Signature Events

At our annual signature events, you can celebrate and connect with the library, students, and our community. Make lasting memories as you experience our inspiring events.

A large crowd of students celebrating books.

tables and chairs set up for the longest table event, an event that brings a diverse group of inter-generational guests to have meaningful conversations over a meal.

The Longest Table (fall)

Share a meal and good conversation with a diverse, engaged, interesting table of people, as we talk about the issues that concern us.

Two teenage boys talking to an author at a book signing.

Bauder Book Talks (November)

Each year, a popular young adult author speaks to and with middle school students at our East Columbia Branch. Participants receive a copy of the author’s book.

Library supporters having fun.

Evening in the Stacks (February)

Dance and dine the night away at the Library’s annual fundraising gala.

medals laid out a table with a Howard County library system spelling bee sign in front.

Spelling Bee (March)

Students in grades 4–8 compete at their schools for the chance to advance and represent their school at the HCLS Spelling Bee. The winner then moves on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

A large crowd of students celebrating books.

Battle of the Books (April)

Teams of fifth-grade students receive a set of books, which they read and study before competing in a game show-style event at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Owl mascot with binoculars and walking stick by water, trees, and mountains.

Summer Reading Adventures

Read books, attend classes, and complete fun activities as you move through the summer reading game for your age group. Teens earn raffle tickets. Adults receive a booklet full of challenges to take them through a year of reading.