January is National Hobby Month and your St. Lawrence County libraries have plenty of activities and programs geared to hobbies and creativity. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hobby is “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation” and dates back to 1816 when it was shortened from the term “hobby horse”.
Several libraries offer ongoing knitting programs: the Hepburn Library of Waddington offers a weekly Knitting Group on Tuesdays, the Morristown Public Library offers a weekly Knitting Class on Wednesdays, the Hepburn Library of Madrid hosts a knitting and Crochet Group on Thursdays, and the Potsdam Public Library has a monthly “Purl Jam” knitting group.
The Massena Public Library has a Sewing Club on Thursdays in January and a Beginner’s Quilting Class on Tuesdays starting January 30. The Ogdensburg Public Library offers frequent adult crafting classes featuring unique projects. The Hepburn Library of Lisbon hosts monthly “Crafternoons” where visitors can work on their own arts and crafts projects in an informal environment.
On February 3rd, the library in Lisbon is offering a Cabin Fever Pop-Up Card Making Class, and later in February the Norwood Public Library is offering a Salt & Pepper Shaker Painting Class.
For people looking for something more physical, the Clifton Community Library in Cranberry Lake is hosting Beginner’s Country Line Dancing on Tuesdays.
In addition to programs and activities, our local libraries have a wealth of books available to borrow covering almost every hobby imaginable. With just a quick search of our catalog, we have over 1,600 books on gardening, 1,000 books on quilting, 600 books on knitting, 300 books on crocheting, 100 books on birdwatching, 100 books on paper crafting, plus dozens of books on stamp collecting, model railroads, home brewing, wine making, woodworking, photography, and more. Looking for a hobby-themed magazine? We have those too – magazines on crafting, collecting, cooking, and other creative pursuits.
Our libraries announce programs and activities on our websites and Facebook pages, so be sure to bookmark or “like” your local library online. Got a smartphone or other mobile device? Download the NCLS (North Country Library System) app and search the calendar for activities at your local library or county-wide.
Of course, stop by your local library and ask what’s up and coming, make a suggestion, or even offer to coordinate or teach a class. We’re always looking for new talent and new ideas, so don’t hesitate. While you’re there, check out our newest books and magazines, and take something home to read and enjoy!