Howard County Library

Sunday, Aug. 1 Opera performances The Little Patuxent Opera Institute, in conjunction with Howard Community College's Student Arts Collective, presents performances by the students in its summer workshop at 3 p.m. in the Smith Theatre, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. Opening half of the program is devoted to a potpourri of operatic pieces performed in their original languages, while the second half consists of Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas," a love story based on Virgil's "Aeneid."

Day camp Glen Mar United Methodist Church will offer eight nondenominational day camps for elementary school-age children at 4701 New Cut Road. The different camps run June 28 through Aug. 6, and offer outdoor exploration, summer sports and science experimentation. Registration and information: 410-465-4995, ext. 212, or glenmarumc.org. 'Much Ado About Nothing' Performances by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will be held through July 11 at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, 3691 Sarah's Lane.

A team of fifth-graders from Dayton Oaks Elementary won the county's third annual Battle of the Books this month. The quiz show-style contest, which tests fifth-graders' knowledge of 15 books, has become somewhat of a big deal in Howard County. More than 1,500 people attended the contest at Atholton High School on April 23, up from last year's 1,000 attendees. "It's grown considerably," said Andrea Misner, publicity specialist for the Howard County Library, which sponsors the event.

Chess The Elkridge branch of the Howard County Library, 6540 Washington Blvd., sponsors a chess club for ages 13 and older from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Players of all abilities are welcome. Information: 410-313-7723. Kiwanis meets The Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City meets at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at 3300 Norberts Way. Information: 410-418-8218 or ellicottcitykiwanis.com.

The Columbia Association Teen Advisory Committee and Howard County Library will sponsor a college fair from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 13 at Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane in Ellicott City. Representatives from more than 80 schools will be present. The event is free. For more information, call 410-715-5523.