Babies In Bloom
Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their babies (up to 24 months) for a fun-filled half-hour of stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays, all specifically designed to stimulate early infant development.
After the designated programs, caregivers and their children can stay for a lively and informative discussion of issues and concerns related to caring for newborn to five year-olds. The presentations will be hosted by Tot's Line, a County information and referral service.
Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis for all programs.
Wednesdays, March 12*, April 9 and May 14 at 9:30 am; repeated at 10:30 am and Saturdays, March 15, April 12* and May 17 at 10 am.
* No Tot’s Line after these programs.

Storytime
Library storytimes are presented for children ages two to five, unless otherwise noted. Parents and caregivers must accompany two and three year-olds, while children four years and older may attend alone, providing an adult remains in the branch.
For two and three year-olds: Tuesdays, February 26, April 1 through May 6 at 9:30 am; repeated at 10:30 am.
For four and five year-olds: Thursdays, February 28, April 3 through May 8 at 9:30 am; repeated at 10:30 am.

Celebrate National Library Week!
Monday, April 14 through Saturday, April 19 during regular branch hours
Join the circle of knowledge at your library! Stop by any branch during National Library Week for special activities for the whole family.
For all ages.

Children’s Book Week
Monday, May 12 through Saturday, May 17 during branch hours
Celebrate the joy of reading during Children’s Book Week with special activities all week long.
For children of all ages.

Art in Our Schools Month!
Tuesday, March 4 through Saturday, March 29
Stop by the library in March to view artwork created by students from our public elementary schools. Artwork will be on display in all 15 branches. Jointly sponsored by Anne Arundel County Public Library and Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Afternoon Adventures: Let’s Make Noise!
Tuesday, March 11 at 2 pm.
Join us for stories, songs and a craft all about noise, sounds and music!
For ages two to five.

Dig Deeper
Saturday, March 22 at 2 pm.
Explore the past as you try your hand at archaeology and do some excavating of your own!
For ages six to 12.

DDR @ Your Library
Wednesday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Help us celebrate Teen Tech Week! Show us your stuff and dance to the popular video game, Dance, Dance, Revolution. Meet and compete with other DDR fans, or try it out for the first time. When you’re not dancing, show off your tech gadgets that you couldn’t live without and see what tech toys others are wowed by.
For teens.

Family Game Day
Saturday, March 1, April 5 and May 3 from 1 to 4 pm.
Grab your family and come on down to the library on the first Saturday of the month for games and activities you and your family can enjoy together. Bring your favorite games or use those provided. It’s time to relax and enjoy each other’s company!
For all ages.

Trivia Night
Thursday, May 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Come test your “trivial” knowledge. Bring three to eight friends, family members or co-workers or just bring yourself and join in. Face off against other teams for fun and fabulous prizes! To reserve a table for your team, call the West County Area Library at 410-222-6277. Walk-ins are also welcome.
For all ages.

Chess for Beginners
Saturday, May 31 from 2 to 4 pm.
Have you always wanted to learn how to play chess but did not know where to begin? Join avid chess player David Aguilar as he demonstrates the basics of chess. Learn board position, setting up the pieces, the value of the men and elementary checkmates. After the demonstration, engage an opponent in a game of chess.
For teen and adults.

Diving into DIY Home Repair
Monday, March 17 from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Before you tackle those home maintenance projects this spring, stop by the West County branch to discuss your ideas with Jim Rooney whose column “On the Level” appears in the Capital-Gazette newspapers.
For adults.

Housing Rehabilitation for Homeowners
Thursday, March 27 from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Need new windows, air conditioning or other major home repairs? Learn more about the programs of Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. for low cost options and help in managing the rehab process from their representative, Pricilla Warren.
For adults.
Outside sponsors/partners: Arundel Community Development Services, Inc.

Genealogy Roundtable
Saturday, March 29 from 2 to 4 pm.
Share your greatest genealogical success stories, frustrations and roadblocks with others researching their family history. Learn new methods, sources and tools from other’s experience and find out how you can help them. Whether you are just beginning your genealogy or are an old pro, please join us for this lively discussion.
For adults.

Making the Most of Your Digital Camera
Thursday, April 24 from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Does your digital camera come with options that you have never used, and don’t understand? Would you like to have photos you can proudly show friends and family? Is it best to print photos from your own computer, from the drugstore or to order them online? What software is best for the new digital camera user? Come and listen to Dick Fairhurst of the Arundel Camera Club answer these questions and more about what your digital camera can do.
From adults.
Outside sponsors/partners: Arundel Camera Club

How to Shine in Your First Job and Career
Thursday, May 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Do you know what employers expect? Academics will not be enough. Find out what skills and characteristics you must possess to be successful on the job. Presented by author and trainer Marcia Hall.
For recent/near high school graduates.
Outside sponsors/partners: Marcia Hall, Award-winning author of Navigating Newbie-ism: 12 Simple Ways to Thrive in Your First Job and Career, The College Student’s Guide

Book Clubs
Meet friends and neighbors at the library for a lively discussion about some favorite popular books! The discussion will be led by library staff. Registration is encouraged. Maximum of 25 participants per session. Please call the branch to register.
For adults.

Mystery Book Night!
Tuesday, March 25 from 7 to 8 pm.
Bring in your favorite mystery book and find out about others’ favorites. We’ll also discuss series and learn about resources for finding more great “whodunits!”
For adults.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Thursday, May 15 from 7 to 8 pm.
This is a discussion of J.K. Rowling’s last book in the Harry Potter series. The much awaited and talked about conclusion in the fate of Harry Potter and his nemesis, Lord Voldemort, is finally here. In this final installment, we learn the path Harry must take and why, in order to overcome Voldemort. Only one or the other can survive – who will it be? Come and express your opinions and thoughts on the book and hear what others have to say.

One-on-One Computer Training
Work individually with a librarian in a scheduled session.  Learn how to access your library account and search the catalog; search the Internet and special electronic databases, and set up a free email account. Please call or visit the branch to schedule an appointment.
410-222-6277
Call or stop by to schedule an appointment.  Students & parents – staff will be glad to help you use our homework resources.

Click Here!

Library Web Catalog and Internet Training

Registration is required. Space is limited. Bring your library card and PIN to class or get your library card and PIN before class begins. If the library should close when training is scheduled, all registrants will be notified by phone. For ages 12 and up.

Genealogy I
Tour the popular genealogy databases such as Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest.  Begin a family search using resources available through the library's website.
Monday, March 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. (Hands-on)
Registration begins February 18. 

Genealogy II 
Go beyond the basics of genealogy searching and learn how to find vital records online including birth, marriage & death certificates, information on searching cemeteries & tombstones, Local County & town resources, and immigration records. Mouse skills and basic genealogy knowledge required.
Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Registration begins March 3.

Microsoft Word
Learn Microsoft Word basics with a West County Area Library computer lab assistant.  These group classes will offer time for instruction, practice and personal assistance.  Please bring a diskette or USB drive to save your class work. Registration is required.
Saturday, April 12 from 2 to 4 pm.
Registration begins March 17.