Welcome to the Howard County Library Website

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.

Celebrate Black History month

Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the rich stories, achievements, and voices that have shaped our nation and our world. From powerful biographies and inspiring memoirs to history, poetry, and fiction, our library offers books for every age and interest. We invite you to visit the library, discover a new perspective, and deepen your understanding of Black history—not just this month, but all year long.

Follow the Rainbow to the Library

Shamrocks, stories, and smiles! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the library with festive crafts and hands-on activities.

Love To read?  Like to talk about books?

  Our adult book club, “Readers”, met for the first time in 2026.  We had a good turnout and enjoyed hearing what those attending had been reading during our time away.  We meet the first Thursday of each month from 5 pm until 6 pm and all are welcome. No certain book is discussed. It is a time for sharing what we’ve been reading or just listening to what others have read.

check out our programs for children/youth

Do you have a Genealogy question? Talk to our Resident Genealogist!

Another great opportunity offered here at the library is our genealogy department.  Kathy Brady is here in the genealogy room, located in the lower level, every Friday at 1 pm until 3 pm.  If you have genealogy questions, especially regarding Howard County, she is definitely the person to ask.

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!