New Year’s resolutions- many of us love to make them but very few of us actually complete them. Perhaps it is because we set unrealistic goals or just lack follow through, or maybe it is because we set good intentions without knowing how we can actually achieve our goals and resolutions? This year, set yourself up for success by taking advantage of all the free resources your Indianapolis Public Library offers for a new year, new skills. If your goal is to master sourdough baking or perfect your knife skills, we have classes and books for that. Want to become a runner? We can help with that too! Want to learn a new language, discover a new craft, develop a reading habit, or learn to code? We can help you with all of those things as well. All you need is a resolution and your Library card!
Learn Computer Skills at the Library
We offer a variety of computer, technology, and mobile skill classes. You can also learn how to download and stream with your Library card and get a variety of tips and tricks on our blog at tech & mobile skills.
- Event: Career Center at Haughville
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 09, 10:30am
- Location: Haughville Branch
- Description: Adults needing help with creating a resume, searching for a job or career online, or filling out an online job application are invited to receive free one-on-one assistance.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: One-on-One Tech Time
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 09, 2:00pm
- Location: Warren Branch
- Description: The Warren Branch is hosting a technology help session! Bring your personal device and work one-on-one with Library staff.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Northstar Digital Literacy Open Lab
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 09, 2:00pm
- Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch
- Description: Do you want to build your technology skills? Take a skill assessment to develop a custom learning plan for 10+ topics including Microsoft Office, Computer Basics, Internet Basics, and more. Use your results to focus on learning the computer skills you need to be successful and meet your goals.
- Register Here
Learn a New Craft or Hobby
We offer both free in-person classes and crafting activities and online tutorials through Creativebug. Learn everything from a new painting technique, how to use that Cricut you haven’t gotten out of the box yet, 3D printing, and so much more in the style you prefer!
- Get Creative! Online Art & Craft Classes from Creativebug
- Level Up Your Knitting Skills with Creativebug
- 3D Printing
- Handmake a Book
- Event: Alphabet Art
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 09, 10:30am
- Location: West Perry Branch
- Description: Boost your preschooler’s imagination and letter knowledge through an engaging art project!
- Register Here
- Event: Swiftly Strung Beading Workshop
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 09, 4:00pm
- Location: East Washington Branch
- Description: Are you a Taylor Swift Fan? We are! Join us for a fun-filled beading workshop where fans of all ages can create beaded friendship bracelets featuring their favorite song lyrics. Ages 8 – adult. Limit: 2 bracelets per person while supples last.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Crafternoon at West Perry
- Date & Time: Thursday, October 10, 3:00pm
- Location: West Perry Branch
- Description: Join us for an afternoon of crafting and connecting with other local creatives. This event is a casual afternoon you can use to develop a new craft skill or work on an existing project. This month will be a creative free-for-all. All our craft supplies will be available to use.
- No Registration Required.
Level Up Your Reading, Listening, or Watching Game
Did you resolve to read more pages, explore audiobooks for the first time, watch a documentary a week, or explore a new genre in 2022? We can help you with all of your reading, watching, or listening resolutions. You don’t need a Spotify, Audible, or Amazon Prime subscription; all you need is your Library card! Looking for a reading challenge to start off the new year? Join our #WakeUpIndy challenge now!
- Stream Music or Concerts
- Read an E-Magazine
- Download an Audiobook
- Read an E-Comic
- Read a Newspaper Online
- Discover Our Staff’s Favorite Reads
Take an Online Course
Did you know that with your Library card, you have free access to Great Courses through Kanopy? The Great Courses cover Finance, Health, Hobbies, Food and Wine, History, Literature and Language, Math and Science, Music and Fine Arts, Philosophy, Professional and Personal Growth, Travel, Programs for Young Learners, and more. Start learning.
Learn a Language
¿Hablas español? Sprichst du Deutsch? If the answer to either of these questions is no but you would like to, try Mango Languages. Mango is a free language learning website that can also be used on a smartphone as an app. Learn or master a new language without having to pay for Duolingo! Get Started with Mango Languages
Start a Garden
Did you know that we have a seed library? From March-September, you can check out seeds from any seed library location and you don’t even have to return them or the wonderful plants you will grow. We also offer books, classes, and tips to help you develop a green thumb!
- Using Your IndyPL Library Card to Start Your Garden
- Winter Sewing Seeds Outdoors
- Indoor Kitchen Gardens
Start or Expand a Workout Routine
The most popular New Year’s Resolution is to start or grow an exercise routine. The Library might not be the first place you think about for physical fitness unless you think about lifting heavy books as weights, but did you know that we have hundreds of exercise classes available to check out on DVD or to stream online? We also have a Fit Lit Book Club, Tai Chi classes, and expert staff members who have compiled their favorite exercise information for you.
Cook Something
Explore new recipes, food or beverages from different cultures from around the world or a different region of the United States, check out a food magazine online or even take a plant-based cooking class.
Explore Your Genealogy
Whether you are a first-time family tree maker or an expert researcher, we can help you explore your family heritage through our numerous databases and services. Within our branches, you can access Ancestry Library Edition for free and from anywhere, you can access research databases, newspapers, or even a video course from Kanopy on how to get started learning about your background or Get Genealogy Classes & Research Help.
Get Organized
From Marie Kondo to the Flylady system, organization can take many shapes and forms depending on what your personal style is. Learn about these systems and more ways to clear the clutter for good by picking up one of our staff recommended reads on organization.