New Hobbies for the New Year

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!

Dungeons and Dragons

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



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