Source Mar/Apr 2023

HOURS

hclibrary.org

MON - THU 10 am - 9 pm

FRI & SAT 10 am – 6 pm

SUN 1 - 5 pm

HOLIDAYS + CLOSINGS

Good Friday Apr 7 (state holiday)

Easter Apr 9

LOCATIONS + NUMBERS

HOURSplus 0NLINE 410.313.7890

CENTRAL

EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH

ELKRIDGE BRANCH

6540 Washington Boulevard

MD 21075

GLENWOOD BRANCH

2350 State Route 97 Cooksville, MD 21723

MILLER BRANCH

Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042

SAVAGE BRANCH 410.313.0760

9525 Durness Lane Laurel, MD 20723

ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH 410.313.7750

9411 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042

TTY FOR HEARING IMPAIRED

As I write this, spring is just around the corner, which is the perfect time to visit the DIY Center at our Elkridge Branch. Eric and Kelly (our cover models) are committed to providing you with superior customer service through their work at the Elkridge Branch, and they have planned a wide range of classes, including an introduction to power tools and how to build a planter (p. 5). If you haven’t visited yet, you’re missing something special! Adults ages 21 and older who live, work, or attend school in Maryland can get a free DIY Card and borrow a wide variety of items from gardening implements to baking pans.

Elkridge Branch is not the only location where you can celebrate Spring and Earth Day. Being a regular customer of Howard County Library System can be one step in the eco-friendly process of reducing, reusing, and recycling. You can try it before you buy it at the library (p. 6), whether it's a book, DVD, toy, or more to lighten your load on our planet.

We are particularly excited to welcome three authors in March (p. 8) for in-person and online events. Parini Shroff discusses her debut novel, The Bandit Queens, where a young widow finds that the rumors that she killed her husband have some unusual consequences. Rebecca Serle joins us for a hybrid event with her new novel that considers grief, love, and the special bond between a mother and daughter. At the end of the month, Nyani Nkrumah talks about her first book, Wade in the Water, which tells of an unlikely friendship between a Black girl and a White woman in a small Mississippi town.

Also in March, we honor Irish Heritage as well as Women’s History Month. Artist Georgia O’Keeffe is considered the “Mother of American Modernism,” and you can borrow prints of her paintings from our Art Education Collection at the Central Branch or Glenwood Branch.

In April we celebrate National Library Week, with a theme of “There’s More to the Story.” It’s so true! During this week, and throughout the year, we invite you to discover (at least) five things that Howard County Library System offers. Whether you join a book discussion group, craft at the Makerspace, or borrow a piece of art, there’s always something more to our story.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Antonia B. Watts, Chair

Phillip M. Dodge, Vice Chair

Kelly L. Smith, Treasurer

Elizabeth Banach

Robert A. Mentz

Julie Parham

Sabina Taj

MISSION/VISION:

We deliver high-quality public education for all ages. A vital component of Howard County’s renowned education system, we deliver excellence in education, advancing the economy and enhancing quality of life.

source sponsored in part by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.

We look forward to seeing you!

Tonya Aikens President & CEO

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Appropriate accommodations made at Howard County Library System (HCLS) sponsored events for individuals with special needs, if requested at least one week in advance.

CONTENT AND ENDORSEMENT:

The content of HCLS publications, classes, and events does not necessarily reflect the views held by HCLS, nor does mention of companies or organizations imply endorsement.

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE STATEMENT: Please see hclibrary.org/about-us/photo-video-and-audio-release.

Letter from the President and CEO

National Library Week

April 23-29 Libraries are full of stories – literally and figuratively. While everyone knows about the stories you can find on our shelves, what about the stories people tell each other when they participate in book discussion groups, children’s classes, panel discussions, author talks, and teen events? Libraries are where we tell our own stories and listen to other people’s stories, where we learn from others and build community.

An instructor at our Savage Branch relayed this story, “[name withheld]’s mom told me how she enjoys when I teach because she gets to learn and practice ASL vocabulary with her daughter. This is important because she has recently been diagnosed as hard-of-hearing, and she may suddenly lose her hearing at any moment. She asked me to help her with a couple signs and I was also able to direct her to local organizations, resources, and class opportunities that could help in her ASL journey. We don't know everyone's story coming into our classes, but how awesome it is to be the right person at the right time for someone.”

What’s your library story?

My 5 Things

1 Passport Acceptance Facilities at East Columbia and Glenwood branches. No appointments needed; walk-in applicants welcomed from far and near.

2 Engaging Teen Centers where teens can hang out after school for mentorship and learning.

3 Computer Skill Labs for one-on-one or group classes where staff teach participants basic technology skills to navigate email and social media or to browse the internet.

4 STEM Kits available at East Columbia and Savage branches, with activities that teach middle and high school students civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

5 Online Research and Teaching Tools, such as test prep, practice exams, and career research.

Visit us in person or at hclibrary.org/5-things to find out about these 5 Things and all the other wonderful resources available to you.

with SUKI LEE, EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH MANAGER

4 5 1 2 3

Spring at the DIY Center

by Kelly McBride-Gill, Elkridge Branch

Does springtime make you dream of gardening? Whether you’re new to gardening or expanding a well-tended garden patch, your library can help you get your green thumb going.

Start with one of our many books on garden planning to get ideas on layout, environmentally friendly growing techniques, and tips and tricks to help. Find inspiration at the Enchanted Garden at the Miller Branch. Get advice on your plans inperson by attending one of our classes, where Howard County Master Gardeners will share their knowledge and experience.

Then begin to prepare your space for planting. Healthy soil is the foundation of a good garden! Avoid tilling the ground, which breaks up valuable soil structure, by building a raised bed. Raised beds sit on top of the ground, with sidewalls built out of a range of materials such as wood board, haybales, logs, and more. The bed is then filled with nutritious soil and compost to help your plants grow strong. If you have an inground garden bed already, it’s a good idea to get your soil tested to see what nutrients it may need. The DIY Center at the Elkridge Branch has your tool needs covered, with saws, drills, shovels, and wheelbarrows available to borrow for free.

If you have limited space for growing, you can try growing flowers and vegetables in containers that can fit on a deck or balcony. Container gardening not only uses space efficiently, it also allows you to move your plants to catch the most sunlight in the spring and fall while avoiding too much sun in the summer. The raised height means you can garden without bending and kneeling, and gives protection from rabbits and groundhogs. Take a hands-on class on how to build a raised bed or container garden like salad table at the DIY Center, and then borrow the tools for free that you’ll need to construct one at home.

Now you’ll be ready to buy all the beautiful flowers or vegetable plants at your local gardening center!

tape measure and power tools;

Let's Talk DIY Power Tools

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3Xy3lYF

Visit the DIY studio to discuss the wide variety of power tools available to borrow. Includes demonstrations of applications, safe use, and accessories you may need, and the opportunity to use tools.

Sat Mar 4 11 am - 12:30 pm

Elkridge

Getting your Garden Ready for Spring

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3iWcBH7

Learn about sustainable gardening with Master Gardeners. Discover tips on spring-time gardening tasks for a range of garden types, including vegetable, perennial, and native plants.

Sat Mar 11 11 am - 12 pm

Learn to Build a Salad Table

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3ZTyZBB

Elkridge

Let's chat about what a salad table is and why you should build one. As a group, we move from plan to table during the demonstration.

Sat Mar 18 11 am – 12:30 pm

Earth Day: How to Build a Planter

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3jgRhfL

Elkridge

Make a stylish patio planter for Earth Day. We introduce materials, building techniques, and the proper use of all the tools you need to complete the project and bring some nature into your space.

Sat Apr 22 11 am - 12:30 pm

Elkridge

Earth Day: How to Build a Bamboo Trellis

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3DwR8eO

Trellises can give plants the space to grow in a garden, and bamboo is an ideal, renewable material. Learn the techniques for building a trellis with bamboo poles and lashing twine.

Sat Apr 22 1 - 2 pm

Elkridge

FOLLOW US:

Earth Day

Let’s Celebrate with Less to Waste

by Jean Boone, Central Branch

Earth Day (April 22) challenges us to find new ways to protect and preserve our planet. No doubt you’ve heard the mantra “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” The 3 R’s are all important strategies but REDUCE comes first for a reason: waste prevention is the number one priority to protect the Earth. The less we consume, the fewer things need to be reused or recycled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American produces almost five pounds of waste every day and a family more than 18 pounds, adding up to almost a ton of garbage annually.

If you want to shrink your footprint and reduce waste, libraries can help. Clearly, by borrowing books instead of buying them, we reduce the number of books in garbage heaps or recycling bins. This Earth Day, lighten your load. Before you buy, TRY IT at the library!

Video games: Don’t gamble on buying a game that may not have staying power. Borrow games from the Library and take them for a test drive before you buy.

Toys: Have your children mastered all the puzzles at home, or outgrown the toys from their last birthday? Surprise them with free toys borrowed from the Library. Play with them for three weeks, then trade them for a whole new bunch!

DIY Tools: Don’t buy something you’ll only use for one project - come to our DIY Center (see p. 4). Whether you need an aerator for your lawn, a pressure washer for your deck, or a special Mickey Mouse cake pan for a birthday, you can borrow it the Elkridge Branch DIY Center.

Artwork: Spice up your home or office walls with artwork borrowed from our Central and Glenwood branches. You can trade it out every six weeks - a waste-free wonder of redecorating!

Identifying Wild Edible Plants

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3QTfo08

Learn about safe and respectful foraging practices, basic concepts to help with plant identification, and examples of wild edible plants.

Sat Mar 18 2:30 – 4:30 pm Central

100 Square Foot Gardening

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3GyKJAD

Master Gardeners discuss how to optimize the production from a 100 square foot garden.

Sat Mar 25 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Savage

Create a Pollinator Patch

For teens and adults. Register at bit.ly/3GUlyKg

Discover how to create a small native garden that attracts and supports butterflies and bees.

Wed Apr 5 7 – 8 pm Savage

Building a Better Garden with Less Effort

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3JbpEPo

Establishing a vegetable garden can require a lot of time and money and yield minimal results. Learn how you can establish a productive vegetable plot with less effort than you are currently expending.

Tue Apr 25 7 – 8 pm Miller

Gardening for the

Budget–Minded Kitchen

For adults. Register at bit.ly/kitchengarden23

While some veggies are already affordable at the grocery store or farmer's market and might not be worth the effort to grow (hello onions!), you can easily grow other kitchen staples at home to save money. Find out what they are and discover other money-saving cooking tips.

Thu Apr 27 7 – 8 pm online

Title and branch:

My name is Patricia Henlon, and I am the Customer Service Supervisor at the Savage Branch.

How long have you been with Howard County Library System?

I have been with the Library for 26 years; the years went by quickly! I started as a part-time staff at Savage, moved to the Central branch for a full-time position, returned to Savage after four years, and became the Customer Service Supervisor.

What excites you the most about your work and/or HCLS as a whole?

I am a people person! I get excited when I help others, for example giving a child their first library card and seeing a smile on that child’s face or just welcoming a new customer and telling them about our resources.

How are you involved in the community?

The events I have done over the years are Savage Fest, Back-to-School nights at our partnership schools, and community fairs. Being able to see and interact with members of the community outside of the library is lovely.

Favorite movie or show?

The first movie I saw was the James Bond movie called Goldfinger. My dad took me to see it, and I have been thrilled with Bond movies ever since.

staff spotlight: Patricia Henlon

What was your first job?

A few months after graduating from high school, I worked as a clerk with the Ministry of Finance (in Jamaica) in the Revenue Department. That was my first experience working with the public.

Favorite type of music?

Reggae is my favorite music, although I listen to many other genres. It’s the music of Jamaica, and when I hear it, I want to move to the beat.

Favorite time of year?

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. As a child, I could not wait for Christmas to come. I love the decorations, the food, the family gathering, caroling at church, and the gifts. It’s just a wonderful time of the year.

What book is on currently on your nightstand?

The Bible is currently on my nightstand. I have chapters and verses bookmarked for easy access and an accompanying book of Prayers and Promises for Mothers.

What's your favorite place to travel?

I was born in Jamaica and moved here more than 30 years ago. Going back to see my family and friends, and indulge in my island’s cultural cuisine was always a pleasure.

A Month of Authors

Parini Shroff and The Bandit Queens

Wed Mar 8 7 - 8 pm online Register at bit.ly/AuthorPariniShroff

A young Indian woman finds the false rumors that she killed her husband surprisingly useful — until other women in the village start asking for her help getting rid of their own husbands.

Filled with clever criminals, second chances, and wry and witty women, Parini Shroff’s The Bandit Queens is a razor-sharp debut of humor and heart that readers won’t soon forget.

Five years ago, Geeta lost her no-good husband. As in, she actually lost him — he walked out on her and she has no idea where he is. But in her remote village in India, rumor has it that Geeta killed him. And it’s a rumor that just won’t die.

Freedom must look good on Geeta, because now other women are asking for her “expertise,” making her an unwitting consultant for husband disposal.

Parini Shroff received her MFA from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a practicing attorney and currently lives in the Bay Area. The Bandit Queens is her debut novel.

“[A] wild ride. Very funny—like, laugh out loud funny.” —NPR

NEW! Light but Not Fluffy

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3weJbae

In this new book discussion group, we read and discuss light-hearted books that make us smile. The books talk about love, hope, grace, humor, and — perhaps some snark.

3rd Thursdays; 2 - 3 pm Mar 16 & Apr 20 Miller

For

more classes at the library:

• Visit hclibrary.org

• Click on the "classes & events" tab

• Use the filters on the left to select

• age range

• branch

• program type (e.g., book clubs, DIY, homework club, gardening, makerspace, STEAM)

“A radically feel-good story about the murder of no-good husbands by a cast of unsinkable women…A tale that demonstrates how the antidote to bleak circumstances is female friendship.”

—New York Times Book Review

Rebecca Serle and One Italian Wedding

Sun Mar 12 2 - 4 pm Miller & online In partnership with Columbia Inspired magazine Register at bit.ly/AuthorRebeccaSerle

“[A] magical trip worth taking.” — Associated Press

The New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years returns with a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Serle has crafted a transcendent novel about how we move on after loss, and how the people we love never truly leave us.

When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.

But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. And then Carol appears —

Nyani Nkrumah and Wade in the Water

Mon Mar 27 7 - 8 pm Miller Register at bit.ly/AuthorNyaniNkrumah

Resonant with the emotional urgency of Alice Walker’s classic Meridian and the poignant charm of Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees, this gripping debut novel of female power and vulnerability, race, and class explores the unlikely friendship between a precocious black girl and a mysterious white woman in a small Mississippi town in the early 1980s.

Nyani Nkrumah was born in Boston and grew up in Ghana, West Africa, and later Zimbabwe. Nyani graduated from Amherst College, has a Masters from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and earned a Ph.D from Cornell University. A Fulbright Fellow, she lives in the Washington, DC area with her family and works in international development.

in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her.

Serle is an author and television writer who lives in New York and Los Angeles. Serle co-developed the hit TV adaptation of her YA series Famous in Love, and is also the author of The Dinner List, The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. She received her MFA from the New School in New York City.

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Stunning…The author is supremely gifted at bringing both her characters and their close-knit rural town to life. Readers will eagerly await more from this writer." —

For the Love of Irish Poetry

by Cherise Tasker, Central Branch

Where tales be told, words be woven, and music be made, an Irish poet can be found. Indulge in the glorious Irish literary tradition by exploring the riches of Boland, Heaney, and Yeats. One of Ireland’s, and the English language’s, most famous poets, William Butler Yeats won the Nobel Prize in 1923 for his works such as “The Second Coming,” where the phrase “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” was born. His poems embrace the mythological, historical, and the political while adhering to traditional verse structures. An excellent starting point for those new to Irish poetry is the anthology, The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats.

Written in 1966 around the time of Heaney’s marriage, ”Scaffolding” is a unique expression of love and devotion (see opposite page). Heaney was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1995, and while his writing also leans toward history, much of the content is personal. Feast on the rich, precise language in his compilation, 100 Poems. The collection includes an excerpt from "The Cure at Troy" where this renowned stanza is found:

History says, Don’t hope

On this side of the grave, But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up, And hope and history rhyme.

Eavan Boland, the most contemporary of the three, subverts tradition, exploring women’s daily lives in the context of feminism and Irish history. In A Woman Without a Country, Boland addresses a range of women, from Eurydice to her own daughter. In the eponymous poem sequence, she writes about her grandmother, “What troubled me was not whether she had included her country in her short life. But whether that country had included her.”

Our online collection includes the Gale LitFinder resource. At hclibrary.org, go to the Research tab and select the Literary Criticism & Analysis section. In LitFinder, use the search term “Irish poetry” or enter an author name, subject, or document type (such as “sonnet”) to explore additional classical through contemporary works by Irish poets.

Masons, when they start upon a building, Are careful to test out the scaffolding;

Make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points, Secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.

And yet all this comes down when the job’s done Showing off walls of sure and solid stone.

So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be Old bridges breaking between you and me, Never fear. We may let the scaffolds fall, Confident that we have built our wall.

The Maryland State statute for Irish American Heritage Month states in part, "The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of March as Irish America Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Irish Americans have made to the State."

Poets Corner

Ages 6-11, 45 minutes. Ticketed; free tickets available 15 mins before class starts.

There’s a poem in your head just shouting to come out! Discover the tools poets use to create verses that sparkle and shine. Read, write and have fun sharing poems!

Sat Apr 22 2 - 2:45 pm Elkridge

Playful Poetry

Ages 6-9, 45 minutes. Ticketed; free tickets available 15 mins before class starts.

April is National Poetry Month - celebrate by joining us to hear and share fun poems from a variety of creators. Participants are welcome to bring a poem they love to share with the group. Maybe you will even be inspired to compose a poem of your own!

Thu Apr 27 5 - 5:45 pm Elkridge

Scaffolding by Seamus Heaney

March is Women's History Month

Georgia O’Keeffe: Beyond her Flowers

by Emily Bell, Central Branch

In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s take a closer look at the “Mother of American Modernism,” Georgia O’Keeffe. One of the most prolific artists of the 20th century, O’Keeffe is best known for her large-scale paintings of flowers.

O’Keeffe was born in Wisconsin in 1887, the second of seven children. By age 10, O’Keefe decided she would be an artist. Her big break came in 1916 when, unbeknownst to her, famed photographer Alfred Stieglitz presented her art in New York City. This marked the beginning of O’Keeffe and Stieglitz’s tumultuous relationship. O’Keeffe would soon move to New York and become Stieglitz’s muse, appearing in hundreds of his photographs. The pair would go on to marry, following an intense affair.

O’Keeffe’s marriage to Stieglitz, who was 23 years her senior, was far from perfect. Though Stieglitz provided O’Keeffe with studio space and connections in the art world, there was a major power imbalance and he was not faithful. His long-term affair with another photographer took a toll on O’Keeffe’s mental health. Despite this, the pair remained married until Stieglitz’s death in 1946.

Getty Museum Series

For adults. Register at bit.ly/gettyspring23

The Museum & Art Education series continues with the Getty Museum. Docent Lee Rubenstein leads these virtual art tours. Holding dual degrees in English and history, she has been leading students through the galleries at the Getty for more than 10 years. Lee also created a volunteer art program in underserved schools in Los Angeles.

Art Herstory: The Few, The Proud, The Female

Wed Mar 15 1 – 2 pm online

The Monuments Men

Tue Apr 18 7 – 8 pm online

Wed Apr 19 1 – 2 pm online

Molten Color: Glass in the Getty Collection

Wed May 10 1 – 2 pm online

Georgia O'Keeffe, Hibiscus with Plumeria, 1939, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Sam Rose and Julie Walters, 2004.30.6

In the 1920s, O’Keefe began creating large-form flower paintings. Almost immediately, male art critics began to assert that the, “essence of very womanhood permeates her pictures.” While her husband promoted and capitalized off these remarks, O’Keeffe was not comfortable with the claims. She said, "...when you took time to really notice my flower, you hung all your own associations with flowers on my flower and you write about my flower as if I think and see what you think and see of the flower — and I don't.”

O’Keeffe’s artistry was highly sought after. In 1938, she was sent to Hawaii on an all-expenses paid trip, where she was meant to produce a pineapple painting for an advertisement campaign. After nine weeks in Hawaii, O’Keefe had the beginnings of many beautiful works depicting Hawaii and its flora, but there was nary a pineapple painting. She would not complete the contracted pineapple painting until the fruit was shipped to her in New York City.

Crafting for the Vote

For teens and adults. Register at bit.ly/3IBC1Eg

Celebrate Women’s History Month in the Makerspace. Discuss the crafts, banners, and artwork that supported the suffrage movement, then create a campaign button in the style of the suffragettes. Supplies provided.

Thu Mar 9 6:30 – 7:30 pm Glenwood

Creating the Legacy

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3Zu3mOW

In the world of codes and ciphers, women have always played a role. Throughout American history, women have provided vital information to military leaders, searched for enemy secrets, and pioneered new scientific fields. Learn about the contributions and talents women have brought to cryptology. Presented by Jennifer Wilcox, Director of Education for the National Cryptologic Museum.

Sat Mar 11 3 - 4 pm Savage

Forgotten Women Writers of the 17th Century and Beyond

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3Xi57Nv

Women’s History Month provides the perfect time to recognize that for every Austen, Dickinson, and Bronte, another unheard-of author lived who was every bit as good! Discover new-to-you women authors to add to your To Be Read list.

Wed Mar 15 7 - 8 pm Central

Through her career, O’Keeffe would befriend other artistic greats. O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams had a friendship spanning 50 years, no doubt bonding over their deep passion for the natural world. O’Keeffe befriended Frida Kahlo in 1931 and there is evidence to suggest they perhaps were romantically involved.

Throughout her life, Georgia’s passion for art never wavered. Even as she grew frail and her eyesight began to deteriorate, continued painting with assistance and even learned to work with clay. O’Keeffe’s appreciation for nature is timeless and is surely why she has remained one of the most beloved American artists.

Artwork by Georgia O’Keefe and her artist friends is available to borrow from the Art Education Collection at the Central and Glenwood branches.

Women’s History Month Button Making

For all ages; under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register at bit.ly/3ZKp9C5

Votes for Women! Celebrate the historical significance of buttons in the women's suffrage movement by making one. Design your own or use a template featuring historical women's suffrage slogans and important women throughout history.

Wed Mar 22 7 – 8 pm Central

Amazing Women: How Did They Build That?

Ages 6-10, 45 minutes. Ticketed; free tickets available in branch 15 mins before class.

Learn about artist/architects Maya Lin and Zaha Hadid, the innovative structures they created, and how they stay up. Design and build structures with various materials.

Fri Mar 31 2 - 2:45 pm Central

in the branches

E-Reader Lab

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3QZCMcs

Want to learn how to use the library’s e-book resources? We will show you how to use Libby, Cloud Library and Hoopla with a Q&A time. Bring your device and we will get you started using our e-book resources.

Thu Mar 2 1 – 2 pm East Columbia

Relax and Align with the Healing Flame Collective

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3ZNIBhc

Receive guided meditation and breath work, sound healing vibrations with various bowls, instruments, and music, and a mini seated Reiki session with the Healing Flame Collective in an informal, open setting.

Sat Mar 18 1 – 3 pm Miller

to register for classes:

• Visit hclibrary.org

• Click on the "classes & events" tab

• Type the name of the class into the search bar, or use the filters to find one of these classe or many others offered at all HCLS locations.

March Madness

by Brandon Bannister, Central Branch

March Madness historically has been known as one of the most exciting sporting events of the calendar year. Before you fill out your bracket for the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments, consider brushing up on your basketball bona fides with the Library. Sixty-eight teams earn spots in the men's tournament and 32 teams for the women every year. All teams compete in the three-week basketball tournament in their respective regions, vying to make it through to the Sweet Sixteen and Final Four on their way to the Championship game.

Read some terrific accounts celebrating the joy of the game from HCLS' collection. Former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose wrote Got to Give the People What They Want to explain his experiences as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan. Rose was a part of the first college basketball team to start five freshmen in a season. Kwame Alexander's Crossover is a great book for teens who have a passion for sports and poetry. University of Tennessee coach Pat Summitt's book Sum it Up chronicles

her life journey and legendary career, which resulted in eight national championships. In her memoir, Pat Summitt also shares her battles with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

You can also watch some of the great basketball films to get in the spirit. The classic film Hoosiers starring Gene Hackman showcases a team that battles adversity and triumphs just like all the colleges in the NCAA tournament. Love and Basketball stars Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps and tells the story of two childhood friends who share their love for each other through their basketball journey.

Just like a great novel or film, the end or destination is not the best part but the journey. When the champion is crowned at the NCAA tournament this year, hard work, determination and adversity, are important characterics that will help them succeed. It’s time for the tip-off, enjoy the games.

TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES: Visit hclibrary.org > classes & events, and use the filters to narrow your search.

Planning for your Loved One with Special Needs

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3J8pkRN

Receive solid information about the planning process for a special needs family member and the importance of preserving your loved one’s financial security and quality of life, presented by attorney Stephen R. Elville.

Wed Apr 5 10:30 am - 12 pm Elkridge

Google Gems: Google Docs

For adults. Register at bit.ly/googlegemsapril

Ever wonder how you can create a document without Microsoft Word? Do you really need a USB drive to save your documents? Join us as we explore Google Docs. Learn to create, edit, store, and share Google Docs. Be sure to have your Google (gmail) username and password to access and store your files.

Thu Apr 6 7 - 8 pm East Columbia

Classes Available 24/7 Online

HCLS' YouTube channel features on demand content covering book recommendations, resume and career building, DIY and makerspace projects, health and wellness, art tutorials, author events, and STEAM related children's classes. Subscribe to the channel, youtube.com/ howardcountylibrary, to stay informed.

Pets on Wheels

Drop in - no registration required. Therapy dog(s) from Pets on Wheels available for pets, reading, and companionship.

Sat Apr 8 1 – 2 pm East Columbia

Divisive U.S. Politics: A Comparative Analysis

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3iU68w8

Are our current politics more divisive than ever? Maybe not. There have been other periods in American history when, arguably, political differences rivaled or exceeded our current situation. Specifically addressing the 1840s through 1850s, author Stan Haynes explores whether our current times are unprecedented, or whether dysfunction in Washington is not solely a modern political phenomenon.

Tue Apr 25 7 – 8 pm Central

Discover the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum

For adults. Learn more at bit.ly/3CBZ667

John Frank, President of the Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club speaks about the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum. Learn the history, see artifacts, and discover all the museum has to offer.

Sat Apr 29 4 – 5 pm Glenwood

Makerspace Make It Take It: Mother's Day Mugs

For teens and adults. Register at bit.ly/3img55z

Learn how to cut vinyl to make custom gifts, then design and create a personalized mug. All materials provided.

Thu May 4 6 – 8 pm Glenwood

for more classes and events: Subscribe to the Library's electronic newsletter, HiLights, which delivers to your email inbox on Saturdays. Opt in at hclibrary.org > Contact Us

Health & Wellness

Stress Reduction Techniques

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3Y0vRCv

Learn stress reduction techniques that you can use over and over again for the rest of your life and teach others!

What do you do if you are nervous, anxious, or dealing with trauma? Learn how to be your best when things around you are at their worst. Break through negative thinking, erase your fear and prejudices, and be the best you that you can be. In this “hands on” skills workshop, you techniques about what to do when you need to hit the reset button.

Mon Mar 13 6 - 8 pm

Cookbook Corner

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3Wy5LW3

Miller

Explore various culinary cuisines and chefs of the world. This month's cuisine is gluten-free. Borrow any topical cookbook at the library, cook some recipes, and come for a culinary discussion.

Wed Mar 15 7 - 8 pm

East Columbia

How to Make Fresh Produce Last Longer

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3YbOHGu

The secret to long-lasting produce is in the way it’s stored. Discover the steps to extend the life of fresh fruits and veggies and ways to stretch the life of produce nearing its end. Learn to reduce food waste AND save money while eating healthy! Presented by Melanie Berdyck, Giant Food nutritionist.

Wed Apr 5 11 am – 12 pm Miller

Asian Cuisine Made Easy

For adults. Register at bit.ly/hclsasiancuisine

Thu Huynh, registered dietitian nutritionist on the Health Living Team at Giant Food, teaches top tips on how to incorporate Asian cuisine and lifestyle into your routine.

Wed May 3 7 – 8 pm online

If you’re looking for inspiration, consider one of these new or new-to-our-collection cookbooks to liven up your repertoire.

In Tasty Total Comfort: Cozy Recipes with a Modern Touch, the minds behind the food site Tasty.co present a whimsical collection of comfort food from around the world. With 75 easy-to-follow recipes, this vibrantly photographed cookbook has you covered from breakfast to midnight snacks and all the little (or not so little) meals in between. The tone is approachable and playful (tater tot casserole on the cover) and, in addition to providing the reader with such tempting recipes as Korean Hot Dogs, Fried Chicken Adobo, and Spumoni Sundae Brownies, it gives reassurance that cooking, like eating, should be fun.

from the Chapter Chats blog, by Holly L.

for kids

HCLS instructors teach subjects and skills through children's literature and creative expression. An adult must accompany children under age 3.

Pajama Time

For all ages. Ticketed; free tickets available 15 mins before class starts.

Stories and music just before bedtime. Pajamas, teddy bears, and blankets welcome.

Thu Mar 2 7 - 7:30 pm Central

Code & Go Robot Mouse

Ages 6-11. Ticketed; free tickets available 15 mins before class starts.

Can you help Colby the programmable robot mouse get to the cheese? Learn some of the basics of computer coding to navigate the maze.

Mon Mar 27 4:30 - 5:15 pm

Glenwood

Ba ck to the Basics Howard County C h i ldren ’sDiscoveryFai r

Saturday, April 22 10 am - 1 pm

Ages 3-5 with an adult

North Laurel Community Center 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road Laurel, MD 20723

Happy 20th Anniversary Pigeon!

For all ages. Ticketed; free tickets available 15 mins before class starts.

Welcome to the party! Celebrate Mo Willems' fowl character Pigeon. Remember, don't let him drive the bus! Stories, music, games, and a craft.

Tue Apr 4 2 - 2:30 pm

Play Partners

Glenwood

Ages infant-23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticketed; free tickets available 15 mins before class starts.

Stories, baby games, and musical activities.

Mondays 6:30 pm Central

GET BACK TO THE BASICS while engaging in FREE hands-on learning activities, interactive games, crafts, stories, and FREE dental screenings. Celebrate Howard County’s Month of the Young Child and help your child on the path to kindergarten readiness. For further details, call 410.313.1940, email children@howardcountymd.gov, or visit www.facebook.com/HoCo.road.to.kindergarten.

this event in celebration of howard county ’ s month of the young child is a launch into learning initiative sponsored by the howard county early childhood advisory council

IRL: The Business of Life

Open Tax Clinic

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3wmm5hR

Speak to a student attorney one-on-one about your tax questions. Clinic is supported by The University of Maryland Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).

Sat Mar 4 2 - 3:30 pm East Columbia

Protecting Your Personal Information Online

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3J2Fxrv

Learn how to protect your personal information online, including tips for staying safe in cyberspace, creating strong passwords, when it’s okay – or not – to share your personal information online.

Mon Mar 6 2 – 3:30 pm Central

Intro to College Savings with Maryland 529

For adults. Register at bit.ly/3WEAfG0

Maryland 529 makes it easier than ever to save for future education expenses. Learn about the features and benefits of the Maryland Prepaid College Trust and the Maryland College Investment Plan, and have your questions answered by a Maryland 529 representative.

Wed Mar 29 7 - 8 pm Elkridge

Did you know?

Howard County Library System has a Small Business Portal, where you can find all sorts of useful, practical information about starting, managing, and expanding a business. Visit hclibrary.org/community-education/small-businessresources

Career Support: Headshots for You

For adults. Registration is mandatory.

Sit for a free professional headshot photo! Headshot photos help you make a positive first impression and connect with others professionally. Register to ensure your 5-minute session with the professional photographer. Photos emailed to you.

Geoffrey S. Baker is an award-winning professional photographer who specializes in environmental portraits and endurance sports photography.

Tue Mar 14 1 – 3 pm Central register: bit.ly/HeadshotsAM

Tue Mar 28 6 – 8 pm Central register: bit.ly/HeadshotsPM

FOR CLASSES: Visit hclibrary.org > classes & events, and use the filters to narrow your search.

Our sincere thanks to the individuals, organizations, and businesses for their generous financial and in-kind donations to Howard County Library System. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of this list of those who made contributions between November 1 - December 31, 2022. Please call 410.313.7799 to report any errors or omissions.

UP TO $1,000

Cliff Crown

James Sturm

Thomas C. Watts

TRIBUTES

In Memory of Kathleen S. Glascock: Robert Owings Glascock

In Memory of Mary Lou Brittingham and Linda Lange: Milltown Quilters

($10,000+)

The

Howard

Howard

M&T

Josephine

Estate

Friends Make It Happen!

In case you haven’t heard, Battle of the Books is coming in April. Battle of the Books is an energetic competition between fifth graders who form teams and then “battle” to win through quizzes based on 5-10 books. They must know the books, inside and out. Last year, I served as a Battle of the Books judge, and I was overwhelmed by the energy! The kids’ enthusiasm for this event can’t be overstated, and it’s something special to witness. (If you want a peek into what was going on, check out my Instagram post from April 29, 2022...you won’t believe it! @wendy_slaughter_). This year, a record number of teams registered, and I know it’s going to be another amazing event.

I am lucky enough to have a mother who passed on her love of reading to me and my sister. The library was a sacred place for me when I was growing up. I would often borrow 10 or more books at a time. Fast forward to today: if you walked into my house right now, you would find stacks of books in almost every room. Planting the seeds early in my life led to lifelong curiosity and a thirst for learning. For me, reading is an exploration and an adventure I go on almost every single day. It’s an honor for me to serve on the Friends board. Join me and support Battle of the Books by becoming a Friend of the library. You’ll be making a difference that lasts a lifetime.

~Wendy Slaughter, Friends & Foundation of HCLS Board Member

HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH

9411 FREDERICK ROAD

ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042

Postmaster: Please deliver by MAR 1, 2023. Read