Want a free alternative to your paid streaming subscription? The library has you covered. With your card, you can stream unlimited music from Freegal, which has more than 20 million ad-free songs. Not only do you get tons of classic albums and artists, but Freegal also features many cool and creative playlists to fit your activities and vibes. There’s an app, too, so you can blast your favorite artist in the car or hit the gym with an energetic playlist. I found playlists like “Hits from the Wasteland,” which has music from the Fallout game series, and “Metal Morning Workout,” in case you want to lift weights to Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne.
Included is Sony Music’s vast catalog, which includes Beyoncé, Pink Floyd, Ray Charles, OutKast, Leonard Cohen, and Oasis. I was surprised to find how much of my regular listening I could have been doing for free all along with my library card.
Sly and the Family Stone is included in Freegal, so to mourn Sly Stone’s recent passing, now is a good time to revisit his pioneering funky R&B work. And if you enjoyed A Complete Unknown, last year’s Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, Bob Dylan is featured in Freegal as well, so you can explore his folk and rock eras from the film as well as his many sides that lie beyond in his later studio albums and live recordings.
Don’t forget about our CDs, either. Your car or computer may have a built-in CD player that lets you take home and explore a plethora of tunes whenever you visit the library. Revisit 2024 phenomena like Charli XCX’s brat or Kendrick Lamar’s GNX or discover new releases like Franz Ferdinand’s The Human Fear and Tate McRae’s So Close To What, free of charge, offline, and with no ads.
Alex Pyryt is an IT Systems Support Specialist at the Administrative Branch of the Howard County Library System.
During March, we celebrate Deaf History Month as an opportunity to highlight the extraordinary achievements of the hearing impaired and deaf community. The first public school for the Deaf opened on April 15, 1817. Since 1997, the National Association of the Deaf has promoted National Deaf History Month, in partnership with the American Library Association.
You can browse our diverse collection on American Sign Language and other resources by visiting hclibrary.org. You can also find accessibility resources, request an interpreter for in person classes, or browse the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library atbit.ly/hcls-accessibility.
Throughout history, people have refused to allow their hearing disability to keep them from achieving excellence, furthering the cause for all Deaf people. Helen Keller was an advocate for the disabled and the women’s suffrage movement. Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life, chronicles her profound experiences, as well as her activism as a member of the socialist party of America and founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Another great person to celebrate is Oscar Award-winning actress Halle Berry. In 2001, Berry won the Oscar for best actress in a supporting role in the film Monster’s Ball. She lost eighty percent of her hearing due to a traumatic incident but continues to have success in her field.
Former President of the United States William Jefferson Clinton often encourages people to pursue medical treatment for hearing loss. He is speaking from experience. According to experts, Bill Clinton lost his hearing because of many years of listening to loud music.
Regardless of your race, gender or background, the library values everyone. You can visit any of the HCLS branches, where you will find staff members who will be eager to assist you.
Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.
One of my favorite activities for the wintry months is curling up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket, a mug of hot chocolate, and my favorite cozy Hallmark show playing on repeat—all 7 seasons of Good Witch. The best part is knowing that I’ve unlocked it all free of charge with my library card!
Anyone with a Howard County Library System card can access the contents of Hallmark+ for free with just a single borrow on Hoopla thanks to the BingePass feature. BingePass allows Hoopla users to watch unlimited episodes or videos from a BingePass while only using up one of their monthly borrows.
To access Hoopla BingePass offerings, visit hoopladigital.com and click “Get Started” to create an account using your library barcode number and preferred email address. Once you’ve registered, select “BingePasses” under the “Browse” menu. From there, choose your desired BingePass, borrow, and enjoy!
Some notable BingePasses include:
Pokémon BingePass, which offers streaming of seasons 6-13 (over 350 episodes) of the Pokémon Anime.
Let us know your favorite BingePass in the comments. Happy hibernating!
Julia is a Teen Instructor & Research Specialist at the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace. She loves reading YA books, playing the cello, practicing martial arts, trying new cookie recipes, and generally trying to squeeze as many hobbies into a day as possible.
by Jean B. January is a time for new beginnings, offering both promise and uncertainty. It’s appropriate that we mark International Creativity Month in January because creating something new can simultaneously revitalize us and relieve stress. Research shows that engaging in creative activity enhances both mental and physical health, boosting our immune systems, countering depression, expanding brain connections, and reducing anxiety. When you immerse yourself in a creative task — whether it’s art, music, dance, writing, crafting, woodworking, needle arts, puzzling —your emotions find release, self-esteem grows, worries can fade. An act of creation provides a sense of control, accomplishment, joy, and optimism.
Are you ready to try something new? Do you have a creative impulse but need some ideas, support, tools, instruction? HCLS has resources you can use by yourself at home, or alongside others in our six lively branches. Spark your creativity in the New Year!
Unwind and Align For adults. Register at bit.ly/wellness_mil Sat, Jan 18 | 1 – 3 pm HCLS Miller Branch Experience seated Qigong breathwork, guided meditation and mindfulness, sound healing, and Reiki energy in an informal, open setting. Facilitated by Janice B. Wellness & Friends.
12/18/24 – Creative customers make individual snowflake ornaments at HCLS Glenwood Branch + Makerspace.
CREATE AT THE LIBRARY
Reserve the recording booth at the Glenwood Branch makerspace and sing your heart out! Or use the laser engraver and 3D printer to create personalized objects (materials must be purchased).
In the Builders Barn, a variety of materials invite children to create.
Visit the DIY Center at the Elkridge Branch for instruction in all kinds of arts, from sewing machine skills to painting to woodworking.
Join groups at various branches for crocheting, knitting, coloring, crafting and camaraderie. Look out for occasional craft supply swaps at Central Branch if you’re changing hobbies to clean out the old and stock up for something new.
Dance, sing, play and experiment at every branch with the children in your life when you attend one of our many children’s classes.
BORROW FROM THE LIBRARY
Ukuleles! Borrow a kit that includes an ukulele, tuner, and case. (Then take online lessons through Artistworks, described below.)
How-to-books! Want to try out drawing Manga? Origami? Cooking? Woodcarving? You’ll find help on our shelves.
Framed works of art! Get inspiration for your own masterpiece by borrowing art from the Central and Glenwood branches.
LEARN ONLINE at hclibrary.org:
Explore ArtistWorks, a vast library of free self-paced online video classes, taught by Grammy Award-winning musicians. Among the many options: country vocals, jazz drums, flute, clarinet, bluegrass guitar – and of course, ukulele!
Discover HCLS’ YouTube channel featuring your favorite library staff as they demonstrate how to make stuff from DIY crafts, to children’s projects, to art techniques.
Jean is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch. She loves talking about books with people of all ages, but especially enjoys leading the Heavy Medals book club for fourth and fifth graders, exploring award-winning books of all genres.
As we flip our calendars to the new year, we set goals for ourselves, knowingly or unknowingly. Maybe this is the year we decide to learn to sew, or we plan a dream vacation to somewhere where people speak a different language. Whether you’re dreaming of picking up a new hobby, improving your skills, or simply finding more time for yourself, the library can help you make those resolutions stick. No matter your goal, there are more than a few ways Howard County Library System can be a part of your “something new” this year.
Ready to master the art of sourdough, learn Spanish, or tackle coding? Our online resources have you covered. With platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and Gale Courses, you can dive into everything from baking to business analytics — at your own pace and for free!
If moving more is on your list, we’ve got tools to keep you motivated. Check out our collection of fitness books, yoga DVDs, and meditation guides for some free inspiration. Or, stream workout videos through digital resources like Hoopla and Kanopy.l
Maybe you’ve resolved to read more this year (or just read at all). Our monthly book clubs, personalized recommendations from your friendly local librarians, decorated displays, and endless supply of audiobooks, eBooks, and physical titles are great places to start.
Or, perhaps, you want to figure out what’s going on with all this tech. Digital devices can help you work smarter, not harder, but learning them takes time. Our classes on topics like 3D printing, social media, and generative AI will make you feel like a tech pro in no time, and if you want to start at an intro level, you can book time with one of our incredible instructors for a tech one-on-one.
It’s not just about the goals you set — it’s about the people you meet along the way. Whether you’re attending a craft workshop, exploring local history, or seeing us out in the community, you’ll find spaces to connect and share your journey.
At the library, we believe every year is a chance to grow, create, and connect. No matter what your resolution looks like, we’re ready to help you turn “I’ll try” into “I did it!” Visit your local branch or explore our website to get started. We can’t wait to see what you achieve this year!
Set Up Your Business for Success For adults. Register now. Kelvin Abrams, author of Get Uncomfortable or Change Course: Understanding What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur, helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs learn what it takes to run a small business, providing solid advice to achieve their goals and be more successful. A powerful storyteller, Kelvin draws on his experience and uses a variety of insightful anecdotes to share his message. He explains the need to get creative in the face of change, the importance of a solid business plan, how to hire employees, how to work with banks, and more. Mon, Jan 13 | 6 – 7:30 pm HCLS East Columbia Branch
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.
Big Issue is one of many magazines you can get through the Libby app, with your library card. Founded in 1991 in the United Kingdom, Big Issue originated with one central goal: to help people who are experiencing homelessness. It provides individuals who are struggling or have struggled with homelessness the opportunity to sell the magazine to the public.
These vendors buy the magazine at a discounted rate and sell it for a profit, which helps them earn an income. What makes Big Issue different from other charity-driven organizations is that it empowers people by providing them with the tools and opportunity to help themselves. This model allows people to build their confidence, learn business skills, and become part of a supportive community.
Big Issue isn’t just a way to make a difference, it’s also a source of quality content. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from current events and social issues to arts, culture, and interviews with people from all walks of life. You might find features on everything from mental health to pop culture, book reviews, or inspiring stories about people who have overcome tough times. It’s a great publication for anyone who is curious about what’s happening in the world and wants to stay informed. Some of the best books I’ve read in recent years came by suggestion of Big Issue.
In “Last Christmas Will Last Forever,” the November 27/December 1 Big Issue takes a look back at the enduring legacy of Wham!’s iconic Christmas hit, “Last Christmas.” The article features an interview with Andrew Ridgeley, who reminisces about the song. He shares heartfelt stories about working with George Michael and the magic of that time. “George set himself a task as a songwriter to write a Christmas song that would endure and be perennial,” says Ridgeley, and, indeed, “Last Christmas” continues to warm hearts and remind us of the power of music and memories.
With its beautiful melody and catchy hook, you can’t help but sing along. But what sets it apart from many other holiday songs is its vulnerability. While other Christmas classics may celebrate the joy and magic of the season, “Last Christmas” is about heartbreak and regret, the flip side of love that many of us experience during the holidays.
For further Wham!/George Michael readings check out these:
You can access the current and many back issues of Big Issue through Libby, including a recent one that includes an article on the new movie release “Wicked.” You can also access it here.
Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.
8/6/24 Kids attend a Kindergarten Here We Come class at Howard County Library System Elkridge Branch.
by Emily B.
Did you know that every Howard County Public School System student has their own library account? Well, it’s true! Not sure what your barcode and PIN are? Head to hcpss.me and click on the HC Library button to find your account information. When visiting the library in person, you can also use your name and address to borrow library materials.
Howard County Library System and Howard County Public School System go way back – we’ve been A+ Partners in Education for more than 20 years! HCLS and HCPSS share common goals of furthering students’ academic success and enhancing students’ love of reading and learning. The A+ Partnership ensures that all HCPSS students have access to books and e-books, research tools, live online tutoring, and more. Here are some of our favorite resources for students:
Live tutoring with Brainfuse: From 2 pm to midnight, Brainfuse offers live tutoring assistance to learners of all ages on a variety of subjects. Just log on to Brainfuse with your library barcode and pin, select your grade and the subject you need assistance with, and Brainfuse will connect you with an instructor. Working on a tough writing assignment? Use Brainfuse’s writing lab to get feedback on your work.
Language Learning: Little Pim is the perfect way for young learners to begin their language learning journey with fun video vocabulary lessons. Students ages six and up can use Muzzy Online to learn a new language through interactive games and lessons. Mango is perfect for teens and adults looking for fun, conversational language lessons.
Practice Exams: High schoolers can visit Peterson’s Test Prep and LearningExpress Library to take practice tests for the SAT, ACT, AP exams, and beyond.
Research Tools: Need to do some research for homework or a project? Gale In Context provides reference materials, including primary sources, newspaper articles, and videos, about a wide variety of topics. Gale curates these resources for each school level, offering Gale In Context sites specifically designed for elementary, middle school, and high school research. Each site has a built-in citation generator, making it easier than ever to credit your sources.
If you’re not an HCPSS student, you can access these resources and more online by visiting hclibrary.org. In the “research” section, select the resource you’d like to use, and sign in with your barcode and pin when prompted.
De-stress for Success! Tue, Sep 10 | 7 – 8 pm HCLS Glenwood Branch For ages 11 –17. Register today. With the start of the new school year, it can be easy to get stressed! From breathing exercises to fidgets, there are many tools out there to help you manage stress. Learn about some of the tools you can add to your de-stressing toolkit.
Tutoring Tuesdays: Math Made Easy Tuesdays 4 – 5 pm Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 & Oct 1, 15, 22, 29 HCLS Central Branch For ages 11 – 18. Drop-in. Do you struggle with math homework or tests? Do you want to improve your math skills and confidence? If you are a middle or high school student, extra help and dedicated time to work practice problems is available for middle school math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2.
Maximize Your National History Day Research For ages 11+. Assigned a National History Day project? Our research experts have tips and tools for you. Meet History Day judges and recent winners, and learn strategies to locate sources. Parents and teachers welcome. See the HCLS National History Day webpage for a complete list of events.
Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. When she’s not reading, she enjoys puzzling, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.
Music can really set the mood for any occasion, even if the occasion is cleaning your house. Playing the right tunes can energize, relax, or provide the catharsis you need to express your feelings. Over our lifetimes, we’ve had to access music in all different formats: vinyl records, 8-track, cassette tapes, CDs, MP3s, and more. Maybe you miss visiting the local record store to buy the newest release from your favorite artist. Maybe you remember waiting by the radio to record a song you wanted onto a mix tape. Or maybe you have mostly listened to songs you downloaded or streamed online. Whatever your personal history, the landscape of how we consume music has definitely changed.
Thankfully, the library has continued to offer options for ensuring everyone has access to the music they enjoy. We still provide music CDs for borrowing, if you have a device with which to listen to them. However, I want to highlight another resource that you may not be aware of: Freegal Music.
Freegal, a clever portmanteau of “free” and “legal,” gives you access to an extensive library of music with your library card. When you log into Freegal with your library card number and PIN, you have access to more than 7 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists. You can download up to 3 songs each week (DRM free, so they are yours to keep once you’ve downloaded them) and stream unlimited songs. The range of artists, songs, and styles is vast, and everyone is sure to find something they enjoy.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many songs and artists I have been able to find on Freegal. I can create my own playlists to suit my needs or explore existing playlists and discover music that’s new to me. The mobile app makes Freegal especially convenient, allowing me to stream music from my phone anytime. As CD players become harder to find, I especially appreciate access to some of my favorite jams without having to hassle with ripping them all off the CDs I have and transferring them to my phone.
Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee.She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).
“Tsundoku” is a whimsical Japanese term for collecting books in piles… to be read… eventually. You may have been practicing this without knowing there was a term for it! So, how did you do with your “To Be Read” pile this past year? Are you ready for more recommendations? Here you go!
Listen to our recent Hijinx podcast, Best Books of 2023, featuring voices from HCLS staff and community members. Past episodes can be found here.
Favorite Books Read in 2023 from HCLS Staff & Customers
Do you ever wonder where all those navigation tabs at hclibrary.org go? One of the answers is homework help! Adult, teen, or child: you have access to library resources to bolster your learning needs. FREE experienced help is available online via Brainfuse with online tutors in many subjects, daily from 2 – 11:55 pm.
math through calculus II
science through college introductory biology, chemistry, and physics
language arts
social studies
You can also access test prep for the SAT and ACT. The platform includes Spanish Foreign Language Lab, GED practice tests, and a Writing Lab. Brainfuse tutors also review resumes, cover letters, and academic papers. Students can submit homework questions for tutor guidance and followup. Brainfuse even provides flashcards in hundreds of subjects and allows you to create new sets.
Under the Research tab, you can find the Test Prep, Practice Exams, and Career Research section with Peterson’s Test & Career Prep and LearningExpress Library. Both include practice tests, study modules, and e-books to boost student skills and confidence from grade school through career advancement. Topical practice tests are available for:
high school and college entrance exams
graduate, nursing, medical, dental, and law schools
For students who require additional professional support in the classroom, an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) and IEP (Individualized Education Program) may be recommended. Two books, Nolo’s IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities and The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child, offer direction in successfully arranging educational services. They include definitions, sample forms, and guidelines for resolving disputes. Each child and each school district is unique, so understanding your student’s rights facilitates academic success.
On Wednesday, Jan 17 at 11 am, HCPSS Early Intervention Services offers a Zoom class to educate parents on the IFSP and IEP. Register here.
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.
CHAPTER CHATS 