A teens with curly dark hair in red goggles, blue gloves, and a white jacket mixes a sustance in a beaker. A graduated cylinder holds multi-colored fluid.

HiTech classes return!

June 21, 2024Admin Leave a comment

Teens, you can have a summer adventure at the library. Running through August 9, the HiTech summer program offers hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) classes to boost your skills, explore your interests, and create cool projects. Check out these tracks and choose one (or more than one!) that’s right for you.

HiTech classes run through August 9.
Individual classes can run for one to three weeks.
Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Classes are held at our East Columbia, Elkridge, and Savage branches.
Ages 11 – 18
Sign up begins three weeks prior to the first day of class at bit.ly/hitech-2024

STEAM Leadership Academy: Over two weeks, explore opportunities and skills for STEAM leadership. Interact with leaders in the field and apply what you learn to hands-on projects. Learn leadership skills that will be useful at school and throughout life.

Go Green: Dig deep into the world of horticulture as you explore hydroponics, green gardening, and the construction of living wells.

Underwater Science and Engineering: Dive in with the SeaPerch submersibles and marine science classes. SeaPerch is a remotely operated vehicle built by students to accomplish underwater competitions. Learn about the different living organisms, creatures, conditions, and aspects of underwater living.

Tech Foundations and Robotics: Learn and practice coding in Python, Java, CSS, Arduino, and other languages. Practice your programming skills as you make a humanoid robot move, customize a Ten80 race car, implement Generative AI to make a robotic arm play a game, or work on LEGO Mindstorms.

Engineering Your Way: Project-based engineering classes not only teach engineering principles but also create fun things people can use. Classes include civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and mechanical and electrical engineering, which work toward building carnival games or vacuum-formed objects. Practice the basics with mousetrap cars and compete in Rube Goldberg competitions.

Artistic Impressions: Use paints, computers, laser cutting, 3D printing, and other mediums to explore your artistic side. New this year: Interior design and architecture class.

Mathematically Speaking: “Short take” math classes introduce math concepts or help you refresh concepts from the past school year. Classes include games of probability and chance, computational thinking, algebra 1 & 2, geometry, and SAT math.

Scientific Perspectives: Geek out in this science track featuring physics, chemistry, biology, genetics, or nanomedicine. Build a weather balloon or conduct messy experiments.

Spring Break with HiTech

March 15, 2024Admin Leave a comment

Teens working together to test their simple robot.

HiTech is the library’s award-winning STEAM program for teens. Using advanced teaching tools and technology, our instructors encourage and inspire the next generation of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) professionals. Held year-round, our classes foster free expression while teaching critical skills and exciting STEAM concepts.

All spring break classes take place at Savage Branch from March 25 – 28 for middle and high school students. Registration and more information available here.

Origami Engineering
10 – 11 am, Savage Studio
Get hands-on experience in the ancient art of paper folding. Use origami to create structures like solar panels, bridges, and packing materials. Look at tessellating polygons and how these amazing structures
can be used by scientists and engineers.

Wonders of Chemical Reactions 1
10 – 11 am, Carver Lab
Explore chemistry in a fun and colorful environment. Conduct experiments that range from the physical and chemical properties of matter to Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry, and even Acid-Base Chemistry.

Acoustic Science
12 – 1 pm, Savage Studio
Learn about the science of acoustics as you explore the engineering of basic PA systems and small studio setups. Topics include sound, frequencies, dynamic microphones vs condenser microphones, and how to build a speaker/monitor.

STEM Heroes
12 – 1 pm, Carver Lab
Did you know that Mae Jemison made history as the first Black female astronaut? She is also an engineer, a physician, a professor, and an entrepreneur. Explore people throughout history and today who have contributed to the sciences.

Forensic Science: Biology
2 – 3 pm, Carver Lab
Have you ever wondered what goes on during a crime scene investigation? Learn the techniques forensic scientists use, such as fingerprinting, footprinting, and DNA analysis.

Movie Magic: Chroma Key
2 – 3 pm, AV Studio
Dive into the world of video special effects as you create your own reality. Record and edit video as you learn about the chroma key technique and how it evolved over time.

Audio Video Technology Workshop
4 – 5 pm, AV Studio
Record and mix music or create videos in the sound booth and with other equipment.

Cosmology
4 – 5 pm, Carver Lab
Do you watch The Big Bang Theory and want to know more about the Big Bang? Study the origin and development of the universe, and learn how to identify stars, constellations, and planets in the night sky.

The photograph shows a spiral notebook with a pen and eyeglasses laying on the cover, next to a mug of coffee, with an e-reader resting on the corner of the notebook.

eReader Labs

December 8, 2023December 22, 2023juliefitzreader Leave a comment

So you received a new e-reader for the holidays, and it’s still in the box. Or, perhaps you bought one several years ago but are tired of paying full retail price for books you only read a single time. Want to learn how to use Howard County Library System’s free e-book and e-audiobook resources? We demonstrate and give tips on how to use Libby, cloudLibrary, and Hoopla, with a Q&A time. Bring your preferred device, and we will get you started using our e-book resources.

Libby: Download e-books, e-audiobooks, or e-magazines to your computer, tablet, Kindle, Nook, or smartphone. Use Maryland OverDrive’s website to send e-books to your Kindle, or use Libby, the free mobile app, to borrow and read instantly on your mobile device. Libby is available for free in the iTunes App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft.

cloudLibrary: Use the free cloudLibrary app to browse, check out, download and read popular best-selling e-books or listen to e-audiobooks. Not compatible with Kindle Paperwhite e-readers.

Hoopla: For free, stream and temporarily download movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks from major Hollywood studios, record companies and publishers. Not compatible with Kindle Paperwhite e-readers.

Bring your questions!

We work with you and your device, at your skill level, and provide information and guidance to develop the e-reader skills you are seeking or to resolve whatever issue you are facing. Please bring your device and your questions, so we can help you on your e-book or e-audiobook learning journey!

HCLS Miller Branch offers four upcoming sessions of eReader Lab:

Tue., Dec 19 | 11 am -12 pm. Register here.
Tue., Jan 16 | 11 am – 12 pm. Register here, beginning January 2.
Tue., Feb 20 | 11 am – 12 pm. Register here, beginning February 1.

$A collage of book covers: Picks for Kids, math made simple with Storytelling Math$

Math Made Simple with Storytelling Math

September 1, 2023September 5, 2023Sylvia H. Leave a comment

by Sylvia H.

Summer is wrapping up as the new school year gets underway! If you are looking for ways to share early learning concepts with your kiddo(s), I present to you: Storytelling Math.

When you hear the words “storytelling” and “math,” the subject may seem self-explanatory. Maybe you picture the “How many ___?” stories, filled with little variety or excitement. Well, this is not your typical “count the bears” series. These stories feature diverse characters and cultures, blending math with everyday activities and allowing children and their caregivers to explore math together. Notes following the story often include comments from the author delving more into the topic and/or culture discussed, as well as examples of hands-on activities to try at home.

Topics covered include, but are not limited to: sorting, measurement, patterns, spatial sense, and fractions. Some stories are in board book format for the youngest learners, while others are in picture book format for preschool and prekindergarten-aged children. Both formats have titles available to borrow in English and Spanish.

Below is an overview of some of my favorites from the series. I will say, it was hard to choose! If you are interested in more recommendations, visit your local branch. We will be happy to help!

A small child holds a wooden bird house, with blue birds sitting nearby.

Board Books

Circle! Sphere! by Grace Lin

Olivia, Alex, and Mei are all set to blow bubbles. When they each get a different shape of bubble wand they wonder, “will their bubbles be different shapes?” Three-dimensional shapes are introduced in a fun, relatable way in this sweet story of friends playing together.

A Beautiful House for Birds by Grace Lin

Olivia is decorating a birdhouse and decides to paint a pattern. But when she accidentally paints the wrong color, what can she do to mend her mistake? This story explores patterning while incorporating problem-solving and perseverance, skills useful for children of all ages.

The Last Marshmallow by Grace Lin

After a fun time in the snow, Olivia and Mei come in to warm up with some hot cocoa. When it’s down to one marshmallow left for the two of them, they work to find a fair way to share their treat.

A child holding an armful of balls appears to be outdoors in front of trees and bushes.

Picture Books

Usha and the Big Digger by Amitha Jagannath Knight

On a night of stargazing, Aarti, Usha, and Gloria see different things. Aarti sees the Big Dipper, Usha sees the Big Digger, and Gloria sees the Big Kite! Who is right? Explore spatial sense, orientation, perspective, and more as the three discover constellations.

The Animals Would Not Sleep by Sara Levine

As Marco prepares for bedtime, his mother asks him to tidy his toys. He decides to sort his stuffed animals, but they will not sleep! Marco tries different categories: how the animals move, their size, and color, but it doesn’t seem to work. What will help the animals feel safe? Readers will explore the concept of sorting and classifying objects, with a focus on how different methods of organization can lead to different outcomes.

Too-Small Tyson by JaNay Brown-Wood

As the youngest and smallest, it’s not always easy for Tyson to keep up with his four older brothers. When the family pet gerbil, Swish, escapes from his cage, Tyson and his older brothers begin a search to find him. When his brothers cannot locate Swish, Tyson thinks, “If I were Swish, where would I go?” When Swish is found under the bed, Tyson uses proportional thinking to help his little friend, showing his brothers that even though he may be the smallest, he can still think big.

Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! by Art Coulson

Bo’s family is preparing for the Cherokee National Holiday festival, and he has worked hard making homemade marbles to sell at his family’s craft booth. The problem is that there is limited space to display them, so he has to find something to hold them that will not take up too much room. Bo sets out on a mission for the perfect container, experimenting with the concepts of estimation and volume along the way. Will he find something that works?

Did you know that Howard County Library System has on-demand classes for all ages? Check out our Learning for Children playlist.

Storytelling math series. (n.d.). Charlesbridge. https://www.charlesbridge.com/pages/storytelling-math-series

Sylvia is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Miller Branch. She enjoys crafting, listening to audiobooks, naps, and walks with her dogs in 75 degree-ish weather.

Up close of a red Ten-80 race car with young folks standing with controllers.

H3 Carnival: HiTech, How-to, Hands-on

July 28, 2023Admin Leave a comment

Saturday, August 5 | 11 am – 3 pm
Miller Branch
For all ages. Rain or shine.

A small child wearing a mask turns a gear that operates windmill blades.

A young girl with bangs stands a table, holding two plastic, footed test tubes.

Play games, learn something new, make crafts, and experience a variety of activities at this free and fun-filled celebration. Features carnival games by HiTech students, hands-on activities by community organizations, music, and food trucks ($).

The H3 Carnival features games created by HiTech students and instructors. The summer classes combined technology, teaching tools, and subject experts to deliver a fun STEAM education experience that culminates in showing off at the annual event.
Coding
3D design and printing
Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Music tech
Digital art
Ten-80 car racing
Robotics

Library staff will be on hand for some How-to stations that include coloring, composting, and talking to strangers. New this year: Experts and knowledgeable neighbors from across our community provide ways for you to get Hands-on, while learning something new, including:
The Many Ways to Use Henna
High-Tech Salad
Digital Security
Meditating in Color
Camping Tent Setups & Knot Tying
Make Sugar Scrubs & Bath Fizzies
Agrownomics
How to Make Jamaican Jerk Spice Blend
Fly Hi with Paper Airplanes
Find the Phytonutrient in Plants
Preschool STEAM Station
Intro to Scottish Gaelic
Lego League Demo & Chopsticks Game
and more

Children’s Discovery Fair: Back to the Basics

April 19, 2023Kristen B. Leave a comment

Library staff reads a book to a couple of children. — Children’s Discovery Fair 2022

by Kathleen W.

Welcome! Welcome!
All Howard County families with children aged 3-5 are welcome to join us as we celebrate the Month of the Young Child
with Back to the Basics at the annual Children’s Discovery Fair.

Our goal is to prepare your child for school readiness and success in education. This year’s offering has a stellar line up of literacy,
movement, music and steam activities – story times, crafts, free dental screenings, give a-ways, and much more! For starters,
the library’s On the Road to Kindergarten van will be at the Discovery Fair the entire time. Everyone is welcome to climb on board and see what this mobile library has to offer. You can get a library card on the spot and check out any of the amazing finds aboard.

Then, how about the variety of classes and demonstrations offered specifically for you and your children? Ever wonder about STEAM activities for your preschooler? Join the fun of the Shape Hunt while your child participates in counting, grouping and comparing shapes. Explore movement and have fun while dancing with scarves and clapping to the beat of the music. Let your child engage in the sporting challenge of Solo Cup Bowling.

Take the challenge with Free* Interactive* Easy-To-Do competitions and demonstrations specifically designed for your preschooler. The menu includes some of these exciting activities:
*Loud and silly story times
*Creating art tools
*Cars and ramps
*Blowing bubbles
*Puzzles
*Building with Lego and blocks
*Marching band and many others!
And when you need a break…calm yourself and relax with yoga movement and play.

See you on Saturday, April 22 from 10 am – 1 pm at the North Laurel Community Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel).

Kathleen is a full-time Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch.

The photograph depicts a tray of colorful watercolors next to two paintbrushes and a pile of painted papers, against a background of golden twinkle lights.

January is International Creativity Month

January 6, 2023jeanboone1 Leave a comment

by Jean B.

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).

A black and white photo of a paper snowflake in a window, overlooking benches, trees, and garden beds in the Enchanted Garden of the Miller Branch at HCLS.

Stress Free Steam

December 28, 2022Holly Leave a comment

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.

A collage of the ornaments and practical items made with the laser cutter, including a Seussical 2022 ornament with the Cat in the Hat's hat, a blue snowflake, a buffalo against a backdrop of trees and mountains, two pumpkin silhouettes that say "thankful" and "grateful," a keychain that says "I luv you Dad," tropical floral earrings, and a cookbook or tablet stand.

Love for the Laser Cutter

November 28, 2022Kimberly J Leave a comment

by Kim J.

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.

A picture of a German Schwibbogen village scene made with the laser cutter. The photograph consists of a village with homes, a church, lampposts, and fir trees, surrounded by an arch that has more cottages and fir trees, against a blue background resembling the sky.

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.

A yellow and green laser cutter atom with the words "Happy Birthday" in the center, atop a science-themed birthday cake with Erlenmeyer flasks and icing atoms as decor.

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.

A child's handmade stick-figure drawing of a family with their dog, and the laser cutter's reproduction of it as a wooden ornament, with the year "2022" inscribed at the bottom.

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.

Two snowflake earrings made with the laser cutter.

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.

Visit us at the Howard County Fair

August 10, 2022Kristen B. Leave a comment

Do you love the fair? Deep fried everything? Rides? Awards for livestock and hand-crafts? What’s not to love?

This year, as you come in the front gates, look for Howard County Library System’s new STEAM Machine. Stop by to participate in a STEAM-related activity, watch a demo, or take a tour of our new (air conditioned!) mobile unit. The 33’ Farber diesel bus features a climate-controlled classroom that seats twelve students. It is equipped with Wi-Fi, laptop computers, two 49” LED TVs, sound system, video production equipment, materials, and supplies, including science kits to conduct experiments and complete projects. A 55” LCD monitor and two awnings allow classes to be taught and activities conducted outside.

As the mobile classroom goes out into our community, students can borrow books and other materials on STEAM subjects. Our goal is to transform students into scientists investigating new phenomena and engineers designing solutions to real-world problems.

Tonya Aikens, President & CEO of HCLS, notes, “Howard County Library System is coordinating with community partners to schedule STEAM Machine classes across the county. Our goal is to bring opportunities for hands-on STEAM education to students from under-resourced communities and families who, for an array of reasons, are often unable to come to our branches.”

HCLS instructors will teach most classes with contributions from scientists and engineers from the Maryland STEAM community, who will be recruited for special events. HCLS is collaborating with community partners to determine student aspirations and needs, identify community locations for STEAM Machine visits, and schedule classes and events.

The STEAM Machine is funded in part by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.

See you at the Fair!

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