In New York City, it’s possible to learn something new while keeping your budget intact—all you need is a library card.
This is the message from the city’s libraries, which are gearing up to offer winter classes covering a broad range of topics, including web coding, Mandarin, oil painting, crochet, and even origami.
The classes come after a record-breaking year for the New York Public Library, which saw 1.36 million visitors in Manhattan and over 843,000 in Brooklyn, as noted by city officials.
“I think many people would be surprised at the variety of classes available,” mentioned Ariel Lee, 28, who founded Library Scout, a site that helps people discover free library events in NYC.
“You could explore Arabic calligraphy, pottery, or learn how to use your camera manually, or even join discussions about philosophy. You don’t need to have a specific goal or be an expert. Just find something that piques your interest and give it a shot.”
If you’re looking for something college-level without the hefty tuition, here are some upcoming classes:
Ceramics in the Bronx
The Mott Haven Library will host Ceramics for Adults on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This program happens every other Thursday, making it easier for those interested in pottery to incorporate it into their routines.
A Workout in Park Slope
Join a fitness class every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Park Slope Library, focusing on cardio, strength, and balance, led by NYC fitness instructors. Participants are encouraged to bring a small towel, water, and to wear sneakers instead of dress shoes.
Chinese Dough Sculpture in Flushing
If you’re interested, head to the Mitchell-Linden Library in Flushing on Friday, Oct. 30, at 3:30 p.m. for a workshop on making dough figurines, taught by award-winning artist Catherine Lau. The class will explore this traditional Chinese art form and will be available in both Mandarin and English. Space and materials are limited, so the first 20 attendees will secure a spot.
Needlepoint in Clinton Hill
The Clinton Hill Library offers “Needlepoint November: An Introductory Workshop” on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Under the guidance of needlepoint artist Margaret Colhoun from the Brooklyn studio Pierrepont, participants will learn basic stitches. All materials are provided, and each attendee will leave with unfinished work. Sign-ups are limited to 10 adults and will be available at the reference desk that day.
Birding in Ridgewood
For nature lovers, the Arlington Library is organizing a bird-watching trip to the Ridgewood Reservoir on Saturday, Nov. 7. Participants should meet in the Upper Highland Park parking lot at 10 a.m. before heading to the reservoir at 10:15 a.m. to spot migrating birds. Bring water and sunscreen, and wear neutral-colored clothing to blend in.
‘The Aeneid’ in Midtown
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library hosts a weekly online lecture series called “Sunt Lacrimae Rerum” every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m., inviting adults to dive into Virgil’s famed poem, “The Aeneid”—no assignments or tests involved.
Dramatic Literature at Lincoln Center
The Library for the Performing Arts invites participants to read “The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa Fasthorse and join a discussion about it, including some readings from the script, at their monthly Play Club for theater enthusiasts. The next session is on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Plus: Find Even More Classes Online
New Yorkers can find additional free events and exhibitions by visiting the New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library websites or by using Library Scout to access listings from all three libraries.
