Welcome to 2026! Lots of us are looking for new activities to explore in the new year, and Worcester Public Library is here to help. Below is a list of great activities to try this year, and all the ways that WPL can help you explore them.

Crochet 

• Crafting is always a favorite of our library! Many youth services librarians at Worcester Public Library love to crochet. This has allowed us to offer a monthly program teaching children to crochet (the library also has a program for adults).
• Worcester Public Library has a Library of Things that allows patrons 18+ to check items out. These items include crochet hooks, knitting needles, and more!

• Books are always a great resource when trying something new. My favorite crochet book for kids is Kids! Picture Yourself Crocheting.

Dungeons and Dragons

• Dungeons and Dragons (also known as D&D) is a roleplaying game that uses dice and your imagination. The library offers great programs to play D&D in a group as well as to learn how to start your own D&D campaigns.
• Check out these great books to help you play:

Inside the World of Dungeons & Dragons by Susie Rae

The Monsters & Creatures Compendium: a Young Adventurer's Guide

Embroidery 

• Embroidery uses needle and thread to decorate fabric. Try it out at the program on January 24!
• Check out these great books to learn more:

Stitch-by-Stitch: A Beginner's Guide to Needlecraft by Jane Bull

Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids and Tweens by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman

Coding

• Kids can learn to code, which develops problem solving and critical thinking skills. Coding is the language used to give instructions to computers to perform tasks. Tweens (age 8-12) can learn to code in our monthly program.
• Books can help us learn to code too:

Coding Concepts for Kids: Learn to Code Without a Computer by Randy Lynn

Coding for Kids for Dummies by Camille McCue, PhD

Chess

• Chess is a fantastic hobby as it is a game that requires logic and strategy. Worcester Public Library has a monthly Chess Club for kids to learn and practice together.

• Books also offer a great way to delve deeper into the strategies behind great chess games. My favorite chess book is The Life-Changing Magic of Chess by Maurice Ashley.

Drawing

• Drawing is a fantastic creative outlet that offers a screen-free way to relax. Worcester Public Library is offering a lesson on drawing Looney Tunes on January 23!
• The library also has many great books on how to draw anything you want:

How to Draw Adorable: Joyful Lessons for Making Cute Art  by Carlianne Tipsey 

How to Draw Awesome Characters 

I hope this helps you start some awesome new hobbies!

-Alyssa