Teen Live! at the Elkridge Branch of HCLS in 2024.
by Deborah B.
You work at the Elkridge Library?” asked a woman attending her child’s soccer game. “I must tell you, my son loved, absolutely loved, that Teen Live event you did last month. He hasn’t stopped talking about it! Will there be more?”
“Can you do more Teen Lives? Please,” begged a girl at Mayfield Woods Middle School. “Can you do one here?” asked a nearby teacher.
No, we cannot do one at a school but can and are doing Teen Live at the branches again this spring. It’s no wonder Howard County teens loved Teen Live – it’s the ultimate after-school escape, where fun, food, and friends come together for an unforgettable experience!
Designed by teens for teens, Teens Live is a smorgasbord of excitement, offering everything from free pizza to anime, arcade games, and larger-than-life activities. Whether you’re a gamer, an artist, a music lover, or just someone looking for a cool place to hang out, Teen Live has something for you.
Shoot hoops, compete in Nintendo Switch and PS5 game tournaments, or unleash your creativity at arts and crafts stations. Anime fans can bond over their favorite shows, discover new series, and join themed activities. Every branch session is packed with energy, laughter, and new opportunities to connect with like-minded peers in a welcoming space.
But that’s not all — Teen Live 2025 amps up the awesome with branch specific feature events from music and interactive performances to live demonstrations of technology and creative challenges. See and sample the shiny new contraptions, gadgets, and equipment Teen Live events are introducing. It’s the perfect place to relax, have fun, and explore new interests, all while enjoying free pizza.
No need to bring anything—just show up, bring your friends, and get ready for an epic time at the library! Join one or more of these sessions:
Sat, Mar 8 | 2 – 4 pm at HCLS Savage Branch Sat, Apr 5 | 3 – 5 pm at HCLS Central Branch Tue, Apr 15 | 2 – 4 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch Mon, Apr 21 | 3 – 5 pm at HCLS Miller Branch Wed, May 7 | 12:30 – 3:30 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch Wed, Jun 11 | 4 – 6 pm at HCLS East Columbia Branch
Deborah B. is a Teen Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch. Reading is her cardio.
Have you or your child visited our Builders Barn at HCLS Glenwood Branch? This unique space was created for younger learners to mirror the newly added Makerspace during Glenwood’s renovation. (For more information about Glenwood’s Makerspace, visit https://hclibrary.org/maker-space/ to learn more.)
The Builders Barn provides children with a spot to invent, build, and create with many hands-on materials. This exploration encourages and supports experiential learning, STEAM concepts, early literacy skills, and collaboration, to name a few. Children are welcome to take their creations home or display them within the room.
The Builders Barn has become a well-loved space that many look forward to using each time they visit the library. When watching families creating together in the Builders Barn, the adults are having as much fun creating as the kids! One family even shared that they created a “Builders Barn at home” in their dining room, so the fun could continue outside the library.
The Builders Barn has become a community endeavor, with (most of) the materials donated by the families that use the Builders Barn.
If you want to help by donating materials, they can be brought to HCLS Glenwood Branch.
Favorite donated materials are…
tape
glue sticks
leftover craft supplies
paper
ribbon
egg cartons
corks
cereal, tissue, and pasta boxes
unused paper goods (paper plates, coffee filters, etc.)
Are you looking for some reading suggestions related to the Builders’ Barn? Here are some staff favorites:
Kaitlyn M. has worked as a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist for HCLS for three years. When she is not at work, you can find her with family, reading, crafting, or spending time outdoors.
Kristy G. has worked as a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist for HCLS for 24 years at both the Miller and Glenwood Branches. The Builders’ Barn is one of her favorite places at the library. She has her own style of ‘Builders’ Barn” at home.
Students practice painting from observation during a class at HCLS Savage Branch.
by Emily B.
Searching for a cool and creative way to beat the heat this summer? Look no further than your local library, because summer fun at the library isn’t limited to kids and teens! At most of our branches, we offer art- and craft-related series classes. These classes are an opportunity to practice different crafty techniques and create something that you can take home, all in a supportive and welcoming environment. Each branch offers a unique spin.
At HCLS Miller Branch, Mindful Making emphasizes the meditative aspects of creativity. Adult Instructor Holly creates a relaxing and low-pressure class environment with cozy lighting and relaxing instrumental music. She purposefully selects activities that incorporate simple steps and repetition, to allow you to de-compress while engaging in creative practice.
At HCLS Glenwood Branch, Adult Instructor Kimberly makes use of the branch’s makerspaceand its tools. Her classes offer a hands-on opportunity to learn about and use different DIY and crafting tools, like the laser cutter/engraver or the Cricut, and are a great introduction to the makerspace’s offerings. Kimberly remarks that attendees often return to the makerspace after her classes, ready to put their newfound knowledge to work.
At HCLS Central Branch, my colleagues, Roslyn and Mikki, and I offer Craft Works twice a month. Each month, we feature a different project. Our strive to create a welcoming environment for adults to express their creativity. One of my favorite features is how supportive and encouraging everyone is. Oftentimes, as the class winds down, our attendees take time to admire each other’s projects made during the class.
Visit howardcounty.librarycalendar.com for more details and to register for the classes on this page and the next, as well as many others.
RANDOM CRAFTS OF KINDNESS For adults. Register at bit.ly/rcok Learn to create something new, spend some relaxing time making art and crafting with your neighbors, and share your creations with other community members in random acts of kindness. All supplies provided. Water Color Bookmarks: Create watercolor bookmarks for National Watercolor Month. Sat, Jul 13 at 3 – 4 pm | Savage Branch Cyanotypes: Take advantage of the harsh sun of August by making Cyanotype art and applying them to office supplies. Sat, Aug 10 at 3 – 4 pm | Savage Branch
CRAFT WORKS For adults. Register at bit.ly/craftworks_central Let your creativity shine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each month, learn about different art media and explore new techniques. July: Pressed Flower Sun-catcher Tue, Jul 23 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Central Branch Thu, Jul 25 at 2 – 3:30 pm | Central Branch August: Resin Bookmarks Tue, Aug 20 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Central Branch Thu, Aug 22 at 2 – 3:30 pm | Central Branch
ART IN THE AFTERNOON & EVENING Explore new artistic themes or media in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Create art inspired by the wildlife and scenery of the Chesapeake Bay. Choose from a variety of projects. Chesapeake Bay Art Workshop Tue, Aug 20 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Elkridge Branch
MINDFUL MAKING Cyanotype Prints Slow down with us at Mindful Making, where we focus on process over product and discover the meditative benefits of simple acts of creation. In August, we create cyanotype sun prints. All materials provided. Thu, Aug 1 at 7 – 8 pm | Miller Branch
SEWING SKILLS How to Repair Clothing For adults. Register at bit.ly/diy_repair Learn the basics of clothing repair to extend the lifetime of your clothing, including how to restitch a seam, repair hems, and patch tears. Some prior experience with using a sewing machine recommended. Wed, Aug 14 at 7 – 8:30 pm | Elkridge Branch
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.
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.
The staff here at the Miller branch have had such fun highlighting the cultures of the different countries from which many of our community members come through our Global Neighbors Series. Not only have we put in a lot of work to display the different traditions of the countries we have spotlighted but our wonderful community members have volunteered their time and talents as well to exhibit their cultures by performing their traditional dances, music, martial arts, recitation, and crafts for us. Through the Global Neighbors series, our community has had the chance to peek into our neighbors’ lives and celebrate our diversity. We believe the more we know about each other’s cultures, the better we understand each other to create a more cohesive community.
We learned about Korea in May, about India in October and we will get a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of China as we celebrate Lunar New Year with one of the largest demographics in Howard County. Howard County Library System is partnering with Chinese Parent Association of Howard County (CAPA) to bring to you traditional Chinese music and dance, senior choir, Peking Opera, tai chi, wushu (another form of Chinese martial art), Chinese calligraphy, and Chinese paper craft.
We invite you to join us on February 3at 2 pm at Miller Branch to enjoy the performances by our community members and celebrate Lunar New Year in Global Neighbors Series – China.
On October 9, 2021, Governor Larry Hogan, joined by First Lady Yumi Hogan, Republic of Korea Ambassador to the United States Lee Soo-hyuck, and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, officially opened Korean Way in Ellicott City. A five-mile stretch of Route 40 in Ellicott City, Korean Way is home to more than 160 Korean-American owned-businesses that offer everything in the way of authentic Korean cuisine, goods, services, and more.
We are privileged to celebrate the contributions of one of Ellicott City’s largest demographics, and we continue this celebration on Sunday, May 21 from 2 – 4 pm with Global Neighbors: Republic of Korea.
Highlighting the culture, contributions, and accomplishments of the citizens of the Republic of Korea as well as Korean Americans, this exciting day includes performances of the Korean harp, drum, and traditional fan dance. Other performances showcase taekwondo as well as a K-Pop dance with local high school students. Create some Korea-inspired crafts, while supplies last.
Special thanks to our cultural ambassador, Saea Oh!
Peter is an Adult Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch and is furiously working on learning Korean through Duolingo. That owl is VERY intimidating.
Are you ready to stir up your creative juices, push your comfort zone, and generate some innovation in your life?
Experts agree: creativity is in all of us. It’s something you can boost and develop at any age. The ways we encourage creativity in children — with open-ended exploration, unstructured time, stories and story-telling, and playful experiences — are strategies available to all of us.
But where to begin? It may feel risky to commit to an unfamiliar activity and expensive to invest in all the necessary equipment and supplies. Don’t worry – just look to your library! Not only are our buildings filled with books about everything under the sun (including how to be creative), but HCLS also offers instructors, speakers, experiences, tools, facilities, and spaces that alleviate the cost of trying something new.
You might start by changing your environment. Make your imagination soar by putting a Picasso on your wall or streaming music you’ve never heard before. At our Central and Glenwood branches, you can borrow new, inspiring art every six weeks, then attend art classes at the Elkridge DIY center to create a personal masterpiece. Borrow a ukulele, then join a jam session of the Savage Ukes or use a recording booth at Glenwood to stretch those creative muscles even further. Once you are inspired by the masters, you may find it easier to produce something yourself.
If your imagination produces more than your home equipment can support, come to HCLS for maker tools and machinery. At Elkridge Branch’s DIY Center you might borrow a sewing and embroidery machine and create beautiful textiles. At Glenwood Branch’s Makerspace, access a 3D printer and laser cutter engraver, or just play around with building toys like LEGOS, K’nex, and planks. If you get inspiration from sharing with others, you can join fellow makers at a Pins and Needle Arts class at Central Branch or Miller Branch, where conversation fuels creativity and learning.
Young creators can get inspired at the library, too! Borrow some puppets from the HCLS toy collection to retell familiar stories and produce original tales. Visit the Glenwood Branch Builders Barn, where children enter a material-rich space to explore, discover, and create. Check out the children’s and teen’s class schedules to find art, engineering, music, and technology offerings to feed every kind of passion.
Happy Creative New Year!
Papermaking Lab! Monday, January 9, 6 – 7:30 pm HCLS Miller Branch Ages 11-18. DECLUTTER then CREATE! Shred, blend, and mix to transform those old notebooks and paper into beautiful new papers! (We’ll have recycled paper, too). Experiment by adding seeds for plantable paper or denim scrap. Come back during the Wednesday Wellness class (drop-in, no registration required) on Wednesday, January 11 from 4 – 5 pm to turn your paper into a gratitude journal.
Registration suggested, drop-ins allowed if space permits. Register here.
Get to “Snow” the Laser Cutter Engraver Wednesday, January 11, 6 – 8 pm HCLS Glenwood Branch Step up your craftiness with the Makerspace! Using the laser cutter engraver, create custom snowflakes. Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator, then send your project to be cut. Absolute beginners welcome; all materials supplied.
Ages 11 and up welcome; any participant under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian present. Register here.
Artapalooza! Wednesday, January 18, 2 – 4 pm HCLS Miller Branch Ages 11-18. Spend your early dismissal day creating! Let your creativity soar in an open studio art space. We provide the supplies, you bring the imagination.
Registration preferred, drop-ins allowed if space permits. Register here (registration opens Monday, January 11 at 2 pm).
Goal Setting With Vision Boards Wednesday, January 18, 1 – 3 pm HCLS Savage Branch Ages 11-18. Start 2023 off right with some personal goal setting. We discuss and share different areas we’d like to improve in as well as areas that we are doing well in, then create vision boards.
Drop-in.
Ingenious Inventions! Wednesday, January 25, 7 – 7:45 pm HCLS Miller Branch Ages 6-10. Don’t let history be a mystery – learn about some inventions. Includes stories, activities, and a craft.
Ticket required. Tickets available at the children’s desk 15 minutes before class.
Slime Cafe Monday, January 23, 3:30 – 4:15 pm HCLS Central Branch Ages 6-10. Read a yucky story and learn how to combine different ingredients with a basic slime recipe to create your own unique slimes. Materials provided (unscented shampoo, corn starch, and food coloring). Dress for mess.
Registration required. Register here (registration opens Monday, January 16 at 3:30 pm).
Feeling stressed? Relieve some of that tension and join us for Stress Free STEAM. In this low-key, hands-on monthly series, commune with other adults while exploring various topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Each class session focuses on a different subject and features an engaging and creative hands-on project. Among other inventive projects, previous creative customer favorites have included miniature cabinets of curiosity, Japanese Gyotaku fish prints, and Fibonacci spiral paper sunflowers.
On Thursday, January 5 we will examine the science of snowflakes. Learn why no two snowflakes are alike, among other fascinating facts, before making a unique paper snowflake.
All abilities welcome. Beginners and the non-crafty are encouraged to come. Materials provided.
Stress Free Steam for Adults meets at the Miller Branch on the first Thursday of the month. Register here.
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.
I’ve been a crafter all of my life. I make costumes and throw elaborate birthday parties. My first thought when I see something beautiful in a store is usually, “Can I make that?” I love to create handmade gifts, produce decorations for birthdays, and design personal touches for my home. The laser cutter/engraver (Glowforge) at HCLS Glenwood Branch + Makerspace is the latest tool in my crafting repertoire. Among the many things I’ve been able to make are jewelry, decorations, gifts, cake toppers, valentines, teacher appreciation keychains, and an LED light. My favorite things that I’ve made are keepsakes that engrave my son’s drawings and a lighted archway that I made to try and replicate the schwibbogen that are sold in Germany.
What is a Laser Cutter/Engraver?
This machine allows you to put a piece of material like leather, wood, or acrylic in the machine and it carves out your product using laser light. Glowforge is the name brand for the Laser Cutter Engraver at HCLS Glenwood Branch + Makerspace.
What materials can it cut?
At HCLS, we only allow Proofgrade materials in the machine – Glowforge sells proofgrade materials, which are certified to be laser safe. These materials also have pre-assigned settings in the machine – telling the laser exactly what power and speed it needs so cuts and engravings produce exactly how they should! Proofgrade materials include hardwood, acrylic, draft board, plywood, veneer, and leather, among others.
How can I get Proofgrade Materials?
The Glenwood Branch has a selection of materials to purchase directly from the library, including many colors of acrylic and several finishes for hardwood, plywood, and veneer. Alternately, you can purchase directly from the site, shop.glowforge.com, or from local craft stores that carry Proofgrade materials.
What kinds of things can I make?
The photos in this post are all things that have been made in the Makerspace with the Laser Cutter/Engraver. There is so much room for creativity and customization. Your design can be high-tech – you can create an .svg from scratch with interlocking or overlapping pieces to construct 3D artwork. Your design can also be low-tech – you can convert a line art drawing, photograph, or handwriting sample into a custom-engraved keepsake. You can also browse premade designs in the application and send them with customized engravings, or you can use the application to create a design using graphics, text, and shapes.
How do I get started?
If you want to see a quick intro video, you can watch on HCLS’s YouTube channel here. You can also register for upcoming make-it and take-it classes at Upcoming Laser Cutting Classes. Someone is always available in the Makerspace to help you get underway. Anyone under 18 who wishes to use the laser cutter must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Kimberly J is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the HCLS Glenwood Branch. She enjoys reading, photography, creating, crafting, and baking.
CHAPTER CHATS 