Welcome to the Howard County Library Website
Make the most of your summer. Visit the library!
Summer
is the perfect time to explore something new — and your library is ready to help
make the season even better! Whether you are planning a vacation, planting a
garden, mastering the grill, organizing a family reunion, or simply looking for
fresh ideas, you’ll find inspiration waiting on our shelves. Looking for the
perfect summer read? New books are arriving all the time, including best
sellers, exciting new authors, and favorites from writers you already love.
Whether you enjoy mysteries, romance, history, biographies, or light beach
reads, there is always something new to discover. So stop by the library this
summer — to find information, enjoy a great book, cool off for a while, or just
say hello. We look forward to seeing you!
Come "Unearth a Story" at the Library this summer!
This
summer, young readers and curious explorers are invited to “Unearth a Story” at
the library’s Summer Reading Program! Throughout the month of June, the library
will come alive with adventures waiting to be discovered through books,
imagination, and creativity. Children and families of all ages can enjoy
exciting reading challenges, lively storytimes, and plenty of hands-on crafts
designed to spark creativity and fun. Each week offers new opportunities to dig
into stories, uncover surprises, and make lasting summer memories with friends
and family. Programs will be held every Thursday in June at 10 a.m. and every
Saturday in June at 11 a.m. Whether you attend one event or join us all summer
long, everyone is welcome to be part of the adventure. Sign-ins for the Summer
Reading Program begin at the end of May, but walk-ins are always welcome. Come
ready to read, create, and “Unearth a Story” with us this summer at the library!
Toddler Time will not meet while the Summer Reading Program is in session but it will return in July on Thursdays at 10 am. Little patrons and their caregivers are always welcome to stop by the library to explore, play, and discover new stories together!
Junior Readers to Return
We
will also offer a reading program this summer for our Middle School students,
called ”Junior Readers” which will be an informal program, where middle school
students can drop by anytime between 10 and 5 on Thursdays to discuss what they
have been reading. We will provide games and puzzles for them also.
Readers to take summer Break
Our adult book club, “Readers,” is turning the
page on another great season and will take a short summer break before returning
in September with more lively discussions and great reads.
Do you want to know more about your Family's story?
Looking
to learn more about your family’s story? Our resident genealogist, Kathy Brady,
along with members of the genealogy department, are available each Friday from
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the genealogy room. Whether you’re just getting started or
have hit a roadblock, Kathy and the team are a wonderful resource—especially for
those researching roots in Howard County. Stop in, ask questions, and discover
where your history might lead!
Library receives grant
Howard County Public Library has been awarded a $10,000 gift from the Andrew
Carnegie organization in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of
the Declaration of Independence. The Howard County Library staff say the funds
will be used to expand programs and create new opportunities for residents
across the community. The grant honors the legacy of Scottish immigrant and
philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of 1,681 free public
libraries in the United States between 1886 and 1917. Today, approximately 1,280
of those libraries remain in operation, with about 750 still serving their
communities from their original buildings. Carnegie famously described libraries
as “cradles of democracy” that “strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of
the citizen.” His belief that free public libraries provide opportunity and
access to knowledge for all continues to shape communities more than a century
later The $10,000 gift will directly support expanded programming, and
educational workshops designed to increase access to learning resources for
residents of all ages. “This generous gift allows us to build on Carnegie’s
vision by ensuring our library remains a place where everyone has access to
information, enrichment, and opportunity,” The award not only commemorates a
historic milestone in the nation’s history but also reinforces the enduring role
of public libraries as vital centers of education, civic engagement, and
community connection.
Third Thursday is Homeschoolers Board Game Day
Homeschoolers!
On the third Thursday of every month, join us for Homeschoolers Board Game Day—a
perfect chance to connect, learn, and have fun. Whether your family has a
favorite game to share or you’d like to try something new from our collection,
there’s a seat at the table for everyone. Bring your homeschoolers and get ready
for an afternoon of friendly competition, laughter, and maybe even a new
favorite game!
Renew your shelf at the library Booksale!
Don't
forget about our downstairs book room where the books, which have been
donated, are four for a dollar. You might find a "treasure!"
Do you want to support the library? Join Friends of the Library
Some of you have indicated that you would like to do more to support
our library. A great way to do that is to join “Friends of the Library!”
This is an organization open to anyone who is interested in the ongoing
success of the library. An individual membership to join friends is $10
annually, while a family membership is $20. We also offer lifetime
memberships for $200. The purpose of Friends is to provide annual funding
for the library collection, underwrite programs, such as The Summer Reading
Program, Special Holiday events and visiting author programs and to support
the purchase of various items that cannot be fulfilled from the library’s
operational budget. We would love to have new members!