HiJinx

Hello and happy summer to our listeners! We hope you are finding ways to enjoy your time outside. In June HCLS hit the Exhibit floor at the 2022 ALA Conference with thousands of other library professionals. We hosted a roving podcast and enjoyed chatting with some of the dedicated vendors who help us bring top-quality education and services to our community, authors, publishers, and others! Listen in for what's now, new, and next in libraries - then find it all on our Library website. You may even hear a few familiar voices from our staff. Check it out. Authors Author J'nellCiesielski, “The Brilliance of Stars” (New!) (Listen @ 1:13) Author Julie Banks Lewis, “Critical Masses: Who Wins, Who Loses, Who Decides” (Listen @ 2:04) Author Moses D. Powe, “Sean Moses is Martin Luther The King, Jr.” (Listen @ 5:31) Publishers and Friends Corerra, Lectorum Publications, Inc. (Listen @ 8:42) Kurt Nelson, Mad Cave Studios (comics) (Listen @ 10:54) Ash Baker and Stacey Fields, HCLS (Listen @ 13:36) Brock Templin, Farber Specialty Vehicles (Listen @ 14:58 ) Tour the STEAM Machine AUG 6-12th at the Howard County Fair - hclibrary.org/steam Paige Pokorney, No Kid Hungry (Share Our Strength) (Listen @17:03 ) Learn more about Free summer meals, available through Aug 12 - HClibrary.org/meals Randi Penfil and Petia Abdur-Razzaaq, Grow with Google (Listen @ 18:59 ) Services and Partners Glen Kasofsky, Playway (Listen @21:11) Monica Wilson, Gale (Listen @ 25:22) Patrick Seymour, Hoopla (Midwest tape) (Listen @ 33:25) Susan Rhood, Newsbank, Inc. (Listen @ 35:59) Dustin Hood, Library Market (Listen @ 36:51)

Listen in as we interview Roseanne A. Brown New York Times best selling author oif A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. Rosie was born in Ghana and immigrated to the wild jungles of central Maryland as a child. Writing was her first love, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to use the power of writing—creative and otherwise—

Episode 46: Women's History Happening Now by Howard County Library System

In this episode, we wrap up the past year with a heartfelt thanks to you, our community, and recap two of our in-person fall events complete with shoutouts from you lending your important voices and opinions on HoCo and HCLS favorites. We reflect on the last 12 months with gratitude and appreciation for our customers who stuck with us throughout the uncertainties we faced and difficult times we had to overcome in 2021. From online education and engagement to contactless book pick-ups, and - finally - a return to exciting in-person events last fall, you continued to rely on and make use of the library's services. It is truly because of your continued support and the hard work of devoted staff that HCLS is once again named a 5-Star Library System for 2021 (and still the only one in Maryland). On October 2nd, we celebrated just that! You came, you saw, and you shared at the HCLS 5-Star Showcase and Community Circles outdoor event. We have clips of all you had to say about your HoCo favorites and things you love about the library system. Then on Saturday, December 4th, we reopened our Glenwood Branch and presented a revitalized space filled with upgrades and enhancements for all ages and interests in the community. There is no doubt that anyone can find something to get into and enjoy during future visits to the Glenwood location. Listen in for what attendees of the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reopening event thought about the new space and how they plan to make use of all the new resources like the Maker's Space, Builders Barn, play area, teen space, outdoor patio, and more. From our HCLS family to yours, thank you so much for trusting us to do work that really matters to the entire community and meet your needs - we can't wait to welcome you back for much more in 2022. We wish everyone a healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year. Take good care and be kind to yourselves. Covid Update Please note the new date announced for Evening in the Stacks. Our 2022 event is postponed to Saturday, May 14. we have postponed the event Due to the surge in Covid-19 cases and out of an abundance of caution for our community and staff. We look forward to celebrating safely with everyone at that time. Please stay tuned for more event updates, and most importantly, stay safe. Thank you and take care. Segment One 5-Star Showcase and Community Circles shoutouts - “Here is what you had to say about your “5-Star” or favorite person, place, or pastime in Howard County…” Segment Two GLE ribbon-cutting and reopening shoutouts – “Here are some thoughts from event guests about the newly remodeled space at Glenwood and how they look forward to using the upgrades…”

Episode 45: The Alliance Episode. This spring, Howard County Library System launched a Racial Equity Alliance to help guide the library in its racial equity work within the community. The Alliance endeavors to strengthen the movement for racial equity in Howard County and advance a more equitable and just community for all people. It is a diverse and exciting group of 20 people from many backgrounds who are leaders in a rich array of local organizations. In this episode, we meet two passionate and talented Alliance members, Daniel Burns, President of Equity 4HC and Meina Liu, Board Member of the Howard County Chinese School, along with the Chair of the Board of the Howard County Chinese School, Ming Li. HCLS Racial Equity Alliance http://hclibrary.org/brave-voices-brave-choices/racial-equity-alliance/ HCLS Brave Voices Brave Choices/Brave Stories http://hclibrary.org/brave-stories/ Equity4HC https://equity4hc.org/ Howard County Chinese School https://www.hccs-md.org/

Episode 44: Black Entrepreneurship. In this episode, we chat with owners of excellent businesses -who are also black entrepreneurs - and share how you can support their growth. For a treat anytime anywhere, we hear from Taharka Bros. ice cream and for our time indoors - cozy candles from 228 Grant Street Candle Co. First, we speak with Kendal Brown, Founder of 228 Grant Street Candle Co. Next, we talk to Detric McCoy and Tayonna Jackson of Taharka Bros. Ice Cream. Taharka Bros Ice Cream - https://www.taharkabrothers.com/ 228 Grant Street Candle Co. - https://www.228grantstreet.com/ Tayonna Jackson - https://linktr.ee/TayyBandz1

Episode 43: Launching A Legacy. In this episode, we speak with an award-winning, Emmy-nominated journalist and host of "Midday Maryland" on ABC Baltimore, Elsa M. Some of our listeners may have watched Elsa dazzle us as the emcee of our 2021 virtual Evening in the Stacks. Throughout her career as a TV reporter and anchor, Elsa has won several awards and distinctions including the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence and The National Press Foundation’s “Why Journalism Matters” competition. She was named one of the "40 Ethiopians Under 40 Changing the World" by Addis Life Magazine. We get to know Elsa, hear about her journey, and learn how she is launching a legacy of her own.

Episode 42: Honor the Contributions of Women. In this episode, we will be speaking to Susan Ware, a pioneer in the field of women’s history and a leading feminist biographer. Ms. Ware is the author and editor of numerous books on twentieth-century U.S. History. Next, we talk to Vivian “Millie” Bailey, (Recorded, November 2020) a very special local hero and World War II Veteran.

Episode 41: Black Ownership Looking Back And Ahead. In this episode, we speak with Hannibal B. Johnson, Harvard Law School graduate, author, attorney, and consultant. Mr. Johnson dedicates his work and service to telling the story of Black Wall Street. We also talk to Laura Bacon, founder, and CEO of The 3rd, a space where Women of Color can build, execute and thrive. www.hannibalbjohnson.com Black Wall Street 100: An American City Grapples with its Historical Racial Trauma Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ukShzX www.The3rd.org Instagram: @the3rdinc

Episode 40: Virtual Meetings & Events Recharge. In this episode, we are excited to speak with a friend to HCLS, Ms. Heidi Hiller, Owner, Creative Director of Innovative Party Planners, and Virtual Event Producer of Innovative Virtual Events. We will talk about the state of the party planning industry as well as tips on hosting your own virtual event, and of course, we'll discuss the upcoming HCLS fundraiser Serata Virtuale Evening in the Stacks. Innovative Party Planners https://www.innovativepartyplanners.com/ Tickets for Serata Virtuale Evening in the Stacks hclibrary.org/stacks

Episode 39: Home and Healthy for the Holidays. On this episode of HiJinx, we turn our attention to being home and healthy for the holidays. We are joined by three compassionate experts on the topics of, both, mental and nutritional health. First, we speak with Denise Guilano, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Howard County, Next, we talk to Razan Sahuri, Nutrition Educator / Maryland SNAP-Ed nutrition education, University of Maryland Extension (UME) Howard County and Karen Basinger, Family Consumer Sciences, University of Maryland Extension (UME) Howard County. We wish you all a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year. NAMI Howard County: namihowardcounty.org If You Are Having A Mental Health Emergency: • Call 911 • Call The Grassroots Mobile Crisis Team At 410-531-6677. • Call 800-950-6264, Monday Through Friday From 10 A.M. To 6 P.M. Or Text The Crisis Text Line, A 24/7, Confidential Text Message Service (Text “HOME” To 741741) • Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline At 1-800-273-8255. University of Maryland Extension: eatsmart.umd.edu Razan Sahuri - rsahuri@umd.edu Karen Basinger - kbasinge@umd.edu

Episode 38: Ready. Set. Vote! In this episode, we hear from Cynthia Williams, President of the League of Women Voters and Linda Frascarella, Director of Education at the League of Women Voters on furthering the cause for voter education. Later we will also chat with Allison Jessing, Events & Seminars Manager and Emily Trovato, Children's Instructor & Research Specialist of Howard County Library System to hear about HCLS’s resources and action plan to engage citizens before the general election on Tuesday, November 3rd. HCLS Voter Education Page https://hclibrary.org/community-education/attend-learn-vote/ League of Women Voters https://hoco.lwvhowardmd.org/ Howard County Board of Elections https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Board-of-Elections Bump the Ballot https://www.hocobumptheballot.info/

Episode 37: Equity In Action. In this episode, we speak with Ms. TiQuoria Jackson and Ms. Alicia Whye, the two youth activists leading the NAACP's local We Are Done Dying campaign. We also talk to Mr. Jonathon McKinney, the Mid-Atlantic Field Director, and Mr. Trovon Williams, Vice President of Marketing and Communications about the Virtual March on Washington, their current initiatives, and how they are mobilizing on voter education and access to elections this Fall. https://www.naacp.org/ https://naacp.org/campaigns/we-are-done-dying/

Episode 36: School Readiness. In this episode, we hear from Ms. Laura Johnson, Vice President of Communication for the National Summer Learning Association. Ms. Johnson shares the latest developments in summer learning, a newly published study on summer learning loss, and the organization’s most up-to-date resources to keep students engaged. Then HCLS Teens’ Instructor & Research Specialist, Lori Conforti, joins us to share about the library’s summer learning resources and what to expect from the library this fall. National Summer Learning Association https://www.summerlearning.org/

Episode 35: Helping Hands. In this episode, we hear from three community organizations lending their helping hands to provide various forms of relief aid during this crisis. We speak with Jessica Mahajan and Amy Brooks of Oakland Mills Online or OMO. Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Executive Director, and Barb Van Winkle, Board Chair of the Women's Giving Circle. Last but not least, Sanjay Srivastava of the Indian Cultural Association and The Lentil.

In this episode, we hear from Michelle Marks-Osborne, an Inclusion & Equity Expert. Michelle coaches, trains, and speaks publicly to help individuals and organizations facilitate changes to exercise anti-racism. Her ability to handle diverse interactions with insight, tact and diplomacy make her a transformative leader. We will also hear from our Howard County Library System President & CEO, Tonya Aikens on her call to action for the library and our community to take a stand against racism and use suggested resources to begin or continue the journey to anti-racism. whenequitymatters.com Libraries Stand Against Racism: Getting Started https://bit.ly/2BfHtvO Libraries Stand Against Racism: Parenting Resources https://bit.ly/2N5hNF6 Libraries Stand Against Racism: Housing https://bit.ly/2YyYvgo

Episode 33: School Days. In this episode, we speak to Howard County Public School System Superintendent, Dr. Michael J. Martirano, and three HCPSS students. Dr. Martirano will weigh in on how the school system prepared for distance learning and what is on the horizon after the recent state-wide school closures for the remainder of the academic year. The students will share their overall experiences during this time of crisis.

Episode 32: Health Wise. In this episode, we talk to Maura J. Rossman, M.D., Health Officer of the Howard County Health Department. With a mission to "Promote, Preserve and Protect the Health of All in Howard County", the Health Department is leading the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Howard County Health Department: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Health

Episode 31: Financial Literacy Matters. In this episode, we talk to Kimberly Linderman of Making Change, Inc., about navigating one's finances in the midst of the current pandemic

Episode 30: State of Mind. In this episode, we speak with Amy Miller from the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and Tiffany Callender from The Horizon Foundation about their work in the community and the emotional challenges of the current pandemic.

Episode 29: A Most Notorious Woman. In this episode we speak with author and biographer Anne Chambers. Her book “Grace O’Malley: The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen 1530-1603” is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. We also talk to award-winning actress and Smithsonian scholar Mary Ann Jung about her entertaining performance as Grace O’Malley and other iconic women that inspire a love of history, drama and literature in classrooms and beyond. Finally, writer Susan Thorton Hobby, a board member of HoCoPoLitSo (Howard County Poetry & Literature Society) and contributing editor of the Little Patuxent Review, reads a poem from Anne Chambers’ book and discusses the local literary scene.

Episode 28: Teen Takeover - In this episode we meet the Howard County youth responsible for the library’s newest podcast, HoCoCast. Acclaimed author, Nikki Grimes joins Baz, Daniel, Emmy, and Olivia for a discussion of her writing career and her upcoming memoir, Ordinary Hazards. The cast also explores the history of the horror genre and shares their favorite scary movies and more. Then listen, if you dare, to local Maryland History Tour guide, Rissa Miller, who shares spectral tales from our own backyard. Nikki Grimes: https://www.nikkigrimes.com/books/bkordinaryhazard.html HoCoCast Horror Recommendations: http://bit.ly/HoCoCastHorror Maryland History Tours: https://www.mdhistorytours.com/

Episode 27: The ABC&Ds Of Leadership – In this episode we talk with Paul Schmitz, author of Everyone Leads – Building Leadership From the Group Up, about the asset-based community development (ABCD) model for leadership and how it can be used to strengthen community relationships. Also joining the conversation is HCLS President and CEO Tonya Aikens and two new additions to HCLS’s community engagement team, Katie DiSalvo-Thronson and Brooke McCauley.

Episode 26: Conference Call. There is little doubt that the American Library Association‘s (ALA’s) annual conference is one of the most enlightening and inspiring experiences for those whose professional lives intersect with the world of libraries. Through its stellar selection of motivating speakers, educational workshops, special events and exhibits, this year’s ALA conference spotlighted the sweeping influence and educational role of today’s libraries. In this episode of HiJinx we go on-site to the 2019 conference in Washington D.C. to talk with a few people who attended to learn, a few who sought to share their talents, and a few who inspired. Guests, in their order of interview (with minute mark indicated) are as follows: 2:35 – Matthew Murray – Co-Organizer, Zine Pavilion 10:19 – Christie Lassen, Director, Communications and Partnerships. HCLS 15:51 – Wiley Barnes – Chickasaw Press (publisher) 21:08 – Dr. Carla Hayden – Librarian of Congress 24:56 – Zack Smedley – Author “Deposing Nathan” 38:07 – Rohini Gupta (Adult Curriculum Specialist) and Vera Davies (Senior Materials Specialist), HCLS 42:37 – Tonya Kennon, President & CEO, HCLS 48:28 – Sarah Woodruff – Simon & Schuster, (publisher) 50:17 – Pia Flemond – Inhabitmedia (publisher) 51:27 – Ann Ford – Midwest Tape, vendor 53:48 – Gareth Hinds – Author Illustrator, “The Illiad” 56:49 – Loida Garcia-Febo – President, American Library Association

Episode 25: Saketh Sundar. 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner and Clarksville Middle School student Saketh Sundar and his parents, Sundar Nathikudi and Rekha Mudumbdi share their extraordinary experience!

Episode 24: Spaced Out – In this episode we speak with Alice Bowman, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab Mission Operations Manager for NASA’s unprecedented New Horizons Mission, to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. We also talk to Jonathon Roth author of BEEP & BOB, a the children’s book series set in outer space, and Courtney Gardinier, Teen Instructor and Research Specialist for HCLS who is literally bringing outer space down to earth.

Episode 23: ARTfully Speaking – In this episode we speak with Rebecca Kasemyer, Director of Audience Engagement, at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery. We also talk with HCLS President and CEO, Tonya Kennon, about the library’s new Art Education Collection at our Central Branch and we speak with Joan Lok one of the top sumi-e artists in America.

Episode 22: Unidentified Flying Observations – In this episode we speak with Ralph Blumenthal, contributing reporter to the New York Times December 16, 2017 front-page story “Glowing Auras and ‘Black Money’: The Pentagon’s Mysterious UFO Program”. We also talk to Jan Harzan the Executive Director of the Mutual Unidentified Flying Object Network or MUFON and we speak with the mayor of Roswell, New Mexico, Dennis Kintigh.

Episode 21: Thanks and Giving. In this episode, Ron Charles, book critic for the Washington Post talks about the Best Books of 2018 and provides insight into what to look forward to in last minute gift giving possibilities for book lovers. Rita Hamlet, Howard County Library System (HCLS) Development Specialist shares how giving supports HCLS and the various ways people can opt to donate.

Episode 20: Witness to Innocence. In this episode we speak to Tim Junkin author of the book Bloodsworth: The True Story of the First Death Row Inmate Exonerated by DNA Evidence. We also talk to the subject of that book, Kirk Bloodsworth, about his experience and his current work as Deputy Director of the Witness to Innocence project. Finally, we speak with Terry Long the Director of Howard County Police Department’s Forensic Services Section.

Episode 19: Seeing Red. In this episode, we speak with Richard Rothstein about his book, The Color of Law, a forgotten history of how our government segregated America. Also, we'll talk to Braden Crooks, co-founder, and partner of Designing the We a company that created Undesign the Redline, an exhibit that explores the history of structural racism and classism, how these designs compounded each other from redlining maps until today, and how we can come together to undesign these systems with intentionality. This exhibit is on display at our Central Branch through the end of the year.

Episode 18: Libraries ROCK! Summer Reading is in full swing and in this episode we take that theme literally with biographer Peter Ames Carlin as we discuss his biographies of Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson. Plus Professor Karl Alexander, co-editor of “The Summer Slide: What We Know and Can Do About Summer Learning Loss” provides insight into why summer educational efforts like Summer Reading are so important for student acheivement.

Episode 17: Coast to Coast. In this episode, we speak with Howard County Library System's new President and CEO, Tonya Kennon. Tonya was previously Director of Riverside Public Library (RPL) in Riverside, California. A 25-year veteran of California libraries, Kennon led a dedicated team of professionals serving a community of 314,000 through eight library locations. There she focused on community engagement and early learning, as well as workforce development and using technology to improve service delivery and enhance customer satisfaction. She will talk to us about making the transition to HCLS and her vision for the library.

Episode 16: If You Build It… In this episode we discuss the new HCLS Elkridge Branch + DIY Education Center. We speak to Antonio Rebelo who brings two decades of award winning design experience to his leadership role at Grimm + Parker—a sustainable architectural firm that aspires to make communities wonderful places to live, learn and play. We also talk to HCLS Elkridge Branch Manger Phil Lord. He’ll discuss the impact the new branch has on staff and the community. Finally, we speak to internationally acclaimed artist Yulia Hanansen. She has been commissioned by HCLS to create a special mosaic mural for the new Elkridge Branch “inspired by” a much beloved children’s mural that was part of the old branch building.

Episode 15: My Back Pages. In this episode, we talk to Harvard University's George Martin Lane Professor of the classics, Richard Thomas. He will be discussing his book Why Bob Dylan Matters. Cited by the New York Times as having the "coolest class on campus", his Dylan seminar is introducing a new generation of fans to the revered Bard's work. We will also speak with Phillip Dodge, Chair, Friends and Foundation of Howard County Library System. He will tell us about this year's HCLS fundraiser, Retro Evening in the Stacks.

Episode 14: Teen Seen. In this episode, we talk to New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds. Jason is a National Book Award Honoree, a Kirkus Award winner, a Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. Jason will talk about his books, his experience as an author of young adult literature and why he chose to pursue that genre and career. Stopping by in studio is our East Columbia Branch Manager Suki Lee and Instructor and Research Specialist and Teen Time Leader, Carmen Jessop. They will give us a preview of the exciting renovation at the East Columbia Branch, especially in the Teen area and tell us about Teen Time.

Episode 13: Turning the Page. In this episode we talk with Ron Charles, Editor of Washington Post’s Book World and star of his hilarious video blog “Totally Hip Video Book Reviews”. He'll discuss the best of 2017, books for the book lovers on your holiday shopping list and what we can look forward to in 2018. We also speak with Erin Matthews, owner of Books With A Past bookstores. She will also give us a few shopping tips and talk about her experience as an independent bookstore owner as well as giving back to the community.

Episode 12: Roots, Tales, and Rails. An important chapter in the story of America took place in Maryland's Patapsco Valley. In this episode we discuss the role that the Valley played in the Industrial Revolution with architectural historian Dr. Henry Sharp, author of America's First Factory Town. In addition Jim Robey one of Howard County's longest serving public servants reflects on his early years in the Patapsco Valley mill town of Daniels, and Caitlyn Chamberlain, manager of the Heritage Program for Howard County Recreation and Parks, shares how visitors can discover the historic significance of the area by visiting sites in Ellicott City--one of America's first factory towns.

Episode 11: A STEM State of Mind. In this episode, we speak to best-selling author Laurie Frankel about her book, Goodbye For Now. Goodbye For Now is this year's selection for the Howard County Book Connection. We also talk to HCLS HiTech Instructor, Peter Hyun.

Episode 10: On the Road Again. In this episode, we get travel advice from Pauline Frommer, a nationally syndicated radio talk show host of The Travel Show, which she co-hosts with her father, travel legend Arthur Frommer. The National Tourism Program Manager for the National Park Service, Donald Leadbetter and Tony Cordo the Executive Director of Howard County Tourism and Promotion. Pauline Frommer https://www.frommers.com/ National Park Service nps.gov Howard County Tourism https://www.visithowardcounty.com/ Summer@YourLibrary http://hclibrary.org/hclssummer/

Episode 9: Into the Woods. In this episode, we speak to David Ebershoff, author of The Danish Girl. We also talk to Alli Jessing HCLS Events and Seminars Manger as we prepare to kick off Summer @ Your Library at BOOKS IN BLOOM the inaugural book festival. Finally, Ian Kennedy, Executive Director of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission, tells us what to look forward to at Merriweather Park in Symphony Woods. David Ebershoff http://www.ebershoff.com/ Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission http://www.dcacc.info/ Summer@your library http://hclibrary.org/hclssummer/

Episode 8: The Beat Goes On Part 2: As our celebration of Columbia, Maryland's 50th Birthday continues, we talk to three of Columbia's true originals. Toby Orenstein, Owner and Artistic Director of Toby's Dinner Theater, Landscape Architect and Park Planner, John Slater and Artist Gail Holliday. Toby's Dinner Theater http://tobysdinnertheatre.com/ John Slater https://www.facebook.com/slaterassociates/ Gail Holliday http://gailholliday.com/

Episode 8: The Beat Goes On, Part 1. Columbia, Maryland begins a year-long celebration to mark its 50th birthday. Because we have so many people we want to talk to about the celebration, we have split Episode 8 into two parts to make sure we cover it all. We kick-off Part 1 with Grammy Award-winning entertainer, Judy Collins. She discusses her new book, Cravings and talks about her inspirations. We also talk to Jean Parker, General Manager of Merriweather Post Pavillion. She will tell us all about the history of the amphitheater voted one of the Top 5 outdoor venues in the United States by Rolling Stone Magazine. Keep an eye out for Part 2 to be posted in the middle of April. Judy Collins http://www.judycollins.com/ Merriweather Post Pavillion http://www.merriweathermusic.com/

Episode 7: Spell Bound. This month we celebrate the Howard County Library System Spelling Bee, a countywide bee for students in grades four through eight. The champion advances to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. Spelling bees improve students’ spelling, increase their vocabularies, and develop correct English usage. The HCLS Spelling Bee will be held 7:00 pm, March 17, 2017 at Reservoir High School. We talk to the official pronouncer of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Jacques Bailly, PhD. We also speak with Jack Nolan a two-time winner the HCLS Spelling Bee and finally, Ann London with the Rotary Club of Columbia/Patuxent will tell us about the Dictionary Project. The HCLS Spelling Bee. https://goo.gl/uxlJax The Scripps National Spelling Bee http://spellingbee.com The Rotary Club of Columbia/Patuxent http://www.columbiarotary.com

Episode 6: I’m Only Human  “We may have all come on different ships, but we are all in the same boat” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  In this episode we discuss, celebrate and appreciate the many diverse perspectives, cultures and values of our fellow human beings. We will speak with Nadia Hashimi international best-selling author and advocate for women & refugees. Peter Nguyen, HCLS Instructor & Research Specialist and first generation American. Peter will also be a cultural Ambassador at HCLS’ annual fundraiser Evening in the Stacks: An International Affair, February 25, 2017. And Deeba Jafri, a living book in The Human Library coming to HCLS March 11, 2017. Evening in the Stacks: An International Affair https://goo.gl/HdI6EM Nadia Hashimi http://nadiahashimi.com The Human Library https://goo.gl/GSIHFY For books about Black History Month African American Adult Fiction: http://bit.ly/AAHMAdultFiction African American Non-Fiction: http://bit.ly/AAHMNonFiction African American Children’s Titles: http://bit.ly/AAHMChildrensTitles

Episode 5: Waiting in the Wings. As one year ends another begins. In this episode, we’ll take a look at what’s to come in literature and at HCLS. We talk with Ron Charles, Editor of Washington Post’s Book World and star of his hilarious video blog “Totally Hip Video Book Reviews”. We'll discuss the best of 2016 and what’s coming in 2017. We also speak with President and CEO of Howard County Library System, Valerie Gross. She’ll give us the scoop on the exciting new classes, events and seminars coming in 2017 and give us an update on HCLS building projects. Howard County Library System hclibrary.org Ron Charles https://goo.gl/cq3gVH Valerie J. Gross http://valeriegross.com/ Choose Civility ChooseCivility.org

Episode 4: Wrap It Up. In honor of the gift giving season our episode this month is, Wrap It Up, but ironically we talk about gifts that need no wrapping. We discuss giving, not in the material sense, but about giving of ourselves and giving in a way that helps others. We will talk with Carla Hall Cohost of ABC’s smash daytime talk show The Chew and a Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars Fan Favorite. She is the author of two cookbooks, “Carla’s Comfort Food: Favorite Dishes from Around the World” and “Cooking with Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You”, and in June of this year she opened her first restaurant: Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen. She’ll tell us about giving love, comfort, and the spirit of the holidays through the food we prepare and serve. We discuss charitable giving and finding the right organization with Philanthropy Advisor, Buffy Beaudion-Schwartz and we also speak with Catherine Bedolla and Bryan Sheavly of the Howard County Economic Developement Authority about shopping locally and giving back to the community. Carla Hall http://www.carlahall.com/ Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen http://www.carlahallsouthernkitchen.com/ Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz www.buffybschwartz.com Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) http://hceda.org/ Ellicott City Midnight Madness http://visitellicottcity.com/midmad/ For books related to this topic at HCLS: http://bit.ly/HCLSHiJinx4

Episode 3: Thanks for the Memories. The holidays are just around the corner, the perfect opportunity to talk to Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles about your family history. You can also get the story behind the keepsakes that surround your family's narrative. To help you start the conversation with family and information on finding the story of you, we talk to Franklin Robinson, Archive Specialist at the Smithsonian American History Museum, Shawn Gladdin, Executive Director of the Howard County Historical Society and in a special segment we'll speak with Howard County Executive, Allan Kittleman, Howard County Council Chair, Dr Calvin Ball and Valerie J. Gross, President and CEO, Howard County Library System about the keepsakes they hold dear and family stories they will pass on to future generations. Smithsonian National Museum of American History http://americanhistory.si.edu Howard County Historical Society https://goo.gl/VXmiyN HCLS Genealogy Research Tools https://goo.gl/OeGw8a To find materials relating to this topic available at HCLS go to: http://bit.ly/HCLSThanks4Memories

Episode 2: The Karma of Kindness. This month Howard County's Choose Civility consortium will declare that KINDNESS CREATES COMMUNITY. It's a simple, yet powerful message and one we should all find easy to embrace. Our guests this episode are Daniel Buccino, Assistant Professor, Clinical Director of the Mood Disorders Clinic at Johns Hopkins Bayview, Tom Coale, Ellicott City resident and is on the Board of Directors for the Ellicott City Partnership and Christie Lassen, HCLS Director of Public Relations. The launch of this year’s theme will set off on a year-long effort to keep that message in the forefront of its activities. From Random Acts of Civility to Open Streets, to Coding for a Community Cause, to Main Street Dinners the idea is that by being kind to one another we can grow into a stronger and more resilient community. The group is hoping the idea is contagious and that kind acts spread far and wide as individuals throughout the community #Choose2Bkind. For more information: www.choosecivility.org For a list of books on Choose Civility: http://bit.ly/Choose2Bkind Daniel Buccino : https://goo.gl/RJ9wz8 Ellicott City Partnership: https://ecpartnership.org/

Episode 1: Farm to Table – Can you dig it? September in Howard County means the Annual Farm City Celebration. HCLS is proud to be a Farm City partner and help bring to the forefront the important role our agricultural heritage continues to play in our life. Hosts Dennis Wood and Victoria Goodman talk to Organic Farmer, and New York Times best-selling author Forrest Pritchard, John Dove, local farmer/owner of Love Dove Farms from our on-site farmer’s market and Joe and Mary Barbera, owners/operators of Aida Bistro who have built their restaurant around the farm to table concept. For Forrest's book and others at HCLS go to: http://bit.ly/HCLSFarmtoTable Register to see Forrest Pritchard, October 1, 3 pm -4:30 pm. http://goo.gl/6RiIAC Forrest Pritchard Website - http://forrestpritchard.com/ Love Dove Farms - http://www.lovedovefarms.com/ Aida Bistro - http://aidabistro.com/