Have you been thinking about starting a new hobby, but aren’t sure where to start?  Good news!  You are in the right place!  Find your inspiration at your Yorktown Public Library.

Studies have shown that having a hobby is beneficial both mentally and physically

In January 2024, a study was published in the Harvard Health Letter that suggested having a hobby is good for your health, your mood, and more:

A May 23, 2022 WebMD article further illustrates the benefits of a hobby.  The report stated that taking time to indulge in what you love doing boosts your physical and mental health.  The article highlighted the following benefits of having a hobby:

• Reduces Stress
  Keeping yourself engaged during your leisure time lowers your stress levels. Research found that adults who took time to practice art found the time they spent to be relaxing, enjoyable, and helpful. They also shared that the session led to an increased desire to continue improving their skills.  More importantly, the cortisol (the human stress hormone) levels of the participants who took part in this study were measured before and after these sessions. The study found that there was a noticeable decrease in cortisol levels after the sessions.
   
• Improves Mental Health
  Participating in activities that bring out your creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for you in the long term.  Participating in a hobby creates a sense of positivity after a few days of creative activity, leaving you feeling uplifted.
   
• Improves Physical Health
  Having a hobby leads to improved mental health. If your hobby involves physical activity, it can lead to reduced stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate. A study that measured both positive and negative psychological stress found that those who took time frequently to do leisure activities that they enjoyed had lower blood pressure, waist circumference, and BMI.  Taking your physical activity outdoors or, better still, closer to nature has many benefits such as improved mood and better focus. You can achieve this by spending just 10 minutes outdoors.
   
• Builds Confidence
  Challenging your brain by taking up intellectually rewarding activities not only helps improve your brain activity but also increases your confidence. Learning new skills such as wood crafting or quilting also helps you contribute to people’s lives by sharing your expertise with others.
   
• Improves Relationships
  Finding like-minded people who enjoy doing the same activities as you could have added benefits. Research shows that doing activities in groups such as team sports or volunteering for a cause that you care about helps enhance your communication skills and build healthy relationships with others.

Finding Time for Hobbies

Now that the physical and mental benefits of a hobby have been highlighted, you need to make time for your new hobby.

 Instead of trying to carve out time daily to start your hobby, take a long-term approach and find gaps in your schedule that you can fill. Start by allocating a few hours every week or every month for your hobby activities.

The above mentioned WebMD article also noted increasing research that supports taking multiple small breaks during your work to improve productivity. You can indulge in your hobby during these breaks.  Stop endlessly scrolling social media (unless, of course, you are reading Bookish!) and make time for a hobby.

Time to Choose a Hobby   

When choosing a hobby, you need to do a bit of research.  Read about various hobbies to see what interests you. Think about what interested you as a child.  Did you like to build things?  Play music?  Create art?  Collect rocks? Tap into those interests to see if the spark is still there. 

Start small.  Don’t rush out and buy all the equipment only to find out week’s later that Extreme Ironing isn’t your vibe. (Yes, Extreme Ironing is real!)  

Start your research today by reviewing material at your Yorktown Public Library and learn more about a hobby you would like to explore.  Use this list of suggestions from our collection as a jumping off point.

IN THE ADULT COLLECTION:

Mastering the Art of Watercolor by Wendy Jelbert

Master all the aspects of watercolor painting with this comprehensive practical manual. An introduction details all the equipment needed and lays out the basic techniques, including the different strokes required, and how to mix the paints to create the right palette. There are then over 25 step-by-step projects.

Knit­ted & Cro­cheted Slip­pers by Alison Howard

This book features simple projects for beginners and more challenging patterns for experienced crafters. Slippers make a superb gift, and home-made ones are the best. Making your own slippers is ideal - you can make them to fit the wearer perfectly and add your own personal touch.

The Art of Poly­mer ­Clay: De­sign­s and Tech­niques ­for Cre­at­ing ­Jew­el­ry, Pot­tery, and Dec­o­ra­tive Art­work by Donna Kato

Polymer clay is versatile, pliable, inexpensive and easy to find. It is available in multiple colors, and can be fired in a kitchen oven.

Tiny Whittling: More than 20 projects to Make by Steve Tomashek

A hip beginner’s guide to one of the world’s most relaxing, inexpensive, and rewarding hobbies, this handbook puts a modern spin on an ancient craft by teaching readers how to whittle whimsical miniature creatures. With just a sharp knife, a little practice, and the tiniest block of wood, anyone can make a charming carving in less than an hour. Led by an award-winning carver and artist, this manual takes readers through the basics.

Repairing Furniture by Time-Life Books

Examples, diagrams, and step-by-step illustrations in this book explain how to replace upholstery, restore joints, refinish furniture, reweave cane seats, and repair breaks and gouges. 

Mas­ter­ing Oil ­Paint­ing: Learn Sim­ple Tech­niques and Prac­ti­cal Ap­pli­ca­tion­s ­for ­Mas­ter­ing the Art of Oil ­Paint­ing by James Sulkowski

This is the perfect resource for aspiring artists to build proficiency in oil painting.

IN THE CHILDREN’S COLLECTION:

Cool ­Wood­work­ing Pro­ject­s: ­Fun & Cre­ative ­Work­shop Ac­tiv­i­ties by Rebecca Felix

Learn to sand, saw, stain, and hammer with using the instructions in this book.  Kids can learn how to handcraft a cool bow and arrow set, bend and mold a mini wooden skateboard, and more! Each workshop project includes easy-to-read, step-by-step instructions paired with photographs. Budding craftspeople and engineers will love learning how to use the tools of the trade to make one-of-a-kind creations.

Begin­ning Knit­ting: Stitch­es with­ Style by Kay Melchisedech Olson

This book invites you into the fun-filled, inspiring world of do-it-yourself crafts for kids.  Learn how to make belts, purses and scarves.

The Kid­s' Guide ­to Dig­i­tal Pho­tog­ra­phy: How ­to Shoot, Save, ­Play with­ & Print­ Your Dig­i­tal Photos by Jenni Bidner

Digital photography is hot, and kids want to get in on the fun. This comprehensive instructional guide, created especially for youngsters, tells them exactly what they need to know to capture those birthday parties, school events, sleepovers, and family vacations. Every important question gets an easy-to-understand answer: What’s a pixel? What is resolution and why does it matter? How can I make computers, scanners, and printers work with my camera? Children will get creative with software that alters and enhances images, and learn new ways to add text, adjust color and brightness, and change a background. Fifteen appealing projects, from turning snapshots into puzzles to crafting unique CD covers, photo magnets, and digital scrapbooks, make this a no-brainer for the budding photographer.

The Batman: How to Draw by Conrad Wells

Dramatic action. Amazing gadgets. The thrill of super-villains being shut down by the guardian of Gotham City's shadows. That's right -- THE BATMAN is back!  Learn to draw the Caped Crusader! By following the easy-to-use full-color instructions inside, you will be drawing Batman, villains such as Joker and Penguin, and incredible gear like the Batmobile like a pro faster than you ever thought possible!

Cool Print­mak­ing: the Art of Cre­ativ­i­ty ­for Kids by Anders Hanson

This book takes the reader through the basic terms and techniques of printmaking. Step-by-step projects are highlighted to provide a fun and creative way to familiarize kids with different mediums and techniques. These activities take the "how-to" further and really encourage kids to explore and expand their own artistic talents.

Freshwater Fishing for Kids by Melanie A. Howard

Rods, reels, lures, hooks...Think freshwater fishing is too complicated? Think again! Get the basics with this guide written especially for young fishing fans. Learn about the equipment you need, how to tie knots and cast, and, most importantly, how to stay safe. Discover why fishing is such a popular sport, and then--go fish!

ON THE LIBBY APP:

Hobby Farm:  Living your Rural Dream for Pleasure and Profit by Carol Ekarius

This book offers a look at life on a hobby farm that will help you reap the benefits of a rustic life on the (hobby) farm.

That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby by Annie F. Downs

We know there are certain things we must have to survive--food, shelter, and safety to name a few. But there are also aspects of life that truly allow us to be joyful and fulfilled. For popular podcaster and bestselling author Annie F. Downs, fun is close to the top of that list. This book offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you--then do it!

Starting an Etsy Business for Dummies by Kate Shoup

This book is the all-in-one resource for building your own successful business. Arts and crafts are currently a $32 billion market in the U.S., and Etsy is the number-one way to grab a piece of it for yourself. Sales through the site are rising, fueled by Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media--so there's never been a better time to jump into the fray.

Run­ning ­for Begin­ners Magazine

Running is an obvious choice when looking for ways to get fit and lose weight, or if you just want a new hobby. After all, it’s a cheap sport, requires minimal kit, and burns calories fast. However, it can be daunting when you are first starting out, which is where this book comes in. Running for Beginners has compiled all of the essential advice you need to start running today. Explore everything from nutrition and hydration, what to wear, and how to train properly.

IN THE DVD COLLECTION:

Digi­tal Pho­tog­ra­phy, The ­Cam­er­a: Learn the ­Fun­da­men­tal­s of Digital Pho­tog­ra­phy

This DVD teaches the fundamentals of using a digital camera including F-stop and shutter speeds, how to choose a digital camera and exposure control. 

Flow­er Ar­rang­ing

Explore the art of floral design with renowned floral designer Peter Grontas.  You will learn how to transform common fresh cut flowers from your local flower shop into beautiful arrangements for your home. 

Love of Quilt­ing 400 series (Love of Quilting #1)

Techniques such as easy pineapple blocks, crazy quilts & bobbin work, and diamond four patch are the focus of this DVD.

I Want to Learn to Fly Fish

This DVD offers you a complete beginner's guide to fly fishing, including information on the equipment, knots, flies, and techniques needed to start fly fishing.

Learning Guitar: Step 1

This DVD will teach you the basic chords, notes and patterns you will need to start playing along with some of your favorite songs. Each lesson has a chapter mark, so you can learn and practice at your own pace, then continue through each lesson with a touch of a button.

How about some fictional hobbies?

As you consider your options, remember that reading as a hobby (some would say reading is a way of life!) reduces stress, stimulates your brain and builds your knowledge base (AND it’s fun!). The collection at your Yorktown Public Library offers a great selection of hobby-themed materials as well.  Browse this list and find your next read.   

IN THE ADULT COLLECTION:

The Fri­day Night Knit­ting Club (Friday Night Knitting Club #1) by Kate Jacobs

A charming and moving novel about female friendship and the experiences that knit us together-even when we least expect it. Walker and Daughter is Georgia Walker's little yarn shop, tucked into a quiet storefront on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The Friday Night Knitting Club was started by some of Georgia's regulars, who gather once a week to work on their latest projects and to chat-and occasionally clash-over their stories of love, life, and everything in between. Georgia has her hands full, juggling the demands of running the store and raising her spunky teen daughter, Dakota, by herself. Thank goodness for Anita, her mentor and dear friend, and the rest of the members of the knitting club-who are just as varied as the skeins of yarn in the shop's bins. 

The Henna Artist (Jaipur Trilogy #1) by Alka Joshi

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist--and confidante--to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own.

IN THE CHILDREN’S COLLECTION:

Artist Ted by Andrea Beaty

Ted paints his way into trouble--and a new friendship--in this comic adventure.  One morning, Ted realizes that his room needs a little pizzazz--and for that he needs an artist. Of course, when Ted can't find an artist, he becomes one! Ted uses his homemade brush and paints to create a portrait of his mom and spruce up the school hallways...until he accidentally hurts the new student's feelings. Then, once again, it's Ted to the rescue as the whole school makes their new friend feel welcome.  With crisp, catchy text from a master wordsmith and bright, bold artwork, Artist Ted is a fantastic read-aloud addition to any young artist's palette

Fancy Nancy, an Aspiring Artist by Jane O’Conner

It's spring vacation, and Nancy is feeling glum because her best friend, Bree, is out of town.  Luckily, it's Nancy's mom to the rescue! When she brings home a brand-new set of glitter markers, Nancy puts her trademark flair to très creative use and devotes herself to becoming a serious artist (or artiste, as the French say). After all, everything about being an artist is fancy, fancy, fancy--especially when inspiration strikes!  Complete with instructions on how to create your own artistic masterpieces, Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artist will get your creative juices flowing and your fancy in full swing.

88 Instruments by Chris Barton

A boy who loves to make noise gets to pick only one instrument (at his parents urging) in a music store, but there is too much to choose from! There are triangles and sousaphones! There are guitars and harpsichords! Bagpipes and cellos and trombones! How can he find the one that is just right for him out of all those options?

Build This City! A Lego City Series

Put on your hardhats and get to work at the construction site. A new building is constructed in Lego City, and all different vehicles are used help build it, including an excavator, a bulldozer, and a crane. Nothing is too big for these heavy-duty trucks to load and lift! Read along and the building will be up in no time!

ON THE LIBBY APP:

The Painter: A Novel by Peter Heller (Audiobook)

Peter Heller, the celebrated author of the breakout best seller The Dog Stars, returns with an achingly beautiful, wildly suspenseful second novel about an artist trying to outrun his past.  Jim Stegner has seen his share of violence and loss. Years ago he shot a man in a bar. His marriage disintegrated. He grieved the one thing he loved. In the wake of tragedy, Jim, a well-known expressionist painter, abandoned the art scene of Santa Fe to start fresh in the valleys of rural Colorado. Now he spends his days painting and fly-fishing, trying to find a way to live with the dark impulses that sometimes overtake him.

The Vil­lage Car­pen­ter: The Clas­sic Me­moir of the Life of a Vic­to­ri­an Crafts­man by Walter Rose

First published in 1937, this woodworking classic reveals a fascinating look into the social structure of a 19th-century English town and a carpenter's place in it. Walter Rose writes eloquently on a number of topics, including running a country business; the carpenter's shop; working on a farm, new home, and windmill; undertaking; and furniture repairs. Manifesting the importance of skill and the attitudes of the craftsman to his tools and work, this book will be of great interest to any carpenter or woodworker with an appreciation for the history of their craft.

Connect, inspire, discover!

You have a variety of options to explore at your Yorktown Public Library on your journey to a new hobby.  Find a hobby that encourages you to take time for yourself and have fun!

 And no matter what new hobby you choose, be sure to continue to make time for the most rewarding hobby of all: READING!