Source September/October 2021

source

Howard County Library System

New mobile unit, p 3 For business owners, p 5 Banned Books Week, p 8 5-Star Showcase, p 14

sep/oct 2021

Letter from the President and CEO V26 N5

source

hclibrary.org

H O U R S (AS OF AUG 30) MON - THU FRI & SAT SUN

10 am - 9 pm 10 am – 6 pm 1 - 5 pm

HOLIDAYS + CLOSINGS Labor Day

September 5 & 6

L O C A T I O N S + N U M B E R S HOURSplus 0NLINE

410.313.7890

PHONE RENEWALS

410.313.78 1 0

CENTRAL BRANCH 410.313.7800 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044 EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH

410.313.7700

6600 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045 ELKRIDGE BRANCH 6540 Washington Boulevard Elkridge, MD 21075

410.313.5077

GLENWOOD BRANCH 2350 State Route 97 Cooksville, MD 21723

410.313.5577

MILLER BRANCH 9421 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042

410.313.1950

SAVAGE BRANCH 9525 Durness Lane Laurel, MD 20723

410.313.0760

ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH 410.313.7750

9411 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042

TTY FOR HEARING IMPAIRED Central

We are excited to move further toward fully reopening!

It’s been a long road to recovery, and we are grateful for your notes of support as we have weathered the pandemic together. We look forward to welcoming you back to our in-person classes and events, as well as our meeting rooms, while continuing virtual offerings. As we have since March 2020, we will continue to operate with the health and safety of our community and staff at the forefront. As situations change, we will continue to communicate with you via our website, social media, and weekly eNewsletter (Don’t get it? Sign up at hclibrary.org/contact-us).

We have so much to share with you. Look for our new mobile PopUp Library around Howard County, visiting preschools, community centers, local events, and more. Join us on Saturday, October 2 for a 5-Star Showcase, where you can see the new van and help us celebrate all that makes HCLS a 5-Star Library, as ranked by Library Journal.

As we reopen, we are thrilled to announce our new Equity Resource Center.

Located on the second floor of our Central Branch, the Center features a new racial equity collection and exhibit space. We are especially pleased to bring back the Undesign the Redline exhibit, which explores the history of structural racism and classism, and how these designs compounded each other from redlining maps until today. You will not want to miss this experience.

As always, we encourage you to read through this entire issue to discover opportunities to engage with us. Book groups are meeting both in-person and online, and we have a meeting for just about every book lover … from mysteries to science fiction, from books that take you around the world to graphic novels. See if one is right for you!

And, by the time October ends, we look forward to welcoming you back inside our Glenwood Branch. We invite everyone to visit and enjoy the newly renovated spaces. Watch our website for updates.

410.3 1 3.7883

East Columbia

410.3 1 3.77 70

Elkridge

410.3 1 3.5090

Glenwood

410.3 1 3.5597

Miller

410.3 1 3. 1 957

Savage

410.880.5867

Hello and Welcome Back!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Thomas K. Munns, Chair Antonia B. Watts, Vice Chair Phillip M. Dodge, Treasurer Anne R. Markus Robert A. Mentz Kelly L. Smith

Hope to see you soon!

follow the stars for a great new event happening Tonya Aikens President & CEO

Saturday, Oct 2 12 - 5 pm HCLS East Columbia Branch

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.

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:

source sponsored in part by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.

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:

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Please see hclibrary.org/about-us/photo-video-and-audio-release.

HCLS is on the road... ...TO KINDERGARTEN This mobile pop-up library brings preschool classes and resources to neighborhoods without ready access to library branches.

With the goal of preparing children for Kindergarten, our instructors will bring the pop-up library to communities throughout Howard County. The unit will also serve as a mobile hot spot, providing internet access to the nearby community during each stop.

HCLS instructors who accompany the mobile unit will:

• Teach classes.

• Lend books, activity kits, toys, and other library materials.

• Lend Chromebooks and hotspots.

• Provide information on library classes and events.

• Provide information on community resources/services.

Made possible by Howard County Government Rise to the Challenge Grant, Friends & Foundation of HCLS, M & T Bank

...TO LOCAL EVENTS Sat, Sep 4 The Mall in Columbia 50th Birthday Thu, Sep 9 Words on the Street

6:30 - 8:30 pm Colorburst Park

Thu, Sep 23 Words on the Street

6:30 - 8:30 pm Colorburst Park

Sat, Oct 2 5 Star Showcase see p. 14

2 - 5 pm HCLS East Columbia Branch

Sat, Oct 9 HoCo Pride Festival

11 am - 5 pm Symphony Woods

Visit hclibrary.org for more information.

see you there!

FOLLOW US:

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3

The Failed Promise: Reconstruction, Frederick Douglass, and the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson "In this engrossing new book, Robert S. Levine has penned a nuanced and detailed study of the ‘hopes and frustrations of Reconstruction’ during Andrew Johnson’s presidency.

While focusing on the relationship between Johnson and Frederick Douglass, the author also includes the views of numerous African American writers who witnessed Johnson’s transformation from self-styled ‘Moses to Black People’ to betrayer of Reconstruction. The Failed Promise is a lesson for our times as we continue to confront our nation’s unfulfilled promise of racial equality."

— Henry Louis Gates, Jr., author of Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow

Tue

Sep 21

7 - 8 pm

online

Robert S. Levine discusses his new book, The Failed Promise: Reconstruction, Frederick Douglass, and the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, which tells the story of Frederick Douglass’ heated struggle with President Andrew Johnson over the rights of Black Americans in the years immediately following the Civil War. Levine recounts the conflicts that led to Johnson’s impeachment from the perspective of Douglass and the wider Black community. Douglass believed that the Union victory in the Civil War, aided by nearly 200,000 Black soldiers, meant that African Americans should gain the full rights of U.S. citizenship, including the right to vote.

Sadly, Black Americans and other minorities are continuing to fight for such rights. Douglass’ struggle with Johnson speaks to the promise and failure of Reconstruction, and to the struggles of our own moment as well.

Images courtesy of the Library of Congress

Learn more and register at bit.ly/ failedpromise Robert S. Levine is a distinguished University Professor of English at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is the author and editor of a number of books, including The Lives of Frederick Douglass, and he is the General Editor of The Norton Anthology of American Literature, the world’s most widely used American literature anthology. His website is go.umd.edu/robertslevine

SAVE THE DATE: MITCH ALBOM Nov 4

7:30 pm

Miller Branch

New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom has a genius for finding the sweet spot where the spiritual and the earthly collide in our lives in such beloved books as Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. In his thought-provoking new novel, The Stranger in the Lifeboat, Albom explores the essence of God on earth through a riveting story that is equal parts mystery and parable.

Photo Credit: Jesse Nesser

Thu

An explosion on a billionaire’s yacht during a gathering of some of the world’s most influential people leaves ten disparate souls struggling to survive. Will the men and women on the boat survive—or are they already en route to heaven or hell? Is the mysterious man really who he claims to be? Visit hclibrary.org > classes & events for more information.

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SEP/OCT 2021

HCLS continues to offer a wide selection of classes and events online, including live and pre-recorded classes for all ages. Stay up-to-date by visiting hclibrary.org > classes & events.

Thinking BIG for Small Business Confused about licensing and permits?

Maryland OneStop Portal link has answers.

by Cherise Tasker The how, when, and where of work evolves over a lifetime. Priorities involved with earning a living change depending on whether the employee is a student, parent, family caretaker, or senior. Some careers accommodate a work-from-home model, others require laborers on the front lines. An employee may want to operate within a traditional organization or a small startup. Some have the entrepreneurial spirit to make the rules and create their own dream vocations.

Without a doubt, the pandemic has affected how people work and refocused their goals. HCLS supports the education and provides the resources sought by job seekers at all stages of their careers. Recent events have inspired bad actors, so HCLS is offering an employment scam class (see box) in conjunction with the Better Business Bureau, as well as ondemand classes on its YouTube channel. Select the Resume and Career Skills playlist for information on resume building, cover letter writing, social media presence, apprenticeships, certifications, interviewing, and salary negotiation.

Need funding to start a business?

Explore a multitude of organizations and agencies.

Be sure to check the library's Classes & Events page as new learning opportunities are added regularly.

Visit or call our branches for one-on-one assistance with job applications and small business research.

eResources for Small Business Owners Get FREE tools to write a business plan, launch your business, grow it, manage it, and protect it. From researching the market to selecting a name to obtaining permits, funding, hiring, networking, and more, all that you need is available with an HCLS card and an Internet connection!

AtoZ Database: Research companies nationwide and find employer contact information.

LearningExpress Career Preparation Center for job-related exam training and

Every September, the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrates National Small Business Week. Explore the tools to prepare, launch, manage, build, and protect a small business on HCLS' Small Business Resource portal. Online resources are available 24/7.

Looking for advice for creating contracts?

Visit Gale LegalForms.

employment search skills.

Peterson's Test and Career Prep includes both test prep and job skill assessments in addition to a resume builder.

Gale Courses & LinkedIn Learning offer small business resources

training for employers, employees, and business owners. Refresh and expand your computer skills with lessons and video tutorials.

Employment Scams Are on the Rise The #1 Riskiest Scam According to Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland Wed

Sep 22

11 am - 12 pm

online

Employment scams were already the most riskiest scam in both 2018 and 2019, according to Better Business Bureau’s Risk Index report. During 2020, the growth of this dangerous breeding ground skyrocketed, largely due to the influx in work-from-home scams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An estimated 14 million people are exposed to employment scams with more than $2 billion lost per year, not counting time or emotional losses. Join BBB to learn why you’re more vulnerable than you think, how to spot the red flags, and tips for saying no to employment scams while you’re on your job search.

Registration required at hclibrary.org > classes & events.

Presented in partnership with Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Maryland, bbb.org.

Borrow a cookbook or two!

FOLLOW US:

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5

Racial Equity and Local Action Learn about racial equity - and health, education and housing - in a new series of events featuring national speakers and local advocates, sponsored by the Horizon Foundation.

Our first event, on racial equity and health, featured Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones, family physician, epidemiologist, and Past President of the American Public Health Association.

Dr. Jones shared stories and insights on four key messages about systemic racism. You can see her full talk here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T96Lxut9aqU

Taking Action for Health Equity Tue

Sep 9

7 - 8:30 pm

online

In an informative, interactive and inspiration event, Horizon Foundation presents a look at health disparities by race in Howard County. Then, hear from and talk with local leaders and organizations working for health equity. Watch for additional events in this series.

Register online at hclibrary.org > classes & events.

Undesign the Redline returns this fall.

EQUITY RESOURCE CENTER YOU ASKED FOR IT, IT’S HERE! Visit the new Equity Resource Center at HCLS Central Branch beginning in mid-September. This new space allows people to come together to tour and discuss exhibits, and browse and borrow books from our new racial equity collection.

The collection includes titles suggested by members of our Racial Equity Alliance and encompasses a wide range of equity-related topics.

Watch hclibrary.org for more information about upcoming discussions and ways to engage with us and each other.

We all have stories to tell about witnessing or experiencing bias, racism, and discrimination in our county. Your experiences will be shared (anonymously) with the groups you identify as needing to hear them (like the school system, elected officials, law enforcement, social service agencies, realtors) as well as community leaders and groups.

Conversations have continued vigorously on the subject of racism and anti-racism. That is progress, but with that progress I have experienced what I would term “racism fatigue”. I hear comments such as, “I’m tired of talking about racism and white privilege,” etc. These are good people voicing these sentiments: friends, colleagues, family. I think the weariness comes from, after becoming aware of white privilege and racism, what then? What can we do? As individuals, as community leaders, as families? And how do we proceed appropriately without offending anyone? How do we bridge the gap between

The more stories provided, the greater the impact.

Share your experiences at hclibrary.org.

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SEP/OCT 2021

our more woke friends, colleagues and family members and the ones experiencing “racism fatigue”?

HCLS continues to offer a wide selection of classes and events online, including live and pre-recorded classes for all ages. Stay up-to-date by visiting hclibrary.org > classes & events.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Interview with Elias Castillo, Trifecto Bar Each month HCLS co-hosts an online roundtable focusing on a local business owned by a Person of Color in Howard County, via a partnership with the Ujamaa Business Roundtable.

“For me, the most important thing when someone’s trying to do something is ‘what is their why?’ And my advice is ‘make sure

On September 28 from 7 - 8 pm, meet and learn from Elias Castillo, co-founder of Trifecto Bar and general manager of the Common Kitchen in Clarksville Commons, where Trifecto is based. Trifecto offers locally roasted coffee, cold-pressed juices, and local kombucha along with gourmet grilled cheeses, smoothie bowls, and scones.

Mr. Castillo shares the experiences and challenges he faces as a local business owner with moderator Nat Alston, Chair and Founder of the Ujamaa Business Roundtable. Q&A to follow.

you’re doing it better than everyone else.’”

A few questions with Mr. Castillo: What would you like the average Howard County consumer to hear about small businesses now?

There is a very huge short-staffing issue. Our wait times are longer [because everyone is learning]. Just be patient with all your service workers.

What have you learned about reliance over the last year?

related reading Adult Fiction

Adult Nonfiction

If you set your mind to it, you will get through it – but you will make sacrifices.

Is there any message you’d like to share for Hispanic Heritage month?

As an immigrant I’m here to add to the community and not to take away from the community. I just wish we had more conversations about immigrants helping. We are an addition to the community and not a toll on the community.

Log in with your HCLS card and PIN at bit.ly/2EsdQJC Childrens & Teens

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Banned Books Week 2021 September 26 - October 2

by Jean Boone, HCLS Central Branch A library may be held together with walls, but it’s the doors and windows that really matter — doors open for all people and windows that illuminate all perspectives. During Banned Books Week, we celebrate the freedom to read and the commitment by libraries, publishers, teachers, writers, and readers to promote access to materials that the ALA Freedom to Read Statement says, “enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression.” Established in 1982, Banned Books Week responds to efforts across the country to challenge and censor books and focuses attention on how restricting access to information, ideas, and stories harms American cultural and political life.

In a time when divisions cut across our nation like fault lines, the 2021 Banned Books Week theme reminds us that books can be a force for unity, even - or especially - when they convey a wide variety of views and experiences, including those that are marginal, unconventional or unpopular. The freedom to read strengthens our ability to communicate with one another.

In a democracy, we trust individuals to learn and decide for themselves.

But to make informed choices, citizens require free access to all viewpoints and all kinds of ideas in the process of self-education. Where can people go for free access to ideas and information? Their public library! As essential institutions of democracy, public libraries implement intentional collection policies to ensure the breadth and inclusivity of materials available to their communities. For Howard County Library System, this translates into a collection that reflects a wide range of voices, including controversial and conflicting ideas.

As the HCLS Board of Trustees affirms, while “anyone is free to reject for [themselves] books or other materials

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“Any time we eliminate or wall off certain narratives, we are not getting a whole picture of the world in which we live... we limit our vocabulary, which complicates how we communicate with one another.”

- Jason Reynolds, the acclaimed Maryland author named Honorary Chair for Banned Books Week of which [they] do not approve, [they] cannot exercise this right to restrict the freedom of others.”

The freedom to read strengthens our citizenship.

Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) publishes a list of the 10 most frequently challenged or banned books across the nation. (See list, p 9) This snapshot reflects only a small percentage of the challenges that take place in schools and libraries. The ALA estimates that 82 - 97 percent of requests to remove materials are unreported. (www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/ frequentlychallengedbooks/ top10) As this list illustrates, the challenges come from all directions and perspectives. The freedom to read protects all points of view.

So this year, in honor of Banned Books Week, open the library door and explore our extensive collections. Look through the windows of stories into all different kinds of lives, familiar and unfamiliar. Explore HCLS’ Brave Voices, Brave Choices campaign to discover a wide range of experiences in our own community. It’s all free to you, and you are free to choose.

HCLS continues to offer a wide selection of classes and events online, including live and pre-recorded classes for all ages. Stay up-to-date by visiting hclibrary.org > classes & events.

Most Challenged Books of 2020 George by Alex Gino Challenged, banned, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting “the values of our community."

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds Banned and challenged because of author’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” and does not encompass racism against all people.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely Banned and challenged for profanity, drug use, and alcoholism, and because it was thought to promote antipolice views, contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a sensitive matter right now.”

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint and it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct by the author.

Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin Challenged for “divisive language” and because it was thought to promote anti-police views.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Banned and challenged for racial slurs and their negative effect on students, featuring a “white savior” character, and its perception of the Black experience.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Banned and challenged for racial slurs and racist stereotypes, and their negative effect on students.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Challenged for profanity, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message.

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Book Groups Find your next favorite read at one of our HCLS Book

HCLS East Columbia Branch

Groups! Read from a variety of titles and then attend a discussion facilitated by one of our expert staff.

From philosophy to graphic novels, there is something for everyone. Groups meet in a mix of online and in person formats. Check out the list of active book

BLACK FICTION 1st Saturdays; 1 - 2:30 pm Discuss critically-acclaimed recently published fiction titles

by Black authors.

groups below. Find more details and register for the

GOOD READS

next meeting at howardcounty.librarycalendar.com.

2nd Mondays; 7 - 8 pm Meet to discuss provocative fiction and non-fiction titles that embrace universal themes.

HCLS Central Branch

IN OTHER WORLDS

ECLECTIC EVENINGS

Sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts and other intrepid readers welcome to read a mix of classic to contemporary titles to open your mind to new worlds and new ideas.

4th Wednesdays; 7 - 8 pm

2nd Tuesdays; 7 - 8 pm Read an eclectic array of various genres, both contemporary and classic.

NONFICTION ADDICTION

NOONTIME BOOKS

3rd Wednesdays; 7 - 8 pm

3rd Thursdays; 12 - 1 pm

Expand your mind reading and discussing a variety of nonfiction books, from memoirs to history, and from philosophy to popular science.

Focusing each month on one book, the group discusses a variety of fiction and nonfiction books, diverse in themes, characters, settings, time periods, and authorship.

ROMANTIC READS

READS OF ACCEPTANCE

4th Wednesdays, 7 - 8 pm

3rd Mondays; 7 - 8 pm

Discuss books and series from a new romance author each month. This group is a great way to grow your wishlist of books to read!

Discuss books pertaining to the LGBTQ+ experience.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT 3rd Tuesdays, 7 - 8 pm

seasonal recommendations Adult Fiction

From Archie & Friends to horror, and from Caped Crusaders to crime drama, this group embraces the full spectrum of graphic novels.

Adult Nonfiction

Childrens & Teens

Spooky and Scary Stories 10

SEP/OCT 2021

HCLS continues to offer a wide selection of classes and events online, including live and pre-recorded classes for all ages. Stay up-to-date by visiting hclibrary.org > classes & events.

Find the one that is right for you.

HCLS Elkridge Branch ELKS EXCELLENT READS 2nd Tuesdays; 12:30 - 1:30 pm Discuss fiction, both contemporary and historical, as well as narrative nonfiction.

READ.THINK.TALK. Mondays; 7 - 8 pm Read, think about, then discuss diverse and eclectic books (and sometimes graphic novels). Ranging from the satirical to dystopian, all the books selected concern the human condition and contain wry social commentary.

THE THURSDAY NEXT BOOK CLUB

STRICTLY HISTORICAL FICTION 3rd Mondays; 2 - 3 pm Step into the past through historical fiction, and connect with characters living in times different than our own.

HCLS Savage Branch ASIAN AMERICAN LITERATURE 3rd Mondays; 7 – 8:30 pm Read a wide range of fiction, nonfiction, biography/ autobiography that explore Asian American identities and experiences.

2nd Thursdays; 7 - 8 pm

MYSTERY

Explore fiction, both contemporary and historical, as well as narrative nonfiction.

2nd Wednesdays; 7 - 8:30 pm

HCLS Miller Branch

NONFICTION

AN INCONVENIENT BOOK CLUB Meets quarterly on Thursdays; 7 - 8 pm

Read and discuss a wide range of narrative nonfiction, biography, and memoir.

Discuss speculative fiction, cli-fi (climate fiction), short stories, and verse — exploring themes of climate disruption, dystopia, recovery, and redemption.

In the Community

BAS BLEU

BOOKS ON TAP

3rd Wednesdays; 7 - 8 pm

1st Wednesdays; 6 - 7 pm Meets at Hysteria Brewing Company

Bas Bleu, French for “bluestocking,” refers to an intellectual or literary woman. We read a variety of literary fiction, and all are welcome – not just bluestockings!

Read and discuss a range of mysteries, including procedurals, detective novels, and capers.

3rd Wednesdays; 7 - 8:30 pm

Read a variety of titles and genres looking to experience an equally wide set of perspectives and experiences, with an appreciation of stories told in their Own Voices.

GLOBAL READS 1st Mondays; 7 - 8 pm Read and discuss a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books on different cultures around the world as well as immigrant fiction.

SPIES, LIES, AND ALIBIS 1st Tuesdays; 7 - 8 pm This group focuses on spies, espionage, and world intrigue, alternating both classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction, from the twentieth century and beyond.

Read

and discuss

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Reading, Writing...

by Emily Bell, HCLS Central Branch Wayside School Series by Louis Sachar (Ages 7+) The beloved series by Louis Sachar chronicles the wacky and wild goings-on at Wayside School. Each chapter features a story about one of the many zany students attending the 30-stories-high skyscraper school.

It Wasn’t Me by Dana Alison Levy (Ages 10+) When Theo’s photography project is vandalized, he’s forced to spend his week-long break at school along with the five suspects. His favorite teacher wants to host a justice circle in hopes of finding a resolution. Will the justice circle help locate the vandal and will the students learn to get along with each other?

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus (Ages 14+) Gossip Girl and The Breakfast Club meet murder in this fast-paced YA mystery. When the school’s leading gossip mysteriously dies during detention, it’s up to the ragtag group of students who witnessed his death to clear their names and solve the mystery on their own.

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik (Ages 14+) The first installment in a new trilogy from Naomi Novik, you follow El as she navigates life at the Scholomance – a school for magically-gifted teens where you either graduate or you

Top 5

Back to School die. With no teachers and monsters roaming the halls, the graduation rate at the Scholomance is low for a reason!

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson (Ages 14+) Stevie is excited to start her first year at Ellingham Academy, a famous boarding school in Vermont with a dark past. While Stevie is determined to find the truth behind the unsolved kidnapping of the school founder’s wife and daughter, she finds herself embroiled in another mystery along the way.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Ages 18+) In this dark academia classic, Richard Papen joins an exclusive group of classics majors at an elite New England university. Gradually, the group devolves into betrayal that closely mirrors the Greek tragedies they study.

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Online Resources offered for learning at any age!

Use your library card and PIN to access these great resources.

Brainfuse HelpNow: Grades K-12 can connect online with certified tutors for live homework help from 2 pm to midnight. Also includes expert online writing assistance as well as a library of lessons, videos, and quizzes in reading, math, science, and social studies.

TumbleBook Library: Find fun and engaging digital picture books that children in grades K-6 can read or have read to them. No waiting lists!

National Geographic Kids: Grades 1-5 can explore digitized copies of magazines

and eBooks, as well as topics including animals, environment, history, peoples and cultures, places, and science and tech.

Interactive Science: Middle and high school students can watch science come to life with interactive 3D models. Zoom, rotate, or pull objects apart on screen and learn scientific vocabulary.

LearningExpress Library: Take free AP or college entrance practice tests online and get a tutorial on how to write a college admissions essay. Create an account with an email address to track learning progress.

Find all of these and more at hclibrary.org/new-a-main

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continues to offer a wide selection of classes and events online, including live and HCLSHCLS continues to offer a wide selection of classes and events online, including live and pre-recorded classes forages. all ages. up-to-date by visiting hclibrary.org > classes & events. pre-recorded classes for all StayStay up-to-date by visiting hclibrary.org > classes & events.

Staff Spotlight:

Carmen Jessup Title and branch: Senior Teens' Instructor & Research Specialist, HCLS East Columbia Branch How long have you been with HCLS? Since August 2006 What excites you the most about your work and/or HCLS as a whole?

I like being someone young adults can come to, aside from their parents or teachers, as an additional support in their lives. The students I work with are at that special point in their growth where they are no longer little children and not quite full-fledged adults. To be a part of their journey to being a grown-up is — for me — extremely fulfilling.

How are you involved in the community?

My work at the library over the years has given me a chance to know many students and their siblings, cousins, and the folks connected to their families, including parents, grandparents, teachers, and community advocates. These connections and relationships have been years in the making, and I derive a great deal of satisfaction from my commitment to them.

What’s an unusual fact about you?

I absolutely love to watch game shows. Some of my favorites include Family Feud, Press Your Luck, The Wall, Wheel of Fortune, and The $100,000 Pyramid. The Chase is also a new favorite.

What was your first job?

My first job was as a bagger with Publix Supermarkets in Sarasota, Florida. I learned so much about customer service, budgeting, and people's shopping preferences. My solid work ethic was established on that first job, too.

Do you have pets? What kind?

I am a dog person. Growing up, I've always had dogs in my house. I currently have two dogs: a Chiweenie named Jose Joaquin and a pug named Pickles Javier. We also have two parakeets: Lennie and Laurie. Lastly, we have an aquarium full of guppies.

Favorite time of year?

My absolute favorite time of the year is fall. I love the cooler temperatures, the beautiful leaves changing colors, and the spirit of back-to-school vibes. And I absolutely love Halloween.

Favorite smell or sound?

My favorite sound is when my daughter is really laughing hard about something silly. She has a wonderful sense of humor and a sensitive funny bone, so I hear her laughter often.

Do you read more than one book at a time?

Sometimes. If I am reading a longer, more involved book, I often like to read a light-hearted, easier to read book at the same time for variety.

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Saturday, October 2 12 - 5 pm HCLS East Columbia Branch

Community Circles a longest table event

hclibrary.org

CATERED COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Join us outdoors for an interactive

12 - 2 pm

experience celebrating what makes Howard

Featured speaker: Trent Day Hall

County Library System a Five Star Library, as ranked by Library Journal for excellence.

Followed by the opportunity to talk about issues of concern in Howard County.

OUTDOOR FUN FOR EVERYONE

Boxed lunches provided.

2 - 5 pm

More information and registration available at hclibrary.org

• Music • Food trucks • Games and activities for adults and kids • Photo ops

In partnership with the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity. Sponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS and Howard Hughes Corporation.

• NEW! PopUp Library (see p 3) • HiTech carnival games

Let's CELEBRATE! 14

SEP/OCT 2021

HCLS continues to offer a wide selection of classes and events online, including live and pre-recorded classes for all ages. Stay up-to-date by visiting hclibrary.org > classes & events.

thank you!

PRESIDENTIAL CIRCLE ($10,000+) 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 May 1 - June 30, 2021. Please call 410.313.7799 to report any errors or omissions.

Yolanda and Francis Bruno Family Fund Friends & Foundation of HCLS Howard County Public School System Howard Hughes Corporation

UP TO $1,000 James W. Pearce

M&T Bank Josephine B. Scheffenacker Education Trust

TRIBUTES

Estate of Janet Ziffer

In memory of Kathleen S. Glascock: Robert Owings Glascock In memory of Elizabeth Catterton: HCLS Miller Branch staff, Susan Stonesifer, Lisa Engle

Friends Make It Happen!

Join the Friends: friendshcls.org Back to School still fills me with the same excitement it did as a child, mother of four active tots to teens, and educator: a new start, renewed connections, and endless possibilities. During this past year, the Library evolved to keep us safely informed and connected – regardless of age, demographic, or interest. From eBooks to bundle bags, virtual instruction to interactive workshops, HCLS provided one-stop access to the world outside our living rooms.

This fall, we’re hoping for a return to a level of normalcy – toddler to teen activities, adult literacy programs, and the kick-off for Battle of the Books in all its glory. Regardless, our Library grew with 2020’s challenges and will continue to build on virtual options to expand outreach, engagement, and assistance, and plans to launch a new mobile van to deliver books, programs, and services into all corners of the county.

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Become a Friend and support the Library’s work engaging the community in returning to full participation in our world.

Ellen Flynn Giles, Friends & Foundation of HCLS Board Member

FOLLOW US:

FRIENDS & FOUNDATION

of HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

hclibrary.org

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HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH 9411 FREDERICK ROAD ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042

Postmaster: Please deliver by Sep 3, 2021.

Glenwood Branch Reopening This Fall!

Watch hclibrary.org for updates.

NONPROFIT ORG U.S.

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COLUMBIA, MD PERMIT NO. 18