How-to

An incredibly helpful guide for beginners, but readers who just want a refresher on crocheting techniques will appreciate this title too.

Tie dye, potholders, and rock art—the simple, creative pleasures of camp crafts aren’t limited to weeks away at the lakeside. Help readers find summer hobbies with these instructive guides.

Ranging from performing arts memoirs to craft books to philosophy, this large section of the Book Review featured a number of outstanding titles in the first half of 2024.

Demand for educational video resources continues to grow.  Apps including Craft & Hobby, Creativebug, and Hiveclass, as well as streaming DIY video from OverDrive and hoopla, are helping patrons learn how to do everything from sewing to pickleball.

If you’re looking for display inspiration or need to update your collection, check out these 115 books on crafting.

Youth Services Librarian Elaine Pelton from the Washington, DC Public Library shares how to have a successful Evil Laugh Contest virtual library program in 16 easy steps.

No matter how audience behaviors ultimately swing in the future, hybrid events will be a pillar of our new normal. We must continue to refine our capability of being anywhere and everywhere for anybody.

In Maryland, public libraries across the state have developed models for maximizing the impact of social justice–focused virtual programs by copresenting and cross-promoting selected events. Maryland libraries were able to rely on high quality programs from neighboring systems to provide a more robust lineup of virtual events. 

Balanced craft collections should include materials that meet the needs of a variety of crafters. It is essential to weed craft collections regularly, as styles change, rendering older books unappealing. References should be updated as new editions are released.