Howard County Library System Offers October Events Virtually

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — For the month of October, Howard County Library System’s virtual lineup features nationally recognized authors, community building, voter education and a STEAM carnival for students. Below are some of the highlights for October events offered by the local library system. See all events here.

Oct 5: Lisa See

As part of the One Maryland One Book programming for the state’s largest reading and discussion program, author Lisa See visits virtually to discuss her book, The Island of Sea Women, with Laura Yoo, Professor of English at Howard Community College. Presented in partnership with Howard County Poetry and Literature Society, Korean American Parents Association of CHS, and Books With A Past. Details and registration here.

Oct 10: Meet the Authors: Faruqi & Shovan and Rosenberg & Shang

Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan, authors of A Place at the Table; and Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Shang, authors of Not Your All-American Girl, read from their new books for tweens, then discuss their characters and the challenges they face, as well as what it's like to collaborate on a novel. Details and registration here.

Oct 17: The Longest (Virtual) Table

How do we talk to, instead of at, one another to affect change? How do we work individually and collectively for structural change? This year's event features Daryl Davis who shares his story of transformative conversations, followed by breakout rooms for facilitated small group discussions. Davis is a legendary Blues musician who convinced members of the Ku Klux Klan to leave the organization, through intimate conversations and building relationships. Hear his powerful story while sharing a meal and learn how his example of the power of dialogue can lead to substantive change. The evening begins with a special artist feature by Jereme Scott, MFA. Details and free tickets here.

Oct 21: Voting - Democracy in Action

Dr. Richard Bell, professor of history at University of Maryland, and Linda Frascarella, Director of Education at League of Women Voters of Howard County, discuss the history of the fight for voting rights in the United States and how to ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming federal election. Details and registration here.

Oct 24: Dear Mama

Dear Mama is a group thematic exhibit depicting pregnancy and motherhood through the eyes of emerging artists of African descent. The aim is to create for the viewer emotional resonance as well as understanding of the health disparities impacting women of color. Join us for a day of dialogue and healing as we discuss the physical and emotional health of Black mothers and mothers to be. Sponsored by Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System and The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County. Details and registration here.

Oct 25: HiTech STEAM Carnival

Howard County Library System’s HiTech Virtual STEAM Carnival is virtual this year. This fun and hands-on event, for students in grades K-12, features five tracks of engaging and interactive activities, each with a different focus. Register for one track, then pick up your carnival-in-a-bag and get started. Activities can be completed individually and in conjunction with virtual classes. The carnival begins October 25 and concludes in November. Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Howard County and Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System. Details and registration here.

Oct 27: The Legacy of Elijah Cummings & the Fight for the Future of Our Democracy

Author James Dale and Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, wife of the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, discuss the Congressman's legacy and his posthumously released memoir, We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy. Details and registration here.