SOURCE Jan/Feb 2021

source

Howard County Library System

jan/feb 2021

A W A R D-W INNING

Classes & Events Guide

sponsored by Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System

see page 4

Letter from the President and CEO

V26 N1

source

hclibrary.org

CONTACTLESS PICKUP HOURS

Monday – Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm Thursday 10 am - 8 pm Friday & Saturday 10 am – 6 pm HOLIDAYS + CLOSINGS

New Year's Day

Jan 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan 18 Presidents' Day

Feb 15

LOCATIONS + NUMBERS HOURSplus 0NLINE PHONE RENEWALS

410.313.7890

410.313.78 1 0

CENTRAL BRANCH

410.313.7800

EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH

410.313.7700

10375 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044 6600 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045

ELKRIDGE BRANCH 410.313.5077

6540 Washington Boulevard Elkridge, MD 21075 GLENWOOD BRANCH

410.313.5577

2350 State Route 97 Cooksville, MD 21723 MILLER BRANCH

9421 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042 SAVAGE BRANCH

9525 Durness Lane Laurel, MD 20723

410.313.1950

410.313.0760

ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH 410.313.7750

9411 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042

TTY FOR HEARING IMPAIRED Central 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

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

Happy New Year! I hope 2021 finds you and your loved ones safe and well. This year brings new opportunities to engage in traditional and reimagined educational opportunities, and to work together to address the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice, strengthening our community in the process.

We are honored to present renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson in January. Her newest book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, explores the structure of an unspoken system of human ranking and offers a path forward in our common humanity. “Should be required reading for generations to come . . . A significant work of social science, journalism, and history, Caste removes the tenuous language of racial animus and replaces it with a sturdier lexicon based on power relationships,” notes The Boston Globe. Register now for this not-to-bemissed event.

In February, we invite you to join us on a virtual trip to Italy for our annual gala. This year’s event, Serata Virtuale | Evening in the Stacks, benefits two critical programs to further meet the needs of our community: providing hands-on learning activity kits for students and lending Chromebooks and hotspots. For students learning at home, providing hands-on STEM, art, and literacy kits creates meaningful learning experiences, enhances children’s interests in core subjects, exposes them to new ideas, and places educational excitement at their fingertips. For the more than 3,000 Howard County households without broadband internet access, lending Chromebooks and hotspots gives much-needed access to an array of educational resources and opportunities. We hope you will support this event that supports so many in our community.

Finally, we have changed source in a continuing effort to best serve you with timely information and resources. Now bimonthly instead of quarterly, our goal is to feature more of what the Library offers. Our new online calendar makes finding classes and events easier and gives us space to highlight our vast collection and new initiatives...like our Winter Reading Challenges, tools for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and community engagement.

While we may be physically distanced a while longer, we look forward to engaging with you by phone, email, and chat and welcoming you to our virtual classes and events. Our team is ready to help. Be well and take good care.

Best Regards,

Tonya Aikens President & CEO

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: 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.

Serata Vevening irtuale in the stacks

HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

Saturday, February 27 Tickets and details: hclibrary.org/stacks For the 24th year of this fundraising gala, HCLS is going virtual and transporting guests to Italy ... where wine, pasta, travel, culture, education, and history await. We invite you to enjoy an exclusive Evening in the Stacks experience from the comfort and safety of your home.

this year’s goal: Raise $150,000 for learning activity kits for K-12 students,

and Chromebooks and hotspots for people without internet access.

with three special guests

Pauline Frommer

Juliet Grames

The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna has been published in ten languages, including Italian.

It tells a complicated story of family transgressions as ancient and twisted as the olive branch that could heal them.

Adriana Trigiani is the New York Times bestselling author of 18 books in fiction and nonfiction, which have been published in 38 languages around the world. She is an awardwinning playwright, television writer and producer, and filmmaker.

She wrote and directed the film version of her debut novel Big Stone Gap, which was shot entirely on location in her Virginia hometown. Her screen adaptation of Very Valentine debuted on Lifetime television in June 2019.

Adriana directed the feature film Then Came You, which was released in October 2020 and debuted as the #1 Comedy in America.

photo credit: Nina Subin

photo credit: Tim Stephenson

Juliet Grames was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and grew up in a tightknit Italian-American family. A book editor, she has spent the last decade at Soho Press, where she is associate publisher and curator of the Soho Crime imprint.

Pauline Frommer is the CoPresident of Frommer Media LLC with her father, Arthur Frommer, founder of the Frommer's guidebooks and Frommers.com.

She is an award-winning writer and editor, and has authored six bestselling travel guides, as well as countless magazine and web articles.

You may recognize her face as she has appeared over the years on many well-known television shows. Pauline has spoken at the National Press Club, the Smithsonian, and does the annual keynote address for the New York Times Travel Show.

Adriana Trigiani

We're going to...

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3

Isabel Wilkerson: Caste Friday

January 15

7 pm

Isabel Wilkerson discusses her critically acclaimed book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.

In this brilliant book, Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/hclscaste.

Sponsored by Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System and Maryland Libraries Together. Copies of Caste available to borrow from HCLS or purchase a copy from Books with a Past.

For more information on this speaker, please visit prhspeakers.com.

Photo Credit: Joe Henson

READING FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Several adult book discussion groups are reading pertinent titles to discuss in February.

If interested, reserve the title via contactless pickup and register for an online meeting via hclibrary.org.

BOOKS ON TAP Wed Feb 3 Swing Time by Zadie Smith

6 – 7 pm

AN INCONVENIENT BOOK CLUB Thu Feb 4 7 - 8 pm Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (original novel and graphic novel)

GOOD READS Mon Feb 8 7 – 8 pm The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett

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JAN/FEB 2021

ELKS EXCELLENT READS Tue Feb 9 12:30 – 1:30 pm The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Rebecca Skloot

THE THURSDAY NEXT BOOK CLUB Thu Feb 11 7 – 8 pm Selection from HCLS' anti-racism reading lists

NONFICTION ADDICTION Thu Feb 18

7 – 8 pm Between the World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

SPEAKEASY BOOK CLUB Wed Feb 24 7 – 8 pm The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FOR KIDS Tween Bookiverse Founded by formerly enslaved man John Henry Murphy, Sr. when he merged three church publications, The Baltimore Afro-American became one of the most widely circulated African-American newspapers on the Atlantic Coast. In addition to featuring the first Black female reporter (Murphy’s daughter) and female sportswriters, the paper’s contributors included Langston Hughes, J. Saunders Redding, Romare Bearden, and Sam Lacy, whose column influenced the desegregation of professional sports. Start reading here: bit.ly/hclsbaltaa

Ages 9-13.

Community Engagement for Equity

Dr. King's Dream: The March on Washington

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

by Rita Williams-Garcia Mon Feb 8 7 - 7:45 pm

STEAM Powered Book Club Ages 7-9. 45 minutes. Registration required.

Read Desmond Cole GHOST PATROL The Scary Library Shusher by Andres Miedoso, illustrated by Victor Rivas. Join our zoom discussion, then participate in a related STEAM activity.

Tue Feb 16 4:30 - 5:15 pm Ages 8-11. 30 minutes. Registration required.

Celebrate Black History Month with a discussion and activities about the Civil Rights Movement until now, including the historic March on Washington.

Sat Feb 20 2 - 2:30 pm

Learn about what’s local.

This fall we designed and launched a new series of programs to educate customers about local diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and connect participants to organizations taking action on those topics.

Why? Our mission to provide high quality education for all must include education about our own community!

As local news coverage has decreased it is especially imperative to create conversations and presentations where our shared experience as Howard County residents is discussed and analyzed.

Adult Nonfiction: bit.ly/37FCBwI

Adult Fiction: bit.ly/3lSAFWR

Children & Teens: bit.ly/36SRvjX

See the rest of this article on ChapterChats.org.

I Am Not Your Negro

MORNING BOOKS WITH COFFEE Fri Feb 26 Loving (film)

10 – 11 am

FILMS THAT CONNECT US How do films shape and connect us? Join our film discussion series by signing up for a free Kanopy account through HCLS. Note: some films also available through other streaming services and will be indicated accordingly. Participants should watch the film selection prior to the actual discussion date.

Mondays; 4 - 5 pm Feb 1 The Last Black Man in San Francisco Feb 8 The Loving Story (documentary) Feb 22 Frontline PBS: A Class Divided

excerpts from a ChapterChats.org review by Eric L. Visit the blog to read the full review and many others.

I Am Not Your Negro is a great introduction to James Baldwin. Filmmaker Raoul Peck worked on the project for nearly a decade (a recent article by Peck in The Atlantic entitled "James Baldwin Was Right All Along" is a great primer). The film offers a potent collage of civil rights era footage, recent Black Lives Matter protests, interviews, and debates that feature Baldwin speaking (captivating), as well as the narration of excerpts from an incomplete manuscript read by actor Samuel L. Jackson, tentatively entitled Remember This House.

FOLLOW US:

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5

play, create & learn: children & teens hcls.readsquared.com Track your reading, play fun educational mini-games, and find missions full of activities.

Discover HCLS eResources along the way. Enroll in the appropriate age category (birth - 10 or 11 - 17) then earn points and unlock badges! A new mission added every Monday. Activities may be adjusted as needed.

Winter Reading

Begins Jan 4

Even our youngest readers can participate in Winter Reading. These are just two of many ways to foster solid literacy skills when reading together.

narrative skills To be able to tell stories in sequence.

read books with a repeated phrase or a repetitious plot. read books based on the sequence of the natural world, such as the seasons or morning to night. re-read books so your child becomes familiar with the story. ask your child to retell the story. Or ask your child what they remember about the story after you finish reading. create a story with your child while in the car or while you are waiting together. ask your child to describe pictures they have drawn. when your child tells you about some-thing that happened in the past, follow up by asking “Then what happened?”

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JAN/FEB 2021

print motivation To foster a child’s interest and enjoyment of books and reading.

make reading a positive experience. let your child choose books to read. find books that fit your child’s interest. let your child see you get excited about reading. respond to your child and his/her mood. If he/she gets bored, move onto something else. have your child repeat phrases of the story with you. vary your voice to reflect emotion or different characters in the story. allow your child to handle books. Board books are perfect for younger children! use books in other ways besides reading them straight through. For example, talk about the pictures or ask your child what might happen next.

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.

adult reading challenge hcls.readsquared.com It's dark, it's cold, and we're supposed to stay put anyway! Sounds like the perfect time to put your feet up and read a good book. Join our Winter Reading Challenge for a list of intriguing, thought-provoking, and fun reading challenges. New challenges added weekly.

read & discuss Join any our book discussion groups, which cover a wide range of genres and literary tastes, for an online discussion facilitated by HCLS staff. Find current information on titles and registration at hclibrary.org. For questions, call or email askHCLS@hclibrary.org.

BOOKS ON TAP 1st Wednesdays; 6 - 7 pm

BLACK FICTION 1st Saturdays, 1 pm.

ECLECTIC EVENINGS 2nd Tuesdays; 7 - 8 pm

ELKS EXCELLENT READS 2nd Tuesdays; 12:30 - 1:30 pm

GOOD READS Mondays; 7 - 8 pm

GLOBAL READS 1st Mondays; 7 - 8 pm

AN INCONVENIENT BOOK CLUB (Meets quarterly) Thursday; 7 - 8 pm

IN OTHER WORLDS 4th Wednesdays, 7 - 8 pm

MORNING BOOKS WITH COFFEE Fridays; 10 - 11 am Watch a movie via Kanopy then discuss.

MYSTERY 2nd Wednesdays; 7 - 8:30 pm

NONFICTION 3rd Wednesdays; 7 - 8:30 pm

NONFICTION ADDICTION 3rd Thursdays, 7 - 8 pm

NOONTIME BOOKS 3rd Thursdays; 12 - 1 pm

SPEAKEASY BOOK DISCUSSION 4th Wednesdays; 7 - 8 pm

STORIES OF THE WORLD 1st Mondays; 7 - 8:30 pm

READ.THINK.TALK. Mondays; 7 - 8 pm

ROMANTIC READS (NEW!) 4th Wednesdays, 7 - 8 pm

THE THURSDAY NEXT BOOK CLUB 2nd Thursdays; 7 - 8 pm

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

See page 5 for Black History Month titles.

FOLLOW US:

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7

Happy New Year!

What do you want to do in 2021? Maybe we can help!

This is the time of year when many people set resolutions or goals for themselves.

• Want to learn a new language?

• Want to grow your business?

• Want to learn a new craft or skill?

See the Gale Courses available at hclibrary.org/ hclsnow for classes in many topics, including digital photography, intro to drawing, and creative writing.

HCLS can be part of your success ... with books, online resources, and expert knowledge at your disposal.

Learn a Language with Mango Learning a new language allows us the opportunity to change our perspective on the world — and ourselves!

Learn a new language for FREE through Mango Languages. All you need is your HCLS card to access more than 70 different language courses. Download the free Mango Languages mobile app, create a profile, and begin today! Language is an adventure.

Start your adventure here: bit.ly/hclsmango

also happening in

Battle of the Books

Howard County Library System

This academic competition for fifth grade students takes place Friday, April 16, 2021, 6 -8 pm.

Deadline for coaches to submit permission forms and change team names is February 8, 2021.

Visit hclibrary.org/ battle-of-the-books for information.

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JAN/FEB 2021

2021

Spelling Bee

crevette

boudin

kudize

deleterious quadrifid

Saturday, March 20, 2021: HCLS Regional Spelling Bee takes place virtually, and the winner advances to Scripps National Spelling Bee.

piebald

symbiosis

zoroastrian samphire

pugilant

fortuitous

sebaceous

machete

B.

pompadour physiology

(spelling) 2020

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.

FREE ONLINE TOOLS FOR ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESSES Whether you're starting a new business from your kitchen table or looking to grow an existing business, HCLS offers resources for you.

Need to sharpen your skills?

• Cisco Networking Academy: Classes cover topics of digital literacy, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and the Linux operating system.

• Gale Courses: More than 300 six-week online classes on topics such as Employment Law Fundamentals, Creating a Successful Business Plan, Designing Effective Websites, Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring, and Intermediate QuickBooks.

• Lynda.com: More than 3,600 streaming video tutorials taught by experts on technical skills, creative techniques, and business strategies, such as online marketing, project management, HTML, and time management.

Looking for mailing lists and sales leads? Need access to directories, or business and trade publications?

• AtoZdatabases: Online directories with contact information for residents and households, businesses, and executives. Also includes webinars on topics such as Principles of How to Find New Customers & Grow Your Business.

• Communications and Mass Media (Gale OneFile): Articles on advertising and public relations, literature and writing, linguistics, and more.

Gale Legal Forms Tackle simple legal tasks with confidence! Specific, accurate, and reliable, Gale LegalForms offers Maryland legal forms for many common situations. Small business owners can find sample business plan outlines, templates and information to form your incorporation or LLC, franchise proposals, and more. These forms are fill-in-the-blank, downloadable, and continuously updated to reflect the latest laws. There's no need to pay for a subscription to an online legal document service when you have an HCLS card. Learn how to use Gale LegalForms here: bit.ly/hclegalforms

• Entrepreneurship (Gale OneFile): Insights, tips, strategies and success stories for entrepreneurs.

Need free digital access to major newspapers? We subscribe to: •

Baltimore Sun

• Maryland Digital NewsBank: Read 45 local Maryland newspapers including the Howard County Times and Columbia Flier. Also includes 27 magazines such as Washington Family Magazine, National Review, and Slate, plus special reports on hot topics.

•

The New York Times

• PressReader: Read thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world and instantly translate them from one language into another.

•

The Wall Street Journal

•

The Washington Post FOLLOW US:

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9

staff spotlight: MEET BROOKE MCCAULEY Title and Branch Customer Experience Manager at the Administrative Branch How long have you been with HCLS? Since April 29, 2019 What excites you the most about your work and/or HCLS as a whole?

The opportunity to connect with and serve the community and to coalesce resources and partners. I feel most fulfilled when I feel like I am making a difference in the community and in people's lives. The Digital Inclusion project, laptops and hotspots, for example, has afforded me the opportunity to work closely with partners to bring critical resources to customers who need them. The pandemic has caused us to rely on technology more than ever before. Helping to fill that gap and bring access to technology is a huge deal!

How are you involved in the community?

I serve on the board of Grassroots and Association of Community Services. I also volunteer with the NAACP Maryland State Conference of Branches.

What’s an unusual fact about you?

I helped my mom care for approximately 40 foster children in my teens and 20s.

What was your first job?

Paper girl Do you have pets? What kind?

Waiting now to adopt a cat from BARCS shelter!

Favorite type of music?

R&B

What book is on your nightstand?

Terry McMillan's It's Not All Downhill From Here and the Bible.

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JAN/FEB 2021 JAN/FEB 2021

Favorite time of year?

Fall for the colors. Summer for the warm temps.

Favorite smell?

Autumn scents - crisp apple, pumpkin, cinnamon

HCLS continues toto offer a wide selection ofof classes and events online, including live and HCLS continues offer a wide selection classes and events online, including live and pre-recorded classes forfor allall ages.

Stay up-to-date byby visiting hclibrary.org > classes && events. pre-recorded classes ages.

Stay up-to-date visiting hclibrary.org > classes events.

&

Hotspots Laptops Need a computer and/or internet access?

Howard County Library System now lends Chromebook laptops and wifi hotspots, separately, for up to six weeks each. You can reserve these items by calling your local branch, listed below.

About Chromebooks: Chromebooks differ from standard laptops in that you are unable to save items to its hard drive, and it runs completely on Google web-based applications (apps) instead of the Microsoft suite.

Customers need a gmail account to use the Chromebook. We provide user guides and video basic level instructions in multiple languages.

Thumb drives provided to first-time borrowers so you can save your work.

About Hotspots: Hotspot devices provide wifi internet access for several devices simultaneously. The quality of the internet speed varies depending on the number of devices using the hotspot and geographic location. Customers provided with password information on the card attached to the hotspot case. Instructions on using the hotspot are included in the user guide.

With online access you can:

• c o m p l e t e assignments for school or work.

•

Laptops and hotspots are separate items.

They can be borrowed separately or together for up to six weeks at a time.

•

Devices are eligible for two automatic renewals (if no one else has requested).

•

Only one laptop and hotspot can be checked out by a customer.

•

Customers must be 18 years of age to borrow.

•

Late fines: $2 per day, $30 maximum for each device

• a p p ly for jobs and benefits.

• u s e library resources. You can reserve books and movies, take online classes, build resumes, read newspapers and magazines from around the world, and more.

• c o n n e c t with loved ones.

New to digital access?

Don’t worry ... instructions are included with each Chromebook, and you can always call us for help.

It’s easy!

Call your local branch to reserve your device.

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11

The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks In Arles Excerpts from a review by Nina L. at ChapterChats.org. Visit the blog to read the full review, plus many others We know them today as giants of art history, but in 1888 French artist Paul Gauguin had an estranged family, a background in financial trading, and limited artistic success. Vincent Van Gogh, a 35-year-old Dutch man, had failed miserably at several vocations before turning to art with the encouragement and financial support of his brother Theo.

The Yellow House, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles by Martin Gayford is an intimate and revelatory look at a time when Van Gogh and Gauguin lived together in a self-styled artist’s colony of two. They were an odd pair, full of contrasts – Gauguin cerebral, Van Gogh emotional, but both drawn to the idea of inventing a new art of the future. The book follows the events as they unfold day-to-day with granular detail. Drawing on the copious letters of both artists, Gayford makes it easy to imagine being in the house looking on as the two men worked in the small, cramped, ten-foot wide studio filled with the heavy atmosphere of tobacco and turpentine.

After reading the book, I found myself looking at the world differently, imagining how Van Gogh or Gauguin would see it. One of Van Gogh’s breakthroughs was in placing contrasting colors side by side. Placing colors together which are opposites on the color wheel creates a visual frisson, or what Van Gogh called electricity. He even had a box of yarn to test out color combinations before using his paints.

Did you know? You can even borrow a framed print of a Van Gogh painting or one from Gauguin via the HCLS Art Collection.

Art Education Collection TheArtEducationCollectionisintegraltoHCLS’missiontopromote art and cultural education for all, and to create greater access and exposuretoartwithinthecommunity.Designedtofosteralearning environment that both inspires and supports aspirant, amateur and professional artists, the collection includes framed artwork (prints and photographs) available for borrowing. Each artwork is accompaniedbyinformationabouttheartist,thepiece,andtoolsto inspire conversation.

The framed artwork is packaged in protective, easy to transport bags.ThecollectionisonlyavailableatHCLSCentralBranch,and artworkmayonlybereturnedtothatbranch(nottothebookdrop).

Pre-recorded art classes available on HCLS' YouTube, with Art Instructor Jereme Scott. Topics include watercolor basics, pen and ink shading, botanical illustration, and how to stretch a canvas.

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JAN/FEB 20212021 JAN/FEB

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

BUNDLE BAGS

• Do you miss browsing our library shelves?

• Settling into a cozy chair to explore a stack of books and deciding which to check out and take home?

• Filling your bag with books by new authors, DVDs for that sitcom your daughter thought you’d love, CDs by a band you’ve been hearing on the radio?

If so, Howard County Library System’s Bundle Bags are the answer! Especially with the colder weather, a bag of library materials prepared just for you will brighten the day. Think about snuggling under a blanket with a new book, immersing in a compelling period drama, laughing at a romantic comedy, or dancing to energizing music. Whether you want to challenge yourself and learn to knit a cozy winter scarf or bake a great pie using recipes from a gorgeous cookbook, there’s a Bundle Bag for you.

Save time assisting your student with a homework assignment by requesting a Bundle Bag, or maybe your child is ready to add chapter books to his reading journey. Our library staff is skilled in selecting children’s and teen books ranging from educational to inspirational, no matter the topic. The next time a family member complains of running out of things to read or watch, be reassured that help is on the way.

Destress throughout your daily activities with some new music. We’ve got a Bundle Bag for that. Always wanted to try a romance novel? We’ve got a Bundle Bag for that. Relax into an audiobook about your favorite movie star or escape with a thrilling mystery.

Explore true crime accounts. Check out a British television series.

Easily complete the form for a Bundle Bag at hclibrary.org.

• Choose from five age categories ranging from infant to adult.

• Request books or CDs/DVDs, or both.

• For each category requested, a

library research specialist selects six items.

• Choose up to five categories for a total of 30 items.

• Bags may be picked up at any of our six branches.

With one trip to the library for contactless pickup, bring home everything from board books for your grandson to Oscar-winning films for you. Featured topics change periodically.

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13

Are You Following Us? it's so much harder to stay up-to-date with Library news and happenings during the pandemic. Here are some of the many ways you can follow HCLS.

social media Facebook

facebook.com/HoCoLibrary/

Twitter

twitter.com/HoCo_Library

YouTube

youtube.com/user/howardcountylibrary

Flickr

flickr.com/photos/hocolibrary/

Instagram

instagram.com/hocolibrary

Issuu

issuu.com/hoco_library

Goodreads

goodreads.com/group/show/221351-howard-county-library

got questions? Ask HCLS...

Call your branch (see p. 2), email askhcls@hclibrary.org, or chat online during regular library hours by clicking on the "We Are Here" widget.

Chapter Chats ChapterChats.org posts regular reviews of books, movies, and other Library resources. It also features and news from HCLS staff. If you miss chatting about books, movies, and knowing about library events - stop by to see what's new.

HiLights eNewsletter Delivered to your email inbox on Saturdays, HiLights provides a quick update on Library news and upcoming classes and events.

Subscribe at: hclibrary.org > Contact Us.

14

JAN/FEB 2021

Podcasts HiJinx Listen to interviews with a wide array of authors and other guests on topics of local and national interest, including anti-racism, education, mental health, voter education, and financial matters. hclibrary.org/hijinx

HoCoCast Produced by local teens, episodes tackle issues such as mental health and racial justice.

Find us at hclibrary.org > community-education > hococast

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.

PRESIDENTIAL CIRCLE ($10,000+) Yolanda and Francis Bruno Family Fund Friends & Foundation of HCLS Howard County Public School System Howard Hughes Corporation Josephine B. Scheffenacker Education Trust M&T Bank Estate of Janet Ziffer

thank you!

$1000-$4,999 Women’s Giving Circle Henry and Nancy Yee Up to $1,000 Glenwood Middle School TRIBUTES In memory of Florence Banikiotes: Earl and Pamela Hall, Neil & Annette Shachter In memory of Kathleen S. Glascock: Robert Owings Glascock In memory of Natalie Straley: Peg Lucas, Carol Gass, Marci Reikowski, Steven Schmidt

Oursincerethankstotheindividuals,organizations,andbusinessesfortheirgenerousfinancialandin-kinddonationstoHowardCounty Library System. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of this list of those who made contributions between Dec 1, 2019 - October 30, 2020. Please call 410.313.7799 to report any errors or omissions.

Friends Make It Happen!

Join the Friends: friendshcls.org

iii

FRIENDS & FOUNDATION

of HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

"In 2018, the library approached me and asked if aliens could abduct me for their annual Evening in the Stacks fundraiser.

Of course I said yes! I mean, who doesn’t love our library (and aliens!)? Raising money to support the library was fun for me and it was exciting to see my friends, family and community step up and donate! Our Library is a magical place, and staff members are doing an amazing job of taking care of our minds and spirits during this difficult year. I’m so grateful that I get to serve on the Friends and Foundation board, and I can't wait to take part in this year's virtual Evening in the Stacks!" - Wendy Slaughter, hclibrary.org FOLLOW US: Friends & Foundation of HCLS Board Member

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

NONPROFIT ORG U.S.

P

POSTAGE

A

I

PERMIT NO. 18

During the Pandemic...

All numbers from our previous fiscal year, Mar 16 - Nov 30. Percentage increases compared 2019.

We started as we have continued: with social distance and increased online engagement.

• Views: 28,100 for a 474 percent increase • 1,400 hours watched for a 567 percent increase • 326 new subscribers for a 1,818 percent increase

Virtual Visits

you attended • 5,250 classes online • 130,000 attendees

you borrowed • 372,856 eBooks 71 percent increase • 223,114 eAudiobooks 30 percent increase • 46,000 movies, music & TV shows watched 126 percent increase

5,250

28.1K

youtube

66,185

on social media

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COLUMBIA, MD

Postmaster: Please deliver by Jan 4, 2021.

facebook

66,185 engagements for 82 percent increase

119% Who got carded?

2,709 new online accounts for a 119 percent increase

Look who’s talking AskHCLS answered 425,000 questions via chat, phone, and email