The new year often symbolizes a time for change and growth, with many people setting goals and hoping to reach them. As you look forward to 2026, consider adding learning a new skill or hobby to your list of resolutions. There’s no better way to begin learning than exploring offerings at the library.
Research shows that learning a new skill or introducing yourself to a new hobby can be beneficial at any age. A 2025 review found that across age groups, adopting hobbies gave individuals a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and community [1].
Rachel Wu, PhD, an associate professor psychology at the University of California, Riverside, took part in a podcast interview where she emphasized the different approach that adults and children have when it comes to learning a new hobby or skill, “If you think about learning a language, for example, we give babies at least a year to come up with their first word, and we give ourselves as adults maybe 10 minutes to learn our first word in a new language. And so it’s a completely different approach that we take when we think about learning as adults,” [2].
Wu continued, “Children don’t typically say, this is not relevant to me, I’m not going to learn it. So typically when they see something, they are curious…And so as adults, we can also try to have more of that kind of attitude as well.”
It’s important to remember that learning a new skill takes time, and should be enjoyable! You don’t have to become an expert at something on your first try, or ever. Hobbies are meant to boost our moods and bring joy to our daily life. In fact, a 2023 study completed by Nature Medicine found that adults 65 years or older having hobbies led to better health, happiness, and overall satisfaction with life [3].
Consider our upcoming programs and events to join a community of learners as you introduce new hobbies and skills into your life this year:
- Spice up your cooking: At Spice Club, registrants unlock new possibilities by picking up the spice of the month ahead of time and making a delicious dish to bring to each meeting. This club offers you the opportunity to be creative, adventurous and celebrate and appreciate different cultures through spices.
- Make something special: Our library offers a monthly Craft Buffet and a weekly Hook and Needle Social Group, inspiring adult patrons to express their creativity with projects as either long-time crafters, complete beginners, or somewhere in-between.
- Set a reading goal: If one of your resolutions for the new year is to read more physical, audio, or e-books, consider setting a reading goal and tracking your progress (either via an app or manually). You can also join one of our many book clubs (available at various age levels) to discuss what you’re reading, or check out our recommendations to find your next great read.
- Explore online learning: Learn a new language completely online with Mango Languages, a program with instruction on our 60 different languages. This program is designed to adjust based on your learning capabilities, and includes both listening and reading activities for you to engage with.
- Look local: Your local community is a great place to get out and get involved. Maybe your new year’s resolution is to become more social by meeting friends, participating in a new activity, or joining a club. Our Local Clubs and Activities Expo hosts 25+ local groups ranging from the arts to sports to volunteer opportunities.
There are many more avenues to explore at the library in your pursuit of lifelong learning, and we are here to help you every step of the way. For more programs, classes, and events at the library, visit our event calendar or find new book recommendations on our website.
Sources
- Cleary, Michelle, et al. “Exploring the Impact of Hobbies on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Scoping Review.” Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Informa UK Limited, June 2025, pp. 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2025.2512006.
- Wu, Rachel. “Speaking of Psychology: You Can Learn New Things at Any Age, with Rachel Wu, PhD.” Apa.org, 2024, www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/lifelong-learning.
- Mak, Hei Wan, et al. “Hobby Engagement and Mental Wellbeing among People Aged 65 Years and Older in 16 Countries.” Nature Medicine, vol. 29, no. 9, Sept. 2023, pp. 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02506-1.