Get creative in January at an Abilene library

January is International Creativity Month. and your library is a great place to get creative.

You can access a world of creativity with your Abilene Public Library card including books, the makerspace, maker kits, databases and programs.

Crafting books you can borrow from the library include:

• “How to Knit: The Only Technique Books You Will Ever Need” by Debbie Tomkies

• “DIY Resin Crafting Projects: a Beginners Guide to Making Clear Resin Jewelry, Paperweights, Coasters, and Other Keepsakes” by Teodora Petkova

• “The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts: the Ultimate Guide to Your Electric Cutting Machine” by Ellie Miller.

The Creation Station Makerspace at the main library is your go-to community space for working on projects and accessing equipment. Housing a variety of equipment including Cricut Maker 3, Heat Presses, Laminator, Sewing Machines, Sizzix and more! Some equipment may require training before use, so please contact staff for more information.

Maker Kits allow you to learn a new hobby/skill in the comfort of your home, with each kit focusing on a different craft skill. Located in the basement of the Main Library, each kit checks out for three weeks. Once checked out, take the kit home, unpack the tote bag and begin learning your new craft or hobby. Kits housed include Loom Knitting, Soap Making, Calligraphy, Cake Decorating, Embroidery, Cross stitch, Stamp Making and more.

Abilene Public Library offers access to the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center database. Head to our website and hover your cursor over Digital Services, then click on e-Resources near the top of the page. This crafty database offers topics of interest, and is appropriate for all age ranges. Full text articles offer step by step instructions, and often illustrations, guiding you through the craft. There is even an option to listen to the articles.

The article "Clay Modeling: Techniques" offers simple approaches for creating shapes geared towards children and illustrated with 14 photographs. Adult crafters might enjoy articles on such topics as working with polymer clay. You can also find discussions of crafting artists and trends.

Crafting programs held at the main library for adults include Common Threads: Knitting and Crochet Club on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Join us for our next session at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the main library.

For information about obtaining a library card, contact our main circulation desk at 325-677-2474. To find out how to access equipment and databases, or attend a program, please contact the main information services desk at 325-676-6025. S

tart the new year with a new craft, or hobby, with help from your Abilene Public Library.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Get creative in January at an Abilene library