At Howard County Library System (HCLS), we aim to delight you with extraordinary customer service – whether in person, by telephone, or online. Our expert team of educators and support staff is here for you. A vital component of Howard County’s renowned education system, HCLS delivers high-quality public education for all.

Ranked among the nation’s great public library systems, we take pride in our Library of the Year Award, bestowed by Gale/Library Journal in 2013. HCLS was selected from among the 21,000 public and academic libraries in North America for developing and living a powerful new vision, “Libraries = Education.”  Those new to our culturally diverse community quickly learn why 90 percent of Howard County, Maryland residents have—and use—their library cards.