Howard County Library System

??The first session of Debate Academy: Master Public Speaking at our Elkridge Branch had incredible attendance, with over 50 middle school students. Debate Academy is part of the HCLS Teens Teach initiative, in which teens develop, plan, and share their passions and expertise with the community. #PublicLibraries #TeenProgramming #Innovation #Creativity #LearnGrowConnect

?? On Sunday, March 23, HCLS Miller Branch hosted the MD STEM Festival's Girl Scout Cybersecurity Badge event! Thanks goes to organizer Phil Rogofsky, as well as Delegates essica Feldmark and Natalie Ziegler. #Innovation #Creativity #ChildrensProgramming #PublicLibraries #LearnGrowConnect

The spirit of regional bee season in one photo! ?? At this weekend's Howard County Library System bee, new champion Luke Noblezada (grade 7) basks in the confetti moment. But check out the runner-up, 6th grader Meqdim Abera - can you even handle that joy?! Every speller will tell you: the only opponent is the dictionary. Here's to building camaraderie while taking the dictionary down, one word at a time! #HCLSBee Photo used with permission from Howard County Library System

??? Say what you mean and mean what you say. That's what the Howard County Library System is doing. In these turbulent times, it sent a message to the community explaining the impact of an executive order that directly impacts their library. Read the full message and then join me in supporting Howard County by congratulating them for being our #LibraryOfTheDay. https://lnkd.in/gEh9qk-9

One of my greatest passions is to volunteer, particularly with organizations that serve our youth. Today, I got to officiate at the Howard County Library System's Spelling Bee, where I watched almost 60 elementary and middle school students stand tall and spell SO many words! Live. On stage. In front of audience made up of largely strangers. The courage and commitment of these young people gives me real hope for the future. Today's winner goes on to compete at the National Spelling Bee in DC this May. What did you with your Saturday?

??On March 10, HCLS Miller Branch hosted Dunloggin Middle School for Dragon Night at the Library. About 60 students & their grownups connected with their school community at the library, as Dunloggin teachers worked with HCLS staff to create engaging activities for our students. We're grateful for collaborations with our local schools, and to have families visit the branches as they learn, grow, and connect at the library!

?? Howard County Library System's new strategic plan has an emphasis on ensuring that teens feel a sense of belonging as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and explore their futures. We want teens to know that the library is their place, so throughout the spring, we're holding Teen Live! This event is for teens, by teens, and made possible by the Teen Instructors at each branch. We hosted our first of six Teen Lives at our Savage Branch on March 8, and had about 200 teens attend. They participated in 3D printing demos and projects, therapy dogs, calming crafts, an escape room, a DJ and dancing, a community art project, free food and drink, open A/V lab, video games. Our next Teen Live event will be held on April 5 at our Central Branch, from 3-5 pm.

Today is Read Across America Day - a nationwide observance held annually on the day of school closest to March 2nd (Dr. Suess' Birthday!)?We want to thank our partners from the Howard County Police Dept, the Howard County Sheriff's Office, the Association of Community Services, the Howard County Library System, KatzAbosch, Tiber Technologies, Inc, Fidelity Investments, the Columbia Association, and all of our volunteers who came out to read a children's book to classes across our five early childhood education centers.?CAC will be celebrating children's literacy month throughout the entire month of March.?Stay tuned for ways to get involved! #ReadAccrossAmericaDay #HocoCAC #BeCommunityAction #Celebrating60YearsOfCommunityAction

We love to see what our community is exploring, and there's so much at the library, from professional development to personal enjoyment. Tag us when you post your library haul and we'll share it out so you can see what everyone's been reading! #HoCoLibrary #LibraryLove

Exploring professional options? Need a headshot to help with that exploration? Join Howard County Library System for a free headshot! #yourplacetolearngrowconnect