The Libary's mascot, Booker the Owl, is wearing his green shirt and a bandana over one eye as he takes aim at a star-shaped pinata in front of a sign that reads Happy Birthday.

Countdown to Summer (Reading): Celebrate Libraries!

June 2, 2025June 2, 2025jeanboone1 Leave a comment

by Jean B.

Who’s counting the days until the end of school? Kids, of course, and teachers, no doubt. Even parents and caregivers may be looking forward to more flexible days and freedom from regular routines — a break from alarms, homework, and heavy backpacks.

At the library, however, we are counting the days until summer and gathering our energy, because your downtime is our opportunity — we can’t wait to spend more time with you! In fact, we’re throwing a summer-long party to celebrate the 85th birthday of HCLS and all the ways our community comes together through the library to learn, grow, and connect.

Let’s get the party started! Starting Monday, June 2, visit any branch for your Summer Reading game, complete with reading and activity ideas, prizes, and special events. WHO IS INVITED? EVERYONE!

Visit hclibrary.org/summer often for all your summer reading information and details.

Ages birth – 4
Children ages birth-4 learn, grow, and make connections by singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing. Read or do an activity from the suggestions, and color in a balloon.
Ages 5 – 10
Read, listen, learn, connect, and celebrate. Each time you read or do an activity, color in a candy. Keep reading! For both children’s games: Pick up a prize after completing 10 books and/or activities before August 31, while supplies last.
Teens: 11 – 18
Earn raffle tickets whenever you read, attend classes, borrow items, or complete challenges. When you complete 10 tickets, visit a branch to receive a prize and be entered into the grand prize drawing. Continue to submit raffle tickets all summer.
Adults: 18+
The third annual Adult Reading Challenge offers unique reading challenges and complimentary reading recommendations. Complete three or more challenges by the end of August, or read three or more books of your own choosing. Complete a finisher’s card and be automatically entered into our prize drawings. All finishers also receive a limited-edition prize, while supplies last!

Summer Reading Celebrations
For everyone.
Join us to celebrate 85 years of the Library and all things summer reading with activities for all ages.
Wed, Jun 25 from 3 – 6 pm at HCLS East Columbia Branch
Wed, Jun 25 from 5 – 8 pm at HCLS Central Branch
Wed, Jul 9 from 5 – 8 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch
Sat, Jul 12 from 11 am – 1 pm at HCLS Savage Branch
Wed, Aug 13 from 4 – 7 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch
Thu Aug 21 from 6 – 8 pm at HCLS Miller Branch
Celebrations sponsored in part by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.

The top half of the cover is white with Mary Oliver in blue, and the bottom half is ochre with A Poetry Handbook in white.

Women Poets

March 26, 2025March 26, 2025sahanacallahan 1 Comment

by Sahana C.

March’s Women’s History Month and April’s National Poetry Month offer the perfect chance to celebrate some remarkable women poets in our collection. Across generations, their voices have turned shared experiences into art at all levels, teaching us about love, identity, resilience, and nature. Here are a few notable names whose works you should check out:

Emily Dickinson must be included in any list about women poets. She wrote with an intensity and originality that set her apart in 19th-century American literature. Her compact, untitled poems challenge conventions, exploring themes of death, nature, and the self with wit and depth.

Maya Angelou, a powerhouse of literature and activism, weaves autobiography and poetry to speak of struggle and triumph. Her groundbreaking poem “Still I Rise” affirms the resilience of the human spirit and is a testament to hope despite all odds.

Joy Harjo was the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, and her work reflects that identity. Her poems often blend moments from her heritage and upbringing with vivid musicality. Her anthology, Living Nations, Living Words brings many Native poets to the forefront and connects past injustices to present resilience.

Mary Oliver is a consummate naturalist. Her poetry, though deceptively simple in form, encourages readers to reflect on nature’s quiet wisdom and the profound lessons it offers. These are the perfect poems to meditate on, mull over, and chew on. Oliver is also the author of one of the seminal handbooks about reading and writing poetry, A Poetry Handbook.

A bright yellow cover shows fancy scrolls in red framing the title, The Hill We Climb, which is in blue.

Rupi Kaur is the most contemporary by far on this list but she deserves a mention for her contemporary style, which has redefined poetry for a digital age. With poignant reflections on love, trauma, and healing, Kaur connects with a new generation of readers through her evocative, minimalist verse.

Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, brings her background, her activism, and her fire to her poetry. She was first put on the map with her poem “The Hill We Climb,” which is a testament to community, togetherness, and solidarity.

Ada Limón, the current U.S. Poet Laureate, captures the beauty and complexity of everyday life. Her work is both profound and accessible, imbued with a rich emotional resonance.

Celebrate these poets by exploring their works, available in our collection. Let their words inspire you this spring!

Family Story and Craft: Poet-Tree
Families, ages 6+. Ticket required.
Celebrate National Poetry Month by listening to some poetry and creating a Poet-Tree craft.
Tue, Apr 29 at 6:30 – 7 pm
HCLS Miller Branch

For African American History Month

February 5, 2025February 5, 2025Admin Leave a comment

African American Read-in

“It is important for all of us to see ourselves in books.” – Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, founder of the African American Read-In

Howard County Library System joins our community in honoring Black History Month, a month-long celebration of African American life, History, and culture, established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and founded and promoted by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The ASALH states that Black History Month is a, “way to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, History, and culture to the global community.” February events at HCLS are for a variety of ages and include read-ins, stories, and crafts. Events planned with a teen audience as the focus include an AfroFuturism ArtLab and teen art exhibit, an author event with We Need Diverse Books founding member Lamar Giles, and an online discussion featuring curator Kevin Strait from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The African American Read-In “was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.” The commitment for nationwide promotion extends from 1990 to the present. To date, the initiative has reached more than six million participants around the world.

According to the NCTE website, “During the month of February, schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting an African American Read-In. Hosting an event can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers.”

Tracey Williams, president of the Southern Howard County/Laurel Chapter of Continentals Society, Inc., says, “It is crucial for all children to hear the voices of African American authors, gain insight into their experiences, and explore our rich heritage.”

Howard County Library System celebrates African American authors and culture as a participant in the National African American Read-In.

Read-In Opportunities
All ages; drop-in.
Honor Black History Month by participating in the National African American Read-In. Community partners and library staff read aloud from books by African American authors. Light refreshments.
Sat, Feb 8 at 12 – 2 pm
HCLS East Columbia Branch
Sat, Feb 8 at 1 – 3 pm
HCLS Glenwood Branch

Meet at the children’s bubble wall to hear library staff read stories by African American authors. Listen for just one or stay for more!
Thu, Feb 20 at 1 – 2 pm
HCLS Elkridge Branch

Anansi Tales & Crafts
Ages 3 – 11.
Anansi is a classic African folktale character who is known for his trickster ways. Enjoy his woven web of cunning triumphs!
Fri, Feb 28 at 10:30 – 11: 15 am
HCLS Central Branch

In partnership with: Continental Societies, Inc., Southeastern Regional Howard County/Laurel Chapter; Columbia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center; The Society Incorporated, Howard County, MD Chapter; Howard County Public School System; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Lambda Omega Chapter Emerging Leaders; African American Community Roundtable of Howard County; and the Youth Leadership Program.

Afrofuturism for Teens

In a circle, a stylized African woman's face is layered with orange color swatches and lines. An orange horizontal banner reads: Afrofuturism: Teen Art Exhibit: Feb 20-28, HCLS Miller Branch

Afrofuturism ArtLab: Learn & Create!
Ages 11 – 18. Register here.
What is Afrofuturism? Explore this multimedia concept, then create your own related artwork. Your work may be chosen for HCLS Miller Branch’s Afrofuturism Student Art Exhibit for Black History Month. All materials supplied, but feel free to bring anything you would like.
Sat, Feb 8 at 3 – 5 pm
HCLS Miller Branch

Afrofuturism with NMAAHC Curator Kevin Strait
All ages. Register here.
Curator Kevin Strait from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture discusses his recent exhibit, Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures. Strait shares the history of Afrofuturism, and how the exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture.
Thu, Feb 20 at 6 – 7 pm
online & HCLS Miller Branch

A deep red cover with a Black young man's head in deep shadow. The person's eyes and mouth are drawn to appear sewn shut crudely.

Author Event: Lamar Giles
Ages 10 and up.
Register here.
A founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Lamar Giles discusses his novel, The Getaway, (currently in development for TV), and his journey as a writer, while engaging in a Q&A moderated by local teens.
School Library Journal writes, “Nonstop action, increasingly dangerous risks, and themes of racism and classism will keep readers engaged and flying through this one—and rethinking that planned resort vacation.”
Mon, Feb 24 at 6 – 8 pm
HCLS Miller Branch

Beyond Words

May 15, 2024May 15, 2024pegprentice 1 Comment

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.

Two participants play the game Connect Four at the Motor Skills Station.

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.

Two instructors look on as participants color at the Arts and Crafts table.

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.

The photograph shows a wooden table with an assortment of 500- and 1000-piece puzzles in boxes on top. A puzzle with a rainy street view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, is put together on the table surface. A wooden giraffe also stands on the table.

Puzzle and Board Game Swap

January 25, 2023emilyhcls 1 Comment

by Emily B.

Over the last few years, there’s been a growing interest in board games and puzzles. This likely started due to the stay-at-home orders at the beginning of the pandemic. In the years following, their popularity has continued. Board games provide an engaging experience with friends and family, shared through competition or collaboration, while puzzles also offer solo and group fun. Working on a puzzle can be meditative, and it provides a great way to de-stress while engaging the mind. Ever since completing my first 1,000-piece puzzle a few years ago, puzzles have been my favorite way to unwind after work.

If you’re a puzzle or board game fanatic, you won’t want to miss the Community Puzzle & Board Game Swap happening at HCLS Central Branch on Sunday, January 29 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm. The swap is the perfect time to trade any games or puzzles that you no longer need for something new to you. Puzzles and games need to include all their pieces.

To participate, bring any gently used board games or puzzles that you would like to swap. When you arrive, you can trade your items with other attendees or with any donated items. Feel free to share your best gaming and puzzling tips with other attendees and learn about upcoming puzzle- and game-related events at HCLS. In addition to swapping, you can learn about all of the free eResources available through HCLS that you can use while puzzling and gaming.

Donations of gently used board games and puzzles will be accepted if you are not interested in swapping anything. You may bring donations to HCLS Central Branch. These donations will be available for swappers on January 29.

Click here for the full details on the event.

We hope to see you there!

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

The photograph depicts a woman in traditional Indian clothing of red, black, white, holding a microphone with arm outstretched as if belting out a song. She stands in two spotlights shining on her from above, and in front of a representation of the globe with the words "World Language Karaoke" surrounding the globe in yellow. All of this is against a backdrop of twinkling stars against in the darkness of outer space.

World Language Karaoke

January 23, 2023madammommy Leave a comment

by Piyali C.

“Reading is not really my thing. I don’t come to the library.” My customer told me this as he waited for me to find a book that he needed for his school project. He was honest with me about his preferences. He was only at the library because his teacher made him come.

“Do you like music?” I asked him.

“Oh yes. I love music.” He replied enthusiastically.

“Did you know that we are having a class called World Language Karaoke ” I asked him.

“WHAT? You can do karaoke in a library?” He was incredulous.

The idea of library being a quiet place filled with books is a thing of the past. To quote Paula Poundstone, libraries have truly become, “raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy, and community.” And we love to celebrate our diverse community every chance we get. Our community speaks so many different languages. It makes us smile as we walk around our library and hear the plethora of languages being spoken around us. We thought, why not celebrate all these different languages and bring everyone together for an evening of music? After all, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow did say that “music is the universal language of humanity.”

Join us on Thursday, January 26 at 7 pm for World Language Karaoke at Miller Branch to sing songs in the language that you prefer, INCLUDING ENGLISH.

When you register, please tell us the song or songs that you are going to sing in the ‘Special Notes’ field, so we can create a playlist before the class and keep it ready for you to belt it out!

Piyali is an instructor and research specialist at HCLS Miller Branch, where she co-facilitates Global Reads and facilitates Light But Not Fluffy (starting in March 2023!) and keeps the hope alive that someday she will reach the bottom of her to-read list.

You see to feet, one in a chunky boot and one in a black sneaker, crossed toward each other with a deck below.

ELEVATE your relationship!

September 28, 2022September 30, 2022Holly Leave a comment

You see to feet, one in a chunky boot and one in a black sneaker, crossed toward each other with a deck be

by Holly L.

UPDATE: SERIES CANCELED – MAY BE RESCHEDULED.

Are you looking to take your relationship to the next level? Or searching for a new twist on date night?

You can hone your skills for maintaining a stable marriage or committed partnership through upcoming classes using material from ELEVATE. Developed in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Georgia and at Auburn University, the program blends practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction to enhance healthy adult relationships.

Join us at Miller Branch on three Tuesdays, October 4, 11 and 18 from 6:30 – 8 pm, to participate in these free sessions, presented in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension. Registration required.

The two core components of ELEVATE are (1) practical strategies and tools and (2) the inclusion of mindfulness practice activities that help couples manage intense emotions by learning to regulate their heart-brain response to stressful triggers. Couples leave equipped with tools to communicate (and argue) more effectively, resolve conflict, and strengthen their relationship.

University of Maryland Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist Dr. Alexander Chan leads this inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly class. This series is designed primarily for couples who are currently in a committed relationship. Individuals may attend without a partner, but couples attending together receive the most benefit.

Holly is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch. She enjoys knitting, preferably with a strong cup of tea and Downton Abbey in the queue.

The cartoon image says "Year of the Tiger" in a variety of languages, with a smiling tiger extending his paw towards the viewer, with three gold lanterns hanging above him against a red backdrop.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

January 28, 2022juliefitzreader Leave a comment

Welcome to the Year of the Tiger! The Lunar New Year is the most important social and economic holiday for billions of people around the world. Tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar, the holiday was originally observed as a time to honor household and heavenly deities and ancestors. Today, Lunar New Year brings friends and family together for feasting and festivities in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Mongolia, and other countries all over the world.

This website, recommended by our presenters, offers a helpful guide where you can discover more about everything from food and drink to clothing and decorations for Lunar New Year celebrations. In addition, we have an assortment of books and other materials available at HCLS to help families learn and celebrate.

In recognition of this significant holiday, HCLS is celebrating with an online class, Learn About the Lunar New Year Celebration, in partnership with Howard County Chinese School. A panel of middle and high school students and parents share the histories and traditions of the Lunar New Year celebration in a variety of Asian American Pacific Islander sub-communities. Join us on Saturday, Feb 5 for a combination of short presentations, Q&A, and interactive educational games with prizes.

Additional upcoming children’s classes with Lunar New Year-themed sessions include:

Dim Sum of Crafts on Tuesday, February 1 at Miller Branch
Little Learners on Monday, January 31 at Glenwood Branch
All By Myself on Tuesday, February 1 at Glenwood Branch
All Together Now on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 at Glenwood Branch

Please join us!

Don’t Underestimate a Good Craft

November 8, 2021Peter N. Leave a comment

The photo shows a shadowbox format of birch tree branches and falling yellow and orange leaves against a pale background in a white frame, with a brown and a tan stone in the foreground. All are placed on a wooden tabletop. — Join fellow crafters at Tezukuri Crafternoon on Wednesday, November 10 to create this delightful fall display!

By Peter N.

First of all, a well-deserved welcome back to all of our customers! We have so enjoyed seeing your faces (or at least, half of them) in our branches once again, particularly for in-person classes and events like the one we’re sharing here.

Were you one of the regular participants in Create by Music at the Miller Branch in the pre-pandemic times? Well, good news! We are back but we have re-branded. Create by Music is now Tezukuri Crafternoon. What does that mean? Well, Tezukuri translates to “handmade” in Japanese and Crafternoon…well, that’s just craft combined with afternoon.

The photo shows the word "Tezukuri" in Japanese, followed by "Tezukuri Crafternoon" in English.

Each first Wednesday of the month, join us for a relaxing afternoon hour of crafts and conversation. No artistic talent required! And if you’re looking for a selection of titles from our collection to check out about handmade crafting, please enjoy this list of items from our catalog.

Peter is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch and LIVES for the upcoming sweater weather.

The new van, decorated with colorful circles and photos of Library events, with its awning extended.

On the Road with the New Pop-Up Library

August 25, 2021August 25, 2021Kristen B. 1 Comment

HCLS is excited to have a new way to bring books and services into our community. The new mobile unit is primarily designed to bring preschool classes and learning resources to children of families who do not have easy access to the Library’s six branches. Classes and services will primarily be delivered to children, birth through three years of age, and their parents/caregivers from asset limited and income constrained families in communities that have also been directly affected by the pandemic.

The vehicle will be outfitted with a collection of library materials in a variety of formats, including books, activity kits, and toys, as well as Chromebooks and mobile hotspots.
It also functions as a mobile hotspot providing Internet access to the nearby community during each stop. HCLS staff will provide information on library classes and events and about community resources.
When not visiting preschools and daycare facilities, the Pop-Up Library will visit festivals, events, and other gatherings throughout Howard County.
Visit hclibrary.org/pop-up to see where the van will be and to request it for your neighborhood. You can find us at Words on the Street at Colorburst Park in Columbia on September 9 & 23.
The mobile unit was funded by a Rise to the Challenge Grant from Howard County Government, Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System, M&T Bank, PNC Foundation, and HoCo Balt Book Club.

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