The Olympics start this week, and we’re excited! We’ve got several Olympics-themed classes on our schedule, and we’re playing along with our own game. Stop by any branch to get a Connect 3 gameboard. Read any three Olympic-themed challenges in row, then bring the sheet back for a prize. You receive a sticker and a chance to win a larger prize basket with a picnic blanket, a water bottle, a $10 gift card to Rita’s Italian Ice, and more.
Check out some of these Summer Olympics and sports themed titles, too, and start borrowing!
Reading always counts toward your summer reading goals, too. You can start collecting prizes on Thursday, August 1. Stop by any branch with your finished gameboard.
Paradoxically, summer is a season of bounty but also hunger for families who rely on meals provided at school. In partnership with the school system and The Roving Radish, the library offers several sites for daily meals and snacks throughout the season.
HCPSS Summer Food Sites www.hcpss.org/food-services/summer-meals To continue meeting the need to feed hungry children and families and fill the nutritional gap over the summer months, the Howard County Public School System continues its free summer meal program, which includes two library locations. Lunch served at East Columbia and Elkridge Branches: Monday – Friday June 24 – Aug 2 12:30 – 2 pm
Library Snacks Children and teens (ages 18 and under) receive a free snack every afternoon. Sponsored by Good Harvest. Mon – Fri June 3 – August 30 Central Branch: 2 – 3 pm East Columbia Branch: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Howard County’s Roving Radish Mobile Market For information about being a member: rovingradish.com/pages/mobile-marketplace Roving Radish introduces a new Mobile Market, featuring affordable, healthy, farm fresh food for everyone. The mobile Marketplace visit 12 stops weekly, including Howard County Library System branches. Look for them in our parking lots. East Columbia Branch Mondays: 2:30 – 4:30 pm
I’ve always treasured the homemade things that my mom made throughout my childhood: from my Strawberry Shortcake costume to a bunny rabbit whose dress matched mine… from a hand-drawn board book to my senior prom dress. If it was special to me, it probably came from her heart. While I inherited her love of crafting, I did not inherit her patience or skill with a sewing machine! Even so, crafting and creating is my happy place. I’ve had to find different creative endeavors, and one of my favorite tools for crafting is the Cricut machine.
The Cricut is a computerized machine which cuts a design into a wide variety of materials. It is basically a desktop CNC machine designed to cut thin materials. The Cricut can be used to cut paper to make cards, paper flowers, or gift boxes. It can cut vinyl to make stickers, signs, and stencils. Or it can cut heat transfer vinyl to decorate fabric like bags or shirts. That’s just the tip of the iceberg!
In 2022, the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace added a Cricut machine to its available equipment. Since then, it has been used to create custom sweatshirts, tote bags, candy dishes, coasters, socks, water bottles, cards, jewelry, and more. One customer used it to customize the back of her child’s team jerseys, and each got to pick a fun nickname to use for the season. Another used it to make a sign for the front of their neighborhood little library. I even used the draw and cut feature to cut magnetic sheets and paper, giving some personality to the carts around our branch.
To use the Cricut, customers can bring in any materials that they wish to cut, then use the library’s machine to make it happen. The library has a paid subscription to the Cricut Design Space App. This means using the Makerspace computers to create a project gives customers free access to thousands of graphics, fonts, and designs. To see a demonstration of how to use the Cricut at Glenwood Branch, view the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2cSwSplryE
There are also regular project-based Cricut classes taught at Glenwood Branch + Makerspace for anyone who is a little hesitant to just start using the machine on their own. During class, each student designs on a computer and cuts their project from start to finish. This allows everyone to learn how to use both the software and the machine. To find a list of upcoming Cricut classes, click this link: https://bit.ly/HCLS_Cricut
Of course, at the library you can always find a few books to get you started:
Summer is almost here! In addition to fireworks, family time, and barbecues, I’m looking forward to tackling my summer reading list.
I’m proud that the Howard County Public School System and Howard County Library System are again partnering to present a fun and engaging summer reading experience for our community. I hope this letter encourages your child – and your whole family – to participate.
Here’s why: There are games (and prizes!) for each age group, including an attractive reading journal for adults. Begin your summer reading adventure on June 1. The children and teens games celebrate reading (including graphic novels, comic books, and audiobooks) and activities.
Summer reading helps connect your family to the library this summer. That includes six celebrations, hundreds of free summer classes and activities for all ages, and STEAM classes for middle and high school students. HCLS has an amazing collection, and staff that love helping your child select a book they’ll love. Learn about it all at hclibrary.org/summer.
Just like a dessert with secret veggies in it, this fun is good for you! Reading all summer has been shown not just to eliminate slide in reading but also to help students advance their skills.
Get started! Every elementary school student will receive a gameboard at their school. Middle and high school students can pick up gameboards at their school media centers. Additional copies may be picked up at any Howard County Library System branch. I know that library staff are ready to answer questions and get you started!
New this year: When your elementary student finishes summer reading and submits a ticket to the library to receive their prize, please check the box authorizing the library to share their success with their school so we can continue to celebrate them when they return to school in the fall.
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.
As we wrap up National Library Week, I express my profound gratitude to our community, our team, our volunteers, and our funders. Thank you for your support, your time, and your dedication to our county’s residents and visitors, which helps Howard County Library System center the community in all that we do.
This week we celebrated Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act (currently awaiting the Governor’s signature) on Right to Read Day, which protects libraries and our staff as we curate collections that enable everyone to see themselves in our books and materials. On Tuesday we celebrated our dedicated staff on National Library Workers Day, and on Wednesday we celebrated National Library Outreach Day, highlighting the On the Road to Kindergarten mobile unit and STEAM Machine which take hands-on classes and books to students across the county. Yesterday, we celebrated our Friends and Foundation, who raise funds to support programs and initiatives that fall outside of our operating budget.
Throughout National Library Week we celebrated all the ways we work with and for our community.
Over the last year, we actively engaged more than 3,100 stakeholders and residents as we updated our strategic plan to reflect and activate our belief that community is the heart of our library. Through that process we heard how much you love and value your library – and how much you need the library to provide early learning spaces, resources and instruction for preschoolers and their caregivers; space for teens to come together, discover opportunities, and explore new experiences; and a sense of belonging and inclusion for all ages.
As a result, we updated our mission, vision, and core values to reflect the words and voices of our community. We invite you to read our strategic plan on our website, and we look forward to working with you as we roll out the new plan.
Together, we can help everyone to learn, connect, and grow.
Tonya Aikens President & CEO Howard County Library System
Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System is blooming with opportunities for you to help us raise funds to support literacy for youth in Howard County. We hope to increase the library’s selection and quantity of young adult books chosen for teens and by teens at local high schools. With this fund, HCLS piloted the teen-led book selection project last year at three high schools and saw an increase in participation and excitement at these book clubs that reach 50-60 teens monthly. The Spring fundraiser runs through May 11 – donate now!
$40 donation You receive a big thank you from the Friends, along with an amazing 12″ hanging basket bursting with spring flowers, ready for you in early May – just before Mother’s Day. These donations support early literacy classes, outreach, and initiatives offered by the library. All the baskets are claimed each year, so don’t miss out on these beautiful thank-you gifts!
+$25 contribution For an additional $25, the Kathleen Glascock Tribute Fund will match up to $750 to purchase books for teen-led book clubs.
The Kathleen S. Glascock Tribute Fund for Children/Youth Literacy & Education was established in 2016 in honor of Kathleen S. Glascock, who worked for the Howard County Public School System as a media specialist at Clarksville Middle School. According to her husband Robert, “Kathy was an avid reader her entire life who found joy in sharing her love of books with her students and encouraging their growth through reading.” This fund has raised more than $23,000 to support literacy programming for the library, including special author events such as an appearance by Jason Reynolds, the partnership the library has with Head Start, and Summer Reading materials and activities.
We need your creativity! For National Library Week, we’re introducing a new art contest to design library cards that debut in September for National Library Card Sign-up Month.
THEME: The library is your place to Learn, Connect, and Grow. Forms available at all HCLS branches and at hclibrary.org. Contest runs April 8 – May 31.
All children in grades K – 12 and adults who live, work, or attend school in Howard County may enter. One winner for each category will be chosen. Please circle the appropriate age group for your entry: Kindergarten & Grade 1 Grades 2 & 3 Grades 4 & 5 Grades 6 – 8 Grades 9 – 12 Adults (18+ years)
Entries judged on originality, design, theme expression, and reproducibility. Tips:
All entries must be clear and reproducible.
Consider what medium works best for you. Sparkle crayons, gel pens, and neon colors do not reproduce well.
Do not use trademarked or copyrighted images from TV shows, movies, or books or include computer or AI generated art.
If you include words, check for correct spelling and legibility. Keep text away from edge. In fact, keep all important design details away from the edges.
Ready, set, library! It’s National Library Week, and we encourage everyone to explore all the library has to offer.
Libraries give us a green light to experience something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and pursue our passions through book clubs, classes for children, activities for teens, author events, and more. At Howard County Library System, we also offer art, tools, a makerspace, and a wealth of online resources.
No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, raising a family, or settling into retirement—we have the resources and support you need and an inclusive and supportive community where you will feel welcome.
That includes making sure our collection has something for everyone. We have seen a national movement to censor library materials according to the standards of only a section of a community, and penalize or even criminalize the work of library staff. While the overwhelming majority of the public oppose censorship, organizations are working across the country and in Maryland to censor and ban books. That is why we are thrilled that the Freedom to Read Act passed the Maryland General Assembly and is now on its way to Governor Moore for his signature. This legislation reaffirms the constitutional principle that library materials, services, and resources exist and should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons.
Maryland’s libraries have long been recognized as national leaders in developing successful, high-quality services and collections. The Freedom to Read Act provides a framework for how a library should serve, protects the unique quality of each library and its staff, and recognizes the professionalism of library staff. We thank our Howard County delegation for their support of this critical piece of legislation.
So, no matter who you are, what you want to read, or what you want to do, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with others this National Library Week. We are there for you and with you, all the way to the finish line.
CHAPTER CHATS 