It’s summer, hooray! So much free time! It’s summer, oh, no! So much free time!
What will you do with the kids this summer? Check out the library’s summer reading program, which begins June 1. Join in the adventure. It’s FREE, it’s for everyone!
So what’s in it for you? FUN! Borrow music, dance and sing! Borrow puppets and put on a show. Take home the Gingerbread Man literacy activity kit, and build a boat that floats. Get a book of jokes to share. Take our Summer Reading Mascot on a journey as Flat Booker.
BOREDOM BUSTERS. Try some activity ideas from the summer reading game board at home, at the library, or in your neighborhood. Party at our branch Summer Reading Celebrations (see p. 11) scattered throughout the summer. You may discover safari surprises, mythological creatures, carnival games, and more. The one thing that you won’t find is boredom!
STRUCTURE and GOALS. Instead of school routines, use your game board as a daily brain-builder. Make a plan to read together every day and complete a space on the game board. Visit the library often — where your child can collect a stamp for completed activities, earn a sticker, and find more great things to borrow. It all builds to a great goal: complete the game and earn a summer reading prize – hooray!
A (SECRET) BOOST TO SCHOOL SKILLS. Did you know? Reading, singing, talking, writing, and playing all summer helps reduce “summer slide,” so your kids are ready for the transition to a new grade in August.
AIR CONDITIONED COMFORT. On the hottest days of summer, you can find cool spaces and even cooler events at HCLS’ six branches. Crafts, STEAM activities, games, book clubs, movies – it’s all happening at your library.
Get on board and pick up your map for a Summer Reading Adventure at any HCLS branch, beginning June 1. Bet you can’t wait for summer to arrive with lots of time to explore and learn. See you at the library!
Join Booker in games for ages birth – 4 and ages 5 – 10. Teens (ages 11 – 18) participate in a raffle. Adults receive the new 2024 Reading Challenges booklet.
SUMMER READING CELEBRATIONS For all ages. Drop in to these sessions happening all summer! For details, visit hclibrary.org/summer Passport to Adventure Tue, Jun 18; 3 – 7 pm | Glenwood Branch Party on the Patio Wed, Jun 26; 5 – 8 pm | Central Branch Summer Reading Carnival Fri, Jul 19; 11 am – 2 pm | East Columbia Branch Summer Safari Sat, Jul 20; 11 am – 2 pm | Savage Branch Mythological Creatures of Legend Thu, Aug 15; 6 – 8 pm | Miller Summer Reading Celebration Sat, Aug 24; 10 am – 4 pm | Elkridge Branch
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.
It has been more than 30 years since I’ve been able to view my family’s old home movies. They have been trapped on old camcorder tapes and shuffled from box to bin, from attic to basement. Which is why when I saw the Glenwood Branch +Makerspace digital memory station, I knew what my first project was going to be. I dug out one of many old boxes of VHS tapes and got to work – my memory is fickle, and it took seeing these videos to remember details from my childhood. For instance, I’d forgotten that my brother used to cart me around on the back of his tricycle – with my Cabbage Patch doll in tow, of course!
The digital memory station features the ability to preserve memories from old media. Using the VHS player and accompanying cassette adapter, home movies can be recorded using the station’s computer. One thing to keep in mind is that this can be a lengthy process. Converting videos to a digital file takes at least as long as the video itself… plus processing time. However, being able to see and share these memories again has been priceless. The only supplies required are the video, a storage device to take the digital files home, and time. A staff member is always stationed in the Makerspace who you can ask for help getting the project started.
If you want more information, watch the video that explains the VHS conversion process, step-by-step. Find it here: https://bit.ly/Glenwood-VHS
The other big draw at the memory station is the fast photo scanner. This little device can scan photos at a speed of up to 1 per second. In addition, it can be set up to scan both sides of each picture simultaneously. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would need that feature – but looking back through my scans, I found that it had captured the writing on the back of each of my photographs. My mom meticulously recorded details that have been lost to my memory. She had very distinct handwriting… and since she passed nine years ago, each of these images is a treasure to me.
I was worried about my grandmother’s wedding picture being bent since it is already a little worn around the edges. For items like Polaroids or fragile photos, there is a flatbed scanner right next to the fast photo scanner. This can auto-detect as many images as will fit on the glass – so at least each one doesn’t have to be scanned individually.
There is no charge to use any of the equipment at the digital memory station – but if a USB or CD is needed to store the digital files, they are available to purchase at the customer service desk. There is no appointment system – the digital memory station is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To check and see if it is available, call the Glenwood Branch at 410.313.5577.
Kimberly J is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the HCLS Glenwood Branch. She enjoys reading, photography, creating, crafting, and baking.
Recipe Exchange: Dumplings Around Asia! Saturday, May 25 | 1 – 2 pm HCLS Savage Branch Register
Hands down, my favorite way to learn about new cultures is through food. And food tells so much about a place – whether wheat or rice or corn are the most prominent starch, how people chose to work the land, how people divided labor, how different climates react to different weather, whether people use utensils or their hands. We reflect all sorts of nuances about ourselves in the ways we eat. Growing up in Howard County exposed me to cuisines from all over the world, and there’s nothing better to me than trying something new, loving it, and immediately knowing that I need to try to make it myself. Gathering new recipes with other people is such a rewarding, communal pastime, and it’s lovely to be able to talk through cooking with other foodies!
For our Recipe Exchange class during AAPI Month, I wanted to honor one of humanity’s strongest, truest impulses: to take a protein, or a hearty base, cover it in dough of some kind, then fry, steam, or bake it to perfection, resulting in a bite sized bundle of delight. That’s why we’ll be discussing Dumplings Around Asia, as well as sampling some varieties.
I graduated from college during the early days of the pandemic. When I was sent home, my university sent me a senior gift that included a dumpling making kit. I’m not sure if they knew what they were doing with that gift but I’ll tell you what the result was: homemade gyoza once a week. Tortellini made from scratch that took me six hours. Handmade samosas that I air fried instead of deep-frying. Dumplings of all sorts from all around the world, handmade in my kitchen. Dumplings are a passion of mine, and I can’t wait to discuss all the best ways to prepare such a simple but delectable food.
Bring your own dumpling recipe – or favorite dumplings!– and we’ll have a great conversation about the ways we can speed-run making dumplings, the history of the perfect crimp, and of course, share some of the best recipes for different dumpling styles found across the Asia. While it might not be a comprehensive list of every style of dumpling to ever exist, it’s going to be a great introduction to less popular dumpling styles, and a great chance to grab a snack at the library.
Register here to get emails and updates about class.
Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.
Beyond Words is a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of participants with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
By Peg P.
Beyond Words, a new class at HCLS Miller Branch and now at East Columbia too, began with a simple question from a frustrated mom of a teen. After scanning the multitude of offerings on our Teen Monthly Calendar, she asked, “What classes do you have that would be appropriate for my son?” While I explained that her son was welcome at any Teen class, I understood what she meant, as the young man had a moderate developmental/intellectual disability and we had no specifically designed offerings for him at the time.
This was actually something that had been percolating in my mind for a while as I frequently see customers and their caregivers using our computers to play games, watch videos, etc. It always takes me back to the days when I was a caregiver in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities, when it was difficult to find free developmentally/intellectually appropriate opportunities for the group.
In order to do this right, I knew that I needed to get some input from the community as to what they would like to see in terms of monthly classes, so I reached out to a few of our “regular” customers and caregivers for ideas. Together, we came up with the idea to have five stations that participants could rotate through – Motor Skills, Arts & Crafts, Movement, Cognitive Skills, and a Sensory station. The activities would change each month according to a theme and would be differentiated and/or have appropriate accommodations based on varying skill level or needs. For instance, arts and crafts supplies include markers, acrylic paint pens, crayons, egg-shaped palm crayons, a variety of different brush handle sizes, etc., not only to accommodate creative choice but also to ensure that folks with limited motor ability can still participate.
We have two different monthly classes at Miller Branch to accommodate customer availability. Our adult classes (18 and up) take place on second Tuesdays from 10 am – 12 pm. Teen classes are on fourth Wednesdays from 5 – 7 pm, when the teens are out of school and can attend with their parents or other caregivers. It also gives folks a way to socialize with others of their own age group.
I’m happy to say that Beyond Words has been a great success and has helped to partially fill an often-overlooked need within our community. Participants and caregivers have nothing but good feedback about this class and are thrilled that it has expanded for adults at the East Columbia Branch, creating more opportunity for folks to attend (thanks to the efforts of Adult Instructor Sharon Pruitt-Young, who opted to mirror our program at Miller).
There are many parts of my job as a Teen Instructor that bring me great joy, but nothing else comes close to the way I feel after a Beyond Words class. The experience really is magical, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Special thanks to Stephanie and Michele at HCLS Miller Branch for their input and making this possible.
Peg Prentice is a Teen Instructor & Research Specialist at HCLS Miller Branch. She is a consummate nerd who has played Dungeons & Dragons for 40+ years, loves science (especially if there are fire and explosions involved), has an insatiable appetite for obscure factoids (Did you know that wombats’ poop is cube-shaped?), and was usually the last one picked for kickball.
Participants gather at HCLS Central Branch for an ongoing class focusing on knitting and needlepoint.
by Emily B.
These days, it seems more difficult than ever to find your community and make genuine connections. Over the past four years, the pandemic has re-shaped our lives. The way that we live, communicate, and connect has changed. These rapid changes led U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to issue an advisory on the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” in 2023.
Dr. Murthy remarked, “We’re seeing more forces that take us away from one another and fewer of the forces that used to bring us together.” Adjusting to this new social landscape is tough, especially for older Americans. It can be even more daunting without the built-in social opportunities found at work and school. Read the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on social connection at http://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/connection.
Part of the framework to address the loneliness epidemic calls for a strengthening of social infrastructure, which includes public libraries and senior centers. These types of physical community spaces, known as “third places,” are any social space separate from your home (first place) or work (second place).
Howard County Library System’s classes and events are a great way to connect and find a community. Here’s a sampling of some of our ongoing offerings:
If you love to read, try The Unbook Reading Group. Meeting monthly at Backwater Books in Old Ellicott City, it offers an opportunity for readers to connect and chat without the pressure of assigned reading.
Get crafty with a range of creative classes for adults at various HCLS branches. Connect and make a new craft in a supportive, friendly environment with Craft Works. Pins and Needles meets every Thursday, alternating between HCLS Central and Miller Branches. Converse with other adults as you work on your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or sewing project.
Give Mah Jongg a try at HCLS Miller Branch. Mah Jongg Meet Up occurs twice a month, welcoming players of all experience levels. Looking to stay active? Start your Mondays off on the right foot Walking with East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center.
You can find and register for even more classes and events for adults at hclibrary.org. Enter the class name into the search bar.
Craft Works @ Central Branch | Dates and times vary between one Tuesday evening and one Thursday afternoon every month.
Walking with East Columbia & 50+ Center | Mondays; 9:30 – 10:30 am
Pins & Needles | Every Thursday; 10 am – 12 pm with 1st and 3rd Thursdays @ Central and 2nd and 4th & 5th Thursdays @ Miller
UnBook Reading Group @ Backwater Books | Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm May 15, Jun 12
Mah Jongg Meetup @ Miller | 2nd and last Tuesday evenings; 6:30 – 8 pm
Bingo Social | Thu May 16 2 – 4 pm at Glenwood & Thu Jun 27 2 – 4 pm East Columbia
During National Mental Health Awareness Month each May, and throughout the year, you can find a wealth of resources at the library. Many teenagers may suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Some teens might feel isolated, bullied, or ostracized from society. If you are looking for a place to belong, we have created a safe and friendly environment just for you.
Are you looking for a fun and free spot to hang out after school? Your local branch is always looking forward to seeing you. At HCLS East Columbia Branch, you can interact with other teens for fun and excitement most afternoons. Do you have anxiety about math or need assistance with your homework? You can get assistance with your math studies and face your fear of arithmetic at Central Branch from 4-5 pm on Tuesdays. For high school students, final exams are soon! Miller and Elkridge Branches offer a chance to de-stress with some friendly, furry faces.
According to a New York Times article, you can cope with your mental health issues in some simple ways. Just 20 minutes of exercise can relieve stress, or you can use meditation techniques like deep breathing exercises. If you are truly feeling overwhelmed with life challenges, you need to find a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) to talk with. If you are thinking about doing harm to yourself or others, call the national suicide hotline at 988 to talk to a mental health professional. For a local connection, call the Grassroots 24-hour Crisis Line at 410.531.6677.
Tutoring Tuesdays: Math Made Easy! Ages 11–18. Register here. Do you struggle with math homework or tests? Do you want to improve your math skills and confidence? If you answered yes, then this is the perfect class for you! Middle school and high school students can get extra help or practice with math topics in middle school math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2. Tuesdays; May 7 – Jun 4 4 – 5 pm Central Branch
Teen Chill Room: Dog Cafe For high school students, but 11 & up are welcome. Walk-in only. Finals stressing you out? Take a peaceful brain break in the Teen Chill Room, and return to studying feeling refreshed. Spend time unwinding with loving, furry friends. Pets on Wheels certified therapy dogs, along with their trainers, bring calm and smiles to busy a midterm week. Mon, Jun 10 3 – 4 pm Miller Branch De-stress with Pets Sat, Jun 8 2 – 3 pm Elkridge Branch – Registration opens June 1 at 2 pm.
Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.
As the days get ever longer, and late spring graces us with sunshine and the promise of summer, celebrating the vibrant, colorful nature of Asian American culture aligns with the spirit of the season. At the library, we love to explore and learn through stories, whether they come to us in book form or from community knowledge, through crafts, cooking, and artwork. Take an adventure through a story to explore Asian American and Pacific Island cultures with us.
Tue, May 21 | 7 – 8 pm online To receive the Zoom link, register here.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with an unforgettable evening featuring celebrity chef Jet Tila. He shares his personal story, culinary insights, and favorite recipes. From traditional flavors to modern twists, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine and culture.
A bestselling author, Tila has been nominated for Emmy and James Beard awards. His cookbooks include 101 Asian Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die (also available as an e-book) and 101 Thai Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die (also available in e-book format). He grew up in the first family of Thai food, then attended both French and Japanese culinary school. A born educator and storyteller, he was appointed as the inaugural Culinary Ambassador of Thai cuisine by the Royal Thai Consulate, the first-ever chef to represent his country’s culture and cuisine.
He appears as a host, co-host, judge, and competitor on many Food Network shows, such as Tournament of Champions, Iron Chef America, Cutthroat Kitchen, Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Guy’s Grocery Games. He also holds six culinary Guinness World Records.
Mon, May 20 | 4 – 5 pm Meets at H-Mart (3301 North Ridge Rd., Ellicott City) Adults, plus teens with adults. Register here.
Want to cook one of Jet Tila’s recipes? Shop for all the right ingredients at the local H-Mart with a knowledgeable guide. Discover the perfect fresh and frozen items to cook like a chef. The tour is not required to attend Chef Jet Tila’s online cooking event.
To escape in a book, join one of our many book discussion groups around the system. If book discussion groups are your thing, we’ll be reading across Asia this month:
Between the Lines, hosted at Brewing Good in the Savage Mill, reads and discusses Parini Shroff’s The Bandit Queens and celebrates India on May 17.
In Other Worlds, a science fiction book club, meets on May 27, in person and online, to talk about Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, a futuristic novel that has close ties to East Asian history.
If anime or manga suits you, make sure to check out our anime clubs at HCLS Savage Branch. The Advanced Anime Association for adults meets on June 6, and Anime & Game Hangout for teens meets on May 7 and May 21.
Drop in and make a craft on May 14 from 11 am to 12 pm and from 2 to 3 pm at HCLS Miller Branch, inspired by AAPI artwork.
If you’re a foodie and want to experience the world through food, check out the first of our potluck style Recipe Exchanges on May 25 at Savage Branch, where we’ll talk about dumplings and noodle dishes across Asia and enjoy some as snacks.
We bring back our popular Rock on With Bollywood class to teach the community the basic steps of this famous form of dance from India. Beloved Bollywood dancer Jaya Mathur is gearing up to demonstrate and teach the basic steps of Bollywood dance. Jaya breaks down the steps for beginning dancers; don’t hold back even if you are just starting your Bollywood dance journey. And if you are an expert, come and show how it is done.
Rock On With Bollywood is happening on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 pm at HCLS Miller Branch. Seats are limited, so register here to claim your spot. You must be 18 or older and need to sign a waiver.
As we get close to summer reading and celebrate Global Adventures, head to the library to make a start, traveling across Asia from our own backyards!
View the full listing of AAPI-related classes here.
Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.
Piyali is an instructor and research specialist at HCLS Miller Branch, where she facilitates Light But Not Fluffy and co-facilitates Global Reads. She keeps the hope alive that someday she will reach the bottom of her to-read list.
Sun, May 5 | 2 – 4:15 pm Miller Branch For adults. Register here.
Spend an unforgettable afternoon at the Maryland premiere of the award-winning film, The Artist & The Astronaut. This cinematic journey delves into the remarkable love story between artist Pat Musick, a civil rights activist, and Apollo astronaut Jerry Carr.
Witness their captivating tale unfold against the backdrop of some of humanity’s most historic moments. Filled with never-before-seen footage of early space exploration and featuring interviews with key figures from that era, this film chronicles the vastly different paths of Pat and Jerry as they navigate uncertain times, ultimately coming together to render some of America’s most enduring art. The Artist & the Astronaut is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and empathy as agents of change and love.
After the screening, delve deeper into the film’s creation through a Q&A session with the writer and director, Bill Muench. Explore the compelling backstory behind the documentary’s creation, catalyzed by the encouragement of Bill’s wife. Her inspiration ignited his passion to embark on this remarkable endeavor.
Beginning from humble origins with no plan or budget, Bill Muench, a full-time teacher and basketball coach, undertook a six-year odyssey spanning nine states and two continents. His determination to share the untold story of a local Vermont couple led him to interview Apollo astronauts, their spouses, award-winning authors, artists, art historians, and even NASA directors of mission control. With the collaboration of music legend Todd Hobin, they produced a story that might otherwise have remained untold. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey behind the lens, a testament to the power of determination, inspiration, and collaboration.
Interview with Director Bill Muench
How did you manage your time being a teacher and also filming? Not very well… Ha ha. I never missed a day of school, even though I had to travel to many different states and even make a trip to England. I was really excited to share the process of documentary filmmaking with my students during my last six years of teaching high school.
What was your favorite part of filming/the whole process? Getting to meet and interview amazing people who had lived fascinating lives—they inspired me to be a better filmmaker as I went on because they deserved to have their story captured in a professional way.
How did you come up with this idea? Did you have a connection with these people? What was your inspiration? I went to Arkansas with my wife to celebrate Pat’s 90th birthday in 2016… I have been friends with Jerry, the astronaut, and Pat, the artist, since they moved to Manchester, VT in 2007… I knew many of their stories. When we got on the plane to come back to Vermont I said to my wife, “somebody should make a documentary about these two.” She said, “you should do it,” and that is how I got the inspiration to do the film.
Are you proud of how the documentary came out? When I started working on the documentary, I did it for my own enjoyment—I never dreamed in a million years that it would win awards and I would be able to travel the country and screen the film. It is not about what I did but the stories that the film captures. This was the last interview for many of the participants of this film. I am especially proud of the musical score by Todd Hobin…83 different music drops — all of them original.
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.
In election season, media coverage often focuses on presidential and congressional races. However, local elections – such as County Council and Board of Education (“school board”) races – can significantly impact local communities. Howard County Council and Board of Education (BOE) are nonpartisan races, meaning candidates are not separated by party. You do not have to be registered with a political party to vote in this race – even in the primary. And, because these local races are decided by a smaller voting body, your vote often holds considerably more weight.
Howard County contains five Councilmanic Districts, also known as “Council Districts.” Each district corresponds to one of five County Council members and, as of the 2020 election, one of seven members on the BOE. To determine your Councilmanic District, use the Voter Lookup at https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch
Previously, all open BOE seats in an election year were voted upon by all registered voters. However, in 2019, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation requiring, “that certain members of the Howard County Board of Education be elected by the voters of certain districts.” Now, five school board members are elected by voters in their respective Councilmanic Districts, and the remaining two members are elected at-large, meaning any registered voter can vote for them.
BOE members serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, with elections held every two years and no term limits. In 2022, there were two seats on the ballot, specifically the at-large positions voted upon by the entire county. This year, five BOE positions are up for election – one for each district.
As of the time of writing this post, the following candidates are running:
District 1: Andre Gao, Pravin Ponnuri, Meg Ricks
District 2: Larry Doyle, Antonia Watts (Incumbent)
District 3: Jolene Mosley (Incumbent)
District 4: Hiruy Hadgu, Julie Kaplan, Jen Mallo (Incumbent)
District 5: Catherine Carter, Andrea Chamblee, Trent Kittleman
The Primary Election
Only Districts with three or more candidates will be included in the Primary Election. The top two candidates from each district advance to compete in the general election. So, Howard County voters in Districts 1, 4, and 5 have (nonpartisan) BOE choices on their primary ballot this May.
Five Tips for Researching the Candidates
1. How does each candidate present themselves on their platform(s)?
All candidates appear on the State Board of Elections website with their contact information, campaign website, and official social media accounts. Take a look at what they list as priorities, what types of policies they’d want to enact if elected, and how they express their views across online platforms.
2. Watch candidate forums and debates.
Live or recorded, virtual or in-person, candidate forums offer a great way to learn about the candidates’ views and priorities. The public speaking format demonstrates how a candidate communicates under pressure.
On April 18, the League of Women Voters (LWV)of Howard County hoststhree virtual forums to address each one of the districts that will have a primary for the Board of Education. They take place on Zoom, with livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. Recordings available online through the May 14 Primary Election. Other local organizations, such as PTAs, also hold BOE candidate forums. Check with your local school or watch the recording of the 2024 PTA Council of Howard CountyBOE Forum on YouTube.
Another upcoming BOE candidate forum will be hosted by Dar Al-Tagwa (the Muslim community center) on Sunday, April 21. You can submit questions to the candidates in advance at this link.
3. Read candidate questionnaires and surveys.
While you might get a better sense of a candidate listening to them speak live, candidate questionnaires are another resource for learning more about candidates’ perspectives on relevant topics. As you research, do you find that each candidate is consistent in their views? Are their answers specific and thorough?
TheHoward County LWVPrimary Voter’s Guide is now available online, and includes candidate answers to five questions regarding parent and student input, safety, facilities, challenges, and the Blueprint for Education goals. If you prefer to compare answers between the candidates for one district at a time, head over to Vote 411, a project of the League of Women Voters Education Fund. When you enter your address, the site generates a ballot with candidate information based on your address.
Other local organizations, such as Community Allies of Rainbow Youth, also send questionnaires to candidates, sometimes focused on the concerns of the demographic(s) served by the organization. If you’re involved with any nonprofits, PTAs, religious/faith groups, etc., check to see if they’re distributing a candidate questionnaire.
Ballotpedia has a candidate survey, though none of the HoCo BOE candidates have completed this at this time.
4. Is the candidate endorsed by, or associated with, any (non-partisan or partisan) organizations?
A good way to see if a candidate’s values align with yours is to see what organizations they’ve been endorsed by and/or are associated with, and assess whether your values align with that organization. This can provide further insight on the professional, political, and sociocultural background of each candidate.
Organizations may decide who to endorse by conducting an interview process with candidates. Written answers to a questionnaire may also be part of the process; the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) is an example of a nonpartisan, professional association that publicizes the questionnaires of the candidates they’re endorsing.
Note: Not all organizations are legally able to endorse candidates. 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations cannot endorse candidates, but they can hold candidate forums, interview candidates, and share candidate survey answers.
5. Read local news coverage – and discuss within your communities!
Because articles about school board candidates are unlikely to be front-page news, especially during the primary, you might have to dig a bit for good information. Searching “Howard County school board” on the websites of local news outlets can help, including (some require subscriptions):
You can always talk with neighbors, family, friends, and colleagues. Ask if folks are familiar with any of the candidates and if they can point you to any helpful sources. Discussing your opinions on candidates can feel taboo, but local and nonpartisan races are prime opportunities to engage in dialogue with fellow voters.
Why should I care about the Board of Education?
Even if you do not have school-aged children, the well-being and success of students and staff should be the concern of the entire community. Then consider the nationwide rise of book bans and challenges to curriculum material, and there’s a strong case for getting invested in what’s going on with your local school board.
If you’re interested in learning more about the increasing politicization of school boards and conflicts over public school policies, join us on April 26 at the Elkridge Branch for an author visit with Laura Pappano, an award-winning education journalist. She discusses the key findings in her new book, School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Politics, and the Battle for Public Schools.
Finalize Your Voting Plan
Whether you want to vote early, by mail, or in-person on election day… make sure you have a voting plan!
Check your voter registration status, determine your voting method, and preview your ballot at Vote 411. The Howard County Board of Elections also has useful information on their site, including the polling locations for early voting (May 2 – 9) as well as Mail-In Ballot Drop Box locations.
Ash is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch with a passion for information literacy and community engagement. They love music, gardening, hiking, and cuddling with their golden retriever.
National Poetry Month blossoms with the Spring. This year, we’re lucky enough to be celebrating all month long, and especially with the 2022 Maryland State Arts Council Independent Artist Award Winner and 2023-24 HoCoPoLitSo Writer in Residence, Hayes Davis.
Be sure to register for Hayes Davis’ workshop,Beautiful Objects and Unbridled Joy on Saturday, April 13 from 1 – 2 pm, and come back to the Savage Branch in two weeks to turn your creations into self-published booklets at our Poetry Zine Workshop! For even more, check out the library calendar for poetry events happening throughout the month at HCLS. Happy writing!
Hayes Davis is the author of Let Our Eyes Linger (Poetry Mutual Press). He is currently serving as the Howard County (MD) Poetry and Literature Society Writer in Residence. His work has appeared in New England Review, Mom Egg Review, and several anthologies. He was a member of Cave Canem’s first cohort of fellows. An education administrator and English teacher, he lives in Silver Spring with his wife, poet Teri Ellen Cross Davis.
Here’s Hayes, in his own words, talking a little bit about his process, poetry, and what brings him joy!
What inspires you to write? Lots of things inspire me, most of them related to being human and living in the world as I do. I am a biracial man, a biracial Black man, a parent, a school administrator, a teacher, a parent of school age children, a stutterer, a lover of nature. All of those different roles have influenced my work during my career, and some of them are particularly present both in my first book and my second manuscript.
As a poet and a teacher, what resources do you think are the most important for aspiring poets? Is there any advice you would like to share? The number one thing I say to young writers is “You have to read.” If you’re going to call yourself a poet, you have to have some knowledge of what poetry was in the world before you started writing. I am often asked, “What/who is in your poetic lineage?” or “Who do you list as influences?” A poet who can’t answer those questions hasn’t been doing the work of a poet.
Is there a particular poet, poem, or collection that helped shape your writing and thinking? Three of the poets I read earliest were Quincy Troupe and Lucille Clifton. I would say the main influence they had on my work was the straight-forwardness of their language. I believe in plain-spoken poetry, that is, work that doesn’t obscure its meaning but still rewards multiple readings and works on multiple levels. Later, I became a fan of Linda Pastan, Cornelius Eady.
What themes or subjects motivate you to write? My first book is a lot about being a parent, being a teacher, and to a lesser extent stuttering. My second manuscript focuses more on the stuttering, and on parenting in a different way–trying to live into a different mode of parenting than I inhabited early on. I’ve also written, at this point, far more poems about nature than I thought I ever would. In some ways that’s a reflection on the pandemic, which slowed me down enough and made me stressed out enough to take even more joy in the natural beauty that surrounds me at home and now where I work (Sandy Spring Friends School), which sits on 140 acres of land, much of it wooded.
And finally, the theme of the workshop you’ll be running at Savage is “Beautiful Objects and Unbridled Joy”. What’s one thing that’s bringing you joy today? Building on my last answer, the sky brings me joy many days, whether because of the brilliant cobalt that accompanies a cloudless day, or the endless variety of clouds that complement that blue. The expressions of beauty of which humanity is capable bring me joy–music, visual art, movies–I love looking at how other people see our world and process it artistically.
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 