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: Build Your Technology and Computer Skills with NorthStar Digital Literacy
- Date & Time: Friday, April 19, 10:30am
- Location: Central Library
- 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.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Essential Computer Class for Adults and Seniors
- Date & Time: Friday, April 19, 2:30pm
- Location: Garfield Park Branch
- Description: Sharpen your computer skills using our self-paced learning platform, Northstar Digital. Staff will guide you through creating an account, completing lessons, and earning certificates.
- Register Here
- Event: Multilingual Computer Classes
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 20, 11:00am
- Location: Michigan Road Branch
- Description: Receive personal instruction to advance your computer skills. Students will learn how to create and send emails, how to produce content in Microsoft Word, the tools available within Microsoft Excel, and how to design creations in Microsoft Publisher.
- 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: Saturday Morning Block Party
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 20, 10:00am
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Kids and teens are invited to join a live Block Party! Stop by and join the Learning Curve Specialists and other kid builders to complete fun challenges with LEGOs.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Adult Coloring
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 20, 11:00am
- Location: Beech Grove Branch
- Description: Adults are invited to experience the latest trend in relaxation and fun: coloring! Enjoy socializing with others while coloring on pages designed for adults. Coloring supplies are provided or bring your own.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Creative Writing and Drawing
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 20, 11:00am
- Location: Glendale Branch
- Description: Professor Watermelon and Mister Smart will show you how to write and illustrate your own stories, while using The Library for inspiration and research! Ages 6 and up.
- Register Here
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.