January is National Hobby Month. What will you be inspired to create, learn or discover? Check out upcoming crafts and hobbies events. Browse hoopla's streaming videos on a variety of hobbies, opens a new window from photography to gaming. Curious what library staff does when not reading? Check out crafty staff picks, opens a new window.
FASHION AND CRAFTS
Want to become a cosplayer? We can help with this creative cosplay list, opens a new window filled with books and websites to help you become your favorite character. Don't want to design cosplay fashion but still want to immerse yourself in your favorite character's world? Explore pop culture baking and crafting projects, opens a new window. If you liked detailed projects, try your hand at beaded crochet and embroidery, opens a new window. If you're interested in upcycling, check out these upcycle DIY guides, opens a new window.
TECHNOLOGY
Visit LinkedIn Learning to learn a new skill online, from Microsoft Office tutorials to HTML and JavaScript, plus courses on how to become a photographer (check out a photography book, opens a new window), recording engineer and many others. Dive into Treehouse, opens a new window if you're interested in developing and designing mobile and web apps and websites. Curious about others who have taken their skills to the next level and honed their craft? Settle in for these creative films, opens a new window that feature tiny builders, urban homesteading and more, and get inspired from their successes (and failures).
GENEALOGY
Did you know Arapahoe Libraries can help you research your family history? Check out our Genealogy hub, opens a new window for online resources and blogs. A librarian can help you get started when you request a 30 minute one-on-one help session, opens a new window.
AUTOMOBILES AND THINGS THAT GO
Did you know Arapahoe Libraries has an online database about DIY repair and maintenance for vehicles, opens a new window? We do!
BOOKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS
Of course we consider books a hobby! Need recommendations? Fill out the Need Suggestion form, opens a new window, browse Staff Picks, opens a new window and check out the Books page, opens a new window for all kinds of lists, recommendations and more. Don't forget about graphic novels, opens a new window, books clubs, opens a new window and eBooks and eAudiobooks, opens a new window! And if you have too many books, consider a book swap, opens a new window.
MOVIES, TELEVISION AND MUSIC
Movies and music can transport you just like a book. Check out the Movies, opens a new window and Music, opens a new window page for recommendations and lists. Come to a movie showing, opens a new window (for all ages!). Are you an aspiring musician or filmmaker? Visit the Studios, opens a new window at Southglenn or Smoky Hill Libraries to start creating your masterpiece.
TRAVEL
Interesting in exploring that great big world? Check out travel eBooks and learn a new language (for free!) with Rosetta Stone Library Solutions.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Love what Colorado's outdoors has to offer, opens a new window? Show those kiddos these great nature picture books, opens a new window. Take the kids outside for a nature walk, opens a new window. These survival story reads, opens a new window will satisfy the urge for adventure. Set a goal to visit a National Park, opens a new window. Want to stay close to home? Check out the Exploration Pass, opens a new window for free passes to museums around the Metro Denver area, or put yourself on hold for a Colorado State Parks pass, opens a new window.
GARDENING
Have a green thumb? Get the kids involved in creating a crafty garden, opens a new window. Grow your own food; it's called edible landscaping, opens a new window! Get advice on how to grow plants in Colorado's climate, opens a new window. No green thumbs? Imagine yourself surrounded when you read about lush greenery and fragrant blooms, opens a new window. Plus check out cute picture books about gardening, opens a new window.
BAKING AND COOKING
Love spending time in the kitchen? Check out these cookbooks to inspire you, opens a new window if you like cooking for a crowd. Be sure to browse staff's favorite cookbooks, opens a new window. Like blogs? These 13 cookbooks, opens a new window were written by bloggers (plus these 11 more!, opens a new window). Owner of an Instant Pot? These Instant Pot cookbooks, opens a new window should help you fill up your belly. Rather have soup? These winter soups, opens a new window should warm you up. Check out these books if you have a sweet tooth, opens a new window.
LITTLE ONES CAN CRAFT TOO!
Have little ones at home who love crafting and creating? Sit down together and read these picture books featuring crafty kids, opens a new window. Kids need to be flexible thinkers for lifelong success; learn more about school readiness, opens a new window and put on your silly hats for this improv game, opens a new window that inspires flexible and creative thinking. Check out Creativity Catapult, opens a new window for more games and crafts. Get outside, collect some bits of nature, opens a new window and see what you can paint with your new "paintbrushes." Learn how to craft your own superhero, opens a new window (no sewing involved!).
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. - Albert Einstein
What hobbies do you love? Tell us in the comments!
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