register here.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride month by creating your own rainbow or pronoun buttons to wear or share. In this class, you learn about the different types of pride flags, learn about pronouns, and make a rainbow or pronoun button.
Sat, Jun 17 | 1 – 2:30 pm
Savage Branch

Stick to Being You – Creating Pride Stickers with the Cricut
Teens and adults. Register here.
Celebrate Pride Month at the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace and learn how to create custom stickers with the Cricut maker.
Wed, Jun 21 | 6 – 8 pm
Glenwood Brabch

Rainbow Pride
Ages 8-11. Ticketed.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride month with related reads, activities, and a rainbow craft!
Wed, Jun 14 | 2 – 2:45 pm | Central Branch
Thu, Jun 15 | 2 – 2:45 pm | Elkridge Brach
Wed, Jun 21 | 2 – 2:45 pm | Savage Branch

Craft Pop-Up Shop: Rainbow Pride Edition
Ages 4 and up. Allow 15 minutes. Drop in.
Pop-in and make a rainbow craft!
Mon, Jun 12 | 3 – 4:30 pm
Miller Branch

Films with Humans: Moonlight
For adults. Register here.
Watch a film about humans, since all great stories involve great characters, followed by a discussion with fellow humans. The movie is available on DVD and via Kanopy. Watch the movie at the library on June 29 or view it in advance.
Thu, Jun 29 | 6 – 8:30 pm
Elkridge Branch

Jessica is an Instructor & Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch. She likes comics, anime, all things science fiction, and horror movies. She’s currently learning about 3D Printing and AI.

Booker owl in a hot air balloon, which is striped white and green with the Hi circle in blue.

Summer Reading Adventures for Everyone

emilyhcls Leave a comment
Booker owl in a hot air balloon, which is striped white and green with the Hi circle in blue.

by Jean B. and Emily B., Central Branch

Choose your own adventures as you read, explore, and experiment this summer.
Visit hclibrary.org/summer for more details on Summer Reading Adventures for all ages.

GET STARTED
For all ages! Find the summer reading adventure that’s right for you and your family. Separate game boards available for ages 0 – 5, 6 – 10, teens, and adults.

READ & DO ACTIVITIES
Each time you read or do an activity, you complete a step toward finishing the game. Reading includes print books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines — whatever you like!
Find additional activities, book lists, classes, events, and more at hclibrary.org/summer.

WIN A PRIZE
When you complete your adventures (reading and activities), complete a finisher’s form available at any HCLS location or online. Pick up a prize (while supplies last) in person August 1 – 31.

Reading is always an adventure, right? A good book can make you an explorer of a different place, time, perspective, or personality. And you know where to find all kinds of books and knowledgeable “tour guides:” our six library branches. But the 2023 Summer Reading Adventure will take you beyond books and beyond buildings with exciting experiences for children and families. Besides reading together, you can build foundations for literacy and support the skills of young readers with a wide range of activities — whether you’re outside observing nature or inside creating and experimenting. We’re here to feed your adventurous spirit!

If you go to Savage Branch, you can explore the outdoor Storywalk, soaking up the beautiful words and images of Eve Bunting’s Flower Garden and Eric Carle’s Where is the Sun? as you stroll. Nature adventures happen weekly at Central Branch, weather permitting, with Wednesday morning classes on the patio — maybe you’ll observe an itsy-bitsy spider when you sing its song!

Wander through the Enchanted Garden at Miller Branch to find the two new resident foxes and learn their names, while observing the different kinds of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that are growing.

To add sports and engineering into your adventure, help create a giant miniature golf course at Glenwood Branch. You can learn all about the Cardboard Challenge at an information session on June 28, get a starter kit of supplies, and then put your engineering and creative talents to the test as you build your one-of-a-kind mini-golf hole at home. Everyone brings their creations back to the library in July, then plays a community golf game for the record books.

If you’re looking for an adventure in art, head to East Columbia Branch on Wednesday evenings where 6-9 year olds and their adults can learn about great artists from Kahlo to Kandinsky, then create masterpieces. Makers of all ages find fun at Elkridge Branch, where families can work their way through STEM exploration stations, preschoolers can participate in weekly STEAM activities, and teens can create a stop motion movie with LEGO™ blocks. And when the adventure winds down in August, stay tuned for the STEAM Carnival at Miller Branch – an opportunity to share your experiences, projects, and inspiration.
Come to your libraries – adventure awaits!

For Teens:

Join the Quest! Earn treasure as you travel through books, stream music or movies, and have fun with experiments and games. Your local library contains everything you need to succeed. Stop by any branch to receive a gameboard and a Tshirt (while supplies last)! Visit online and in person with your ideas, questions, and enthusiasm.

For Adults:

If you thought that all the Summer Reading fun at the library was just for kids, think again! Visit any library branch to pick up a Reading Journal and participate in our adult Reading Challenge. Each journal contains 13 challenge prompts, intended to guide you through a year of reading.

Not sure what book to read for a certain prompt? A list of suggested titles chosen by our staff is provided for each theme. These challenges offer an opportunity to read outside of your comfort zone, discover new authors, and explore different genres.

To complete your Summer Reading Adventure, finish any three challenges or read three books of your choosing. Between August 1 – 31, visit any HCLS branch to complete a finisher’s card. Finishers are then entered into our end-of-summer prize drawings and receive a limited-edition prize while supplies last.

Kick off your summer reading journey with the online Adult Summer Reading Showcase on Tuesday, June 6 at 7 pm. Join our instructors online as we share our top picks for summer reads. With genre-spanning recommendations, from thrillers to nonfiction and everything in between, you’re bound to learn about some new books and authors of interest. You may find a few titles to add to your TBR (to-be-read) list!

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.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. She enjoys puzzling, reading, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.

Booker, owl mascot in green sweater, with blocky colorful letters: Summer Reading Adventures. Choose your own adventures as you read, explore, and experiment this summer.

Summer Reading is Fun that is Good For You

Kristen B. 1 Comment
Booker, owl mascot in green sweater, with blocky colorful letters: Summer Reading Adventures

by Michael Martirano, Ed.D., Superintendent of Howard County Public School System

Dear Families,
I’m writing on behalf of many wonderful opportunities that will be occurring this summer with our A+ partner – the Howard County Library System (HCLS). I hope that all of our students will take advantage of the terrific – and free – educational opportunities included in the Howard County Library System Summer Reading program.

Summer Reading Helps Students Achieve
Reading is a critical part of a student’s journey and continuing to improve reading skills over the summer will help prevent the well-known “summer slide” in academic achievement. It’s also a time when students can choose books by authors or in genres they prefer. According to the Brookings Institution, numerous studies show that summer reading programs may also increase reading test scores.

Created in Partnership
HCLS staff consulted with our curricular department in the design of the elementary school game. It’s rich in literacy, touches on several subject areas, and encourages students to explore and deepen their interests. The game for middle and high school students rewards more flexible independent reading and library engagement and is suitable for students of those age groups.
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) and HCLS staff collaborate on summer reading lists available at hcpss.org/academics/library-media, in library branches, and at hclibrary.org/summer. Library staff can provide additional suggestions that match anyone’s interests and reading level.

Summer Reading Matches Your Student’s Interests
Reading is not just good for you, it’s fun! HCLS Summer Reading participants are able to participate in free HCLS classes, which include STEAM, art, and more. With a wide range of books in different formats, and hundreds of free enriching classes over the summer, summer reading at the Library can match your student’s interests. There’s an adventure for everyone!

For the Whole Family
As the saying goes: “Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.” Adults can participate in summer reading too, with a great reading journal you can pick up at the library. Read three books this summer and win a tote bag. May your whole family enjoy the adventure of reading all summer long!

Celebrating Success
We hope you finish the game and submit a finisher’s form. You can even opt to share your student’s success with their school. We look forward to congratulating them when they return in the fall!

Visit your local branch or hclibrary.org/summer to receive a gameboard.

White chalk on a blackboard: Blueberries, raspberries, plums, peaches, nectarines, sauce, apples

Fresh & Healthy

Admin Leave a comment
A big pile of bell peppers in all shades, centered on a yellow one.
Weekly farmers’ market at HCLS Miller Branch.

The library isn’t just providing good food for thought through books, movies, and other materials – it also can help you make good choices in staying healthy with cookbooks, nutrition guides, and classes.

The Farmers’ Markets are open again! You can shop for locally grown herbs and flowers, fresh produce, meats, and other food and drink. Operated by Howard County Economic Development Authority, there are several throughout the county, including at HCLS East Columbia Branch on Thursdays from 12-6 pm and HCLS Miller Branch on Wednesdays from 2-6 pm.

Join us in June for a wide variety of classes related to health and wellness:

Fight Stress Before It Gets to You
For adults. Register here.
In our modern lives, our bodies and minds are subject to many stresses. When we support our bodies before we are challenged, we can prevent certain negative health impacts. Nutrition Specialist Courtney Carpenter focuses on diet and lifestyle choices, including supplements.
Thu, Jun 1 at 7 – 8:30 pm
Central Branch

Addressing Menopause Naturally
For adults. Register here.
Menopause can be a challenging time in a woman’s life. Nutrition Specialist Courtney Carpenter discusses menopause, including recent developments in our understanding of hormones. In addition, learn how fine-tuning one’s diet and taking advantage of both foods and natural products can make this transition more manageable.
Thu, Jun 8 at 7 – 8:30 pm
Central Branch

Edible Landscaping with the Community Ecology Institute (CEI)
For adults. Register here.
Are you interested in incorporating edible plants into your existing landscape, but don’t know where to start? Discover plants that you can easily add to a large or small landscape or to containers. Gain a better understanding of edible plants and the knowledge you need to get you started. Feel free to bring photos to the Q & A with staff from the CEI Nourishing Gardens program.
Visit the Freetown Farm display during June in the Miller Branch lobby.
In partnership with the Community Ecology Institute.
Sat, Jun 10 at 10:30 am – 12 pm
Miller Branch

Fry, Fry Baby: Air Fryer Tips and Tricks
For adults. Register here.
Learn how to boost your produce intake, reduce your saturated fat intake, and keep your taste buds happy. Presented by Melanie Berdyck, Giant Food Nutritionist.
Thu, Jun 22 at 2 – 3 pm
Elkridge Branch

The collage shows a photograph of the speaker accompanied by two of her books: B is for Breathe and Kindness Is Cool. On the right are a selection of the other books promoted in the blog post, surrounding the title "Mindful Reads: Children's Picks."

Mindful Reads with Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd and other children’s picks

Sylvia H. Leave a comment
The collage shows a photograph of the speaker accompanied by two of her books: B is for Breathe and Kindness Is Cool. On the right are a selection of the other books promoted in the blog post, surrounding the title "Mindful Reads: Children's Picks."

Meet the Author
Wednesday, May 31 | 6:30 – 7 pm
Miller Branch
Ticketed event; tickets available at children’s desk starting at 6:15.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Howard County Library System is excited to welcome children’s author Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd to our Miller Branch. A wife, mother of three, clinical psychologist, and officer in the United States Army, Dr. Boyd will read her picture book, B is for Breathe. She then will talk about how to use literature to help children with identifying and expressing their emotions, along with relaxation techniques, including deep breathing and guided imagery. Books available for purchase. More details can be found here. 

Each year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation releases the KIDS COUNT Data Book, a 50-state report of recent household data analyzing how children and families are faring.1 In the most recent edition (released in 2022), the focus on youth mental health included a mix of pre-pandemic and current data, shedding light on the extraordinary mental health crisis facing not only Maryland’s children, but American children overall.2 One of the most startling figures revealed “an urgent need to address youth mental health, as 1 in 8 young people in Maryland deal with anxiety or depression.”3 

The topic of mental health may feel difficult to tackle, especially when thinking of how best to support children. Many people wonder where to begin. Luckily, HCLS offers resources to help. Our children’s collection features many books (in both print and electronic format) that cover the topics of emotions, mental health, mindfulness, and more. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started: 

A blue cloud background features a child with their arms wide, eyes closed, and smiling.

B is for Breathe by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd 

From A to Z, this book shares simple ways for children to express their emotions and practice mindfulness. It provides language for discussing feelings and teaches coping strategies to process frustrating emotions. 

Kindness is Cool by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd 

A new addition to our collection, this most recent book by Dr. Boyd shows examples of children practicing kindness in the world around them and teaches how simple acts of kindness make our world a better place. 

The Three Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath by Susan Verde 

“Once upon a time, there lived a wolf who lost his huff and puff.” For him, this was a big, big problem. One morning, he meets a yogi doing sun salutations. He really wants to huff and puff and blow her house down, but before he does so, the yogi suggests that he “meditate on that.” Similar things happen when he meets a second yogi, and a third, and, with their help, he learns ways to find his calming breath. A fun twist on a classic fairy tale, this story provides readers with breathing exercises they can use to regulate their emotions. 

The Don’t Worry Book by Todd Parr 

Everyone worries sometime; it is a part of life. This book teaches children that although there may be situations which are scary or overwhelming, there is always something that can comfort them. Todd Parr is known for his simple text and colorful illustrations that are both engaging and provide starting points for conversations on what can be difficult topics to discuss with young children. Other books with similar topics include, It’s Okay to Be Different, The Feelings Book, Be Who You Are, and many more. 

Puppy in My Head by Elise Gravel 

Ollie is a puppy, and sometimes runs around barking and jumping when he should be calm and quiet. The problem is, he is inside our narrator’s head, so when Ollie has these feelings, his person does too! How can our narrator teach Ollie to be calm? This story introduces children to techniques to calm their active minds when they may feel stressed or overwhelmed. The analogy of Ollie brings the concept of anxiety to a child level and teaches useful strategies for stressful, busy situations. 

Big Bright Feelings series by Tom Percival 

Looking for a kid-friendly introduction to social-emotional topics? This series of books by Tom Percival is a great place to start! Covering topics from loving yourself (Perfectly Norman) to dealing with worries (Ruby Finds a Worry) and managing anger (Ravi’s Roar), the books provide great opportunities for conversations about mental health, self-confidence, and managing feelings. 

Dealing with Feelings series by Courtney Carbone 

With titles like This Makes Me Happy, This Makes Me Scared, and This Makes Me Silly, the Dealing with Feelings series of early reader books brings the topics of feelings and emotions to a child-friendly level. Each story follows a different child as they experience a situation or event and learn to identify their emotions and coping strategies. The simple text and vivid illustrations help children learn to read, while giving names to what they may be feeling inside. 

Whether you visit one of our branches or check out resources online, we are here for you! Our staff can direct you to community resources available for you and your family and are happy to suggest titles to support you on your journey. We look forward to seeing you soon. 

——————————

1. Nonso Umunna, “Kids Count: Maryland’s Children Are Experiencing Higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression,” Maryland Center on Economic Policy, August 8, 2022, http://www.mdeconomy.org/kids-count-marylands-children-are-experiencing-higher-rates-of-anxiety-and-depression.

2. see note 1 above 

3. Schumitz, Kali, “New Maryland Data Show the Pandemic’s Toll on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Children and Families,” Maryland Center on Economic Policy, August 8, 2022, http://www.mdeconomy.org/new-maryland-data-show-the-pandemics-toll-on-the-mental-health-and-well-being-of-children-and-families

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.

A colorful main dish is surrounded by smaller metal bowls of whole spices.

Recipe Exchange: Asian American Chefs and Asian American Cuisine

sahanacallahan Leave a comment
A colorful main dish is surrounded by smaller metal bowls of whole spices.

by Sahana C.

Come talk food with us!
Wednesday, May 24 at 7 pm | Savage Branch
Register here.

In Asian American households, food is a love language. Sliced fruit, set gently next to a workspace, is an invitation to take a break, or an apology. Homecomings are ushered in by welcome feasts, and almost every restaurant occasion ends with a polite battle over the bill. Food is affection, and especially in immigrant households, it is a connection to family, to a far-away home, and it is a consistent way of showing (but not telling) love.

Growing up with my Bengali mother, rainy days off meant khichdi (a mix of rice, lentils, and vegetables) and aloo bhaja (thinly sliced fried potatoes) for lunch. My brother and I would scrap over the last few aloo bhaja in the bowl, before our mother would smile indulgently and take a few from her plate to split between us. I’d sit in the kitchen as my mother cooked big, elaborate, multi-course meals, watch her season and spice, and wait for the oil to sputter specifically, never once consulting a recipe. She would have one of her aunts on speakerphone, talking about family back home and interjecting with quick questions on what to substitute to make our American ingredients taste as close as possible to the Indian ones.

I grew to appreciate food, to understand cooking, and to have a standard repertoire of recipes after learning from my mother. It was a common language we shared, this mutual culinary interest. And it’s only grown. I cook with and for friends, I follow cooking blogs and sites and social media accounts, I favorite every restaurant I pass by with an interesting-looking menu, and most of all, I like to talk about food with people. On desk at the library, I’ll see someone flipping through a cookbook I’ve read, and I’ll want to stop and talk. I’ll notice someone looking at a book written by one of my favorite food personalities, and I can’t help but smile at it. And most of all, I love when people share their recipes with me, when I can hear about the food, the stories, and the cuisines that influence them.

It’s important, also, to know about innovators. To know about the people who are pushing the cuisine, who are changing it, who are going back to the roots of a tradition or practice to better understand it. There are so many Asian American chefs who are pushing the envelope on what elevated Asian American cuisine looks like, and there are just as many Asian American chefs who are looking to create the most traditional experience they can with their food. All of that is what makes the cuisine not just Asian, but Asian American. It’s the blend of respect for culture and tradition, and the simultaneous push to the modern that makes Asian American food so unique.

To celebrate all of the above, we’re having a Recipe Exchange on Wednesday, May 24, from 7-8 pm at the Savage Branch. It’s themed around Asian American chefs and Asian American cuisine, where we’ll look at a few highlighted chefs and some of their most popular recipes. I’d love for you to join us and bring a recipe of your own to share. We’ll discuss our favorite tips, tricks, and techniques in community, and do it all the way food was meant to be enjoyed – together.

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.

A photograph of a woman and three children in traditional Korean clothing is superimposed over a backdrop of Korean buildings on a narrow, descending street against a blue skyline.

안녕하세요!

Peter N. Leave a comment
A photograph of a woman and three children in traditional Korean clothing is superimposed over a backdrop of Korean buildings on a narrow, descending street against a blue skyline.

By Peter N.

On October 9, 2021, Governor Larry Hogan, joined by First Lady Yumi Hogan, Republic of Korea Ambassador to the United States Lee Soo-hyuck, and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, officially opened Korean Way in Ellicott City. A five-mile stretch of Route 40 in Ellicott City, Korean Way is home to more than 160 Korean-American owned-businesses that offer everything in the way of authentic Korean cuisine, goods, services, and more. 

We are privileged to celebrate the contributions of one of Ellicott City’s largest demographics, and we continue this celebration on Sunday, May 21 from 2 – 4 pm with Global Neighbors: Republic of Korea. 

Highlighting the culture, contributions, and accomplishments of the citizens of the Republic of Korea as well as Korean Americans, this exciting day includes performances of the Korean harp, drum, and traditional fan dance. Other performances showcase taekwondo as well as a K-Pop dance with local high school students. Create some Korea-inspired crafts, while supplies last.

A woman and two children stand in front of the Miller library, wearing colorful, traditional Korean clothing.

Special thanks to our cultural ambassador, Saea Oh!

For more information on Ellicott City’s Korean Way, visit Maryland’s Korean Way.

To register for Global Neighbors: Republic of Korea, visit our classes and events calendar.

Peter is an Adult Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch and is furiously working on learning Korean through Duolingo. That owl is VERY intimidating.