Upcoming Events

Reading with a Ballerina: The Nutcracker
Finksburg Branch
Thursday, December 26, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 3 - 12
Registration and more information
Join Contempic School of Ballet for Reading with a Ballerina hosted by the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy from the holiday ballet classic The Nutcracker. Children will enjoy storytime and an excerpt performance from Contempic School of Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea Party. 

North Carroll Writers Group
North Carroll Branch
Thursday, December 26, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level. All genres are welcome: novel, short story, essay, poetry, memoirs, spiritual, sci-fi, fiction, and nonfiction. This group is led by Barbara D. Duffey, an experienced writing workshop leader and author of five books.

Mount Airy Senior Book Discussion Group: Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue
Mount Airy Branch
Thursday, December 26, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
This month's selection is Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue by Victoria Thompson.

Hot Chocolate Science
Mount Airy Branch
Friday, December 27, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 3 - 8
More information
Hot cocoa isn't just for drinking anymore! Join us as we try out some super science experiments with hot chocolate!

Music, Dance, and Me!
North Carroll Branch
Friday, December 27, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 3 - 8
Registration and more information
This fun movement class utilizes dance activities that include props (e.g., hula hoops, bean bags, scarves, tunnels, parachutes, etc.) while working on motor skills, color recognition, counting, and, of course, dancing! Presented by Contempic School of Ballet.

Cozy Craft Time at the Winter Café
Finksburg Branch
Friday, December 27, 2024 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Bring a snack and enjoy craft time at our Winter Café! Choose from a flurry of available crafts and enjoy fun thematic music. Craft availability per craft will be on a first come, first served basis. Because snacks are allowed, allergens may be present. The library itself will not serve food at this event.

Cooking Together: Cinnamon Rolls
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 27, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from scratch. One registration is good for up to 4 attendees, with a minimum of 2 per group. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Each group will make one recipe.

Breakfast Teas Types & Tasting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 28, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults
Registration and more information
Love breakfast teas? Learn about the history, cultures, and varieties of three popular breakfast teas: Irish, English, and Scottish. Proper brewing techniques and tasting tips will be provided.

Tranquility Tarot
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, December 28, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults
More information
Take a moment to dream and draw, doodle, or otherwise do art while making your own tarot card. Meditate on the mysteries of the Major Arcana and let the stress slip away. 

Dungeons & Dragons Winter Adventure
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, December 28, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - 18
Registration and more information
Calling brave heroes for a quest in Dungeons & Dragons! Whether this is your first adventure or your twentieth, join us for an afternoon of fantastic deeds!

While staying overnight at an inn, you wake up the next morning to find that the town has been completely covered in snow...and inhabitants are frozen like ice sculptures! It will be up to our heroes to get to the bottom of the mysterious frost and save the village!

A choice of playable 6^th-level characters, dice, pencils, and other necessary supplies will be provided.  

Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the United States and other countries. © 2015 Wizards. All Rights Reserved.

New Year's at Noon
Mount Airy Branch
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: Birth - 12
More information
Can't stay awake until the midnight celebrations? Then get ready for your New Year's celebration with us! We'll have crafts, games, and a practice countdown at noon!

Indoor Snowball Fight
Finksburg Branch
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 6 - 12
More information
Whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, join us for an indoor "snowball" fight; no snow required!

Westminster Branch Teen Advisory Board
Westminster Branch
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Calling all teens looking for leadership roles in planning library programs. We want you for our Teen Advisory Board! Need service hours? We've got those too! Participants can join us in person or log in virtually through Zoom by registering.

Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This introductory-level class includes the EC sewing machine certification necessary for many other classes and/or independent sewing machine use in the makerspace.

If you've never touched a sewing machine or a sewing needle, or if it's been years since you've sewed, and you need a refresher on the basics, then this class is for you.

Prerequisite: None

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

Make a NYE Charcuterie Board!
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a crossover program between our makerspace and teaching kitchen to make a custom laser-engraved charcuterie board. We'll finish our class in the kitchen by designing a full board of cheeses, meats, and other tasteful items, perfect for taking to your NYE party!

Crochet Club
Mount Airy Branch
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults
More information
Join us for an evening of crochet and conversation. Bring your crochet supplies and/or whatever crochet project you have already started. All experience levels are welcome.

Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Thread Catcher (Class 1)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn about various fabric stabilizers and how to sew various stitches, including sewing in a straight line. Apply these techniques to make a small fabric basket to catch loose threads. 

Class Prerequisites: Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or EC sewing machine certification. 

Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.

About Beginner Sewing Level 1: these classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.

Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:

• basis sewing tools
• cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
• pressing with an iron
• basting and sewing

You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners might benefit most from following the Class 1, 2, and 3 sequence.

Twos and Threes Together
Finksburg Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 9:45am - 10:30am
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Family Storytime
Taneytown Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children. 

Family Storytime
Mount Airy Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children. 

Twos and Threes Together
Westminster Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

North Carroll Writers Group
North Carroll Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level. All genres are welcome: novel, short story, essay, poetry, memoirs, spiritual, sci-fi, fiction, and nonfiction. This group is led by Barbara D. Duffey, an experienced writing workshop leader and author of five books.

Carroll County Workforce Development Day
Taneytown Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Explore invaluable career resources at Carroll County Workforce Development's pop-up event. Discover free training opportunities, learn how to connect with employers, and receive personalized support to revamp your resume.

Read and Play
Finksburg Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More information
Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Crafty Activities for Seniors
Mount Airy Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Are you a retiree or an older adult who enjoys making crafts? If so, join us for a monthly group session where we'll get creative with various fun and easy materials! Meet other craft lovers and exchange ideas along the way. All supplies will be provided. 

First Day Back Hike
Offsite
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
Join CCPL's Mount Airy Branch at Watkins Park for a First Day Back Hike! We'll meander up and back the Rails to Trails on foot, spending time together outside on the second day of the new year!

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use the Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.

Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.

Read to a Dog
North Carroll Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 4 - 12
More information
Read to a puppy from the Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program! Reading to a dog can increase a child's self-esteem and confidence levels in reading, especially for struggling readers.

Gentle Yoga
Eldersburg Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults
Registration and more information
This gentle yoga class allows students of various abilities and physical conditions to develop their yoga practice comfortably. Yoga has many appealing aspects, including increased flexibility, relaxation, strength, improved balance, stress, and pain relief. No experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat and a blanket.

Pajama Party Storytime
Mount Airy Branch
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Cuentos Bilingües/Bilingual Storytime
Finksburg Branch
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 10:30am
Ages: 2 - 10
More information
Are you interested in improving your language skills? Join us for Spanish Bilingual Storytime! There will be singing, dancing, activities, stories, and rhymes in Spanish and English.

¿Está interesado en mejorar sus habilidades del lenguaje? ¡Ven a la biblioteca para el programa de cuentos bilingües en español e inglés! Habrá cantos, bailes, actividades, cuentos y rimas en español e inglés.

ABCs & 123s: Winter
Taneytown Branch
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Join the fun as we explore letters and numbers. We’ll offer lots of engaging, hands-on activities to make learning fun!

Read with a Furry Friend: Adaptive Program for Adults
Mount Airy Branch
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 13 - Adults
Registration and more information
Trained reading dogs from My Caring Paws will be here to enjoy a meet-and-greet with new adult friends!

Musique Joyeuse Demo Class
Eldersburg Branch
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 10:30am - 11:00am
Ages: 4 - 7
More information
Kids are invited to join us for a free demo of the “joyful music” (Musique Joyeuse) class, an early childhood music and movement program based on Musikgarten® curriculum. Applying this whole child philosophy, our youngest members explore the wonders of music, expand their self-awareness and expression, and experience stimulating social interaction. This is a preparatory class taught by a music educator introduces students to skills in listening, singing, playing, and music literacy.

Spanish Language Practice Circle
Taneytown Branch
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 10:30am - 11:30am
Ages: Adults
More information
Join us for a friendly and informal group gathering to practice speaking Spanish together. All levels are welcome. This program is led by a partner from The Literacy Council of Carroll County.

Book Chat
Taneytown Branch
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Join us for an hour of chatting about books! Come and share what you are reading and get ideas from others about what to read next!

Writer's Circle
Taneytown Branch
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Join this fun group of writers and aspiring writers as we share what we are working on and listen to feedback from others. Whether you write novels, short stories, poems, or anything in between, this group is for you!

Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!

Saturday Storytime
Mount Airy Branch
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children. 

Yoga with Laurel
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Start your day and your year off right by doing yoga! Laurel Brennan (occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and functional medicine practitioner) will facilitate a gentle Vinyasa yoga for brain health, with a focus on leg strengthening, utilizing both hemispheres of the brain, and relaxation. Modifications will be offered for chair yoga as well. Following a silent five-minute meditation, a 12-minute Kirtan Kriya (chanting meditation with researched benefits for brain health) will be optional at the end of class. 

Puzzle Race
Taneytown Branch
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults
Registration and more information
Do you love to do jigsaw puzzles? Form a team of up to 4 players and join us for a puzzle race competition! All teams will get the same 500-piece puzzle and race to see which team can assemble it first. 

Note: One player will register per team; please include the names of other teammates when you register.

Read with a Furry Friend
Westminster Branch
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 4 - Adults
More information
Every dog enjoys a good story! Trained reading dogs provide a relaxed, informal atmosphere for kids to practice reading. Research shows that reading to animals can boost reading skills in children and help with emotional and social skills.

Dinner's on Me: Fajitas
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Hey, teens, let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Improve your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen. We will prepare Fajitas, Pico de Gallo, and a quick Guacamole topping. 

Christopher James Duo in Concert
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Registration and more information
Got cabin fever? Come hear music filled with passion, energy, and hope, steeped in the blues tradition, by the local artists, the Christopher James Duo.

Alphabet Train: The Letter A
Eldersburg Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 9:30am - 10:30am
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Family Storytime
Westminster Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children. 

Family Storytime
Mount Airy Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children. 

Read and Play
North Carroll Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More information
Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Alphabet Train
Finksburg Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Let's Move!
Mount Airy Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
Join us for an interactive storytime where we're learning through movement. We'll explore books, rhymes, and songs with lots of wiggles and giggles!

North Carroll Knitters Group
North Carroll Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Knitters and crocheters are welcome to join this group gathering to share tips, projects, and patterns.

Cooking for Wellness: Lazy Veggie Sauce
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults
Registration and more information
Meal planning can be challenging for many, and knowing what to do with the leftover veggies at the of the week can be tricky. We will learn a recipe that uses leftover veggies and the produce that might turn. This recipe will use all those veggies in a nutrition-dense sauce while re-setting your fridge for the next week. Enjoy while we discuss meal planning and grocery shopping. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.

Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC Router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine.

All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.

At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.

Battle of the Books: Parent and Coach Info Session Online
Online
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for an information session about the Battle of the Books! All parents and caregivers who have children who are interested in participating, as well as coaches, are encouraged to attend.

Yoga with Meditation
Eldersburg Branch
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults
Registration and more information
Experience the many benefits of yoga and meditation. This class, taught by Rebecca Berg, welcomes students of all levels. Adaptations for using a chair will be shared if participants are uncomfortable getting on the floor. Meditation exercises will be incorporated into the practice. Please wear comfortable clothing; bring a blanket, yoga mat, and a strap (or belt or towel).