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Preston parking lot unavailable due to building repairs.
The parking lot at the Preston location will be closed beginning the week of November 20 for an extended period due to building repairs.

National Craft Month

Sewing equipment next to a dress form in the Old Post Office Makerspace.

Engage your creativity, learn new skills, and have fun during National Craft Month. National Craft Month was established in 1994 by the Craft and Hobby Association, now known as the Association for Creative Industries, to promote creativity, highlight the mental health benefits of crafting, and encourage individuals to try new, handmade projects. 

Everyone can be creative, and your library has resources for beginners and beyond. 

Crafting with the Library Catalogue

Borrow a kit from the Hobbies and Crafting collection within the Unusual Things to Borrow collection. Choose from Beginner and Intermediate Crochet, Bookbinding, Card Making, Embroidery, Knitting, Jewelry Beading, and more. 

Browse through Get Crafty, a curated list of library resources found in the catalogue.

Crafty Virtual Library Apps

Creativebug Classes

Creativebug offers video classes and instructional guides covering a wide variety of fibre, art, and design topics, including Kids Art Camp, Crochet a Granny Square Cardigan, and Visible Mending.

Spark your imagination with Creative Prompts. Browse Creativebug’s Daily Practice Series, aimed at building skills by completing a project over several days.

Embark on a Learning Journey by signing up for a series of classes, including Crafting for Kids, Intro to Cricut, and Learn to Draw. 

Select your next creative endeavour by browsing through Patterns & Printables, including Colouring Pages, Recipes, Sewing, and so much more. 

For help getting started with Creativebug, check out the Creativebug Guide.

Hoopla eBooks on Crafts

Stimulate your artistic vision with over 4,800 helpful Crafts and Hobbies eBooks on Hoopla, including beginner books like Knit How and Crochet How, Watercolour Boot Camp, Easy Embroidery Embellishment, and more. 

For help getting started with Hoopla, check out the Hoopla Guide.

PressReader Craft Magazines

Find inspiration while you browse through PressReader's Crafts & Hobbies digital magazines, including: Love Embroidery, The Knitter, Simply Crochet, Quilting, and more. For help getting started with PressReader, check out the PressReader Guide.

Hands-on Crafting in the Makerspaces

Visit the Old Post Office Makerspace or the Clemens Mill MakerHUB to use maker tools and equipment. These spaces provide a hands-on creative outlet for members to invent, collaborate, and design as they transform their ideas into reality. 

Book an appointment to receive guidance from staff and learn how to use 3D printers, the large format printer, the button maker, sewing machines, sublimation tools, and more. Call the location you are interested in to make an appointment.

Your library has a variety of Cricut machines and tools available for use by members. Use the subscriber-level Design Space account to access 1,000s of beautiful pre-made projects or to design your own. Get started making custom greeting cards, t-shirts, mugs, and more by reserving a Cricut machine. A selection of materials is available for purchase, or you may bring your own. Materials and colours vary by location. 

Contact the appropriate location with any questions or to make a reservation. A full teen or adult membership is required to use the Cricut machines.

Meet Other Crafters at Programs and Events

Learn something new or share your latest craft project at Maker Programs. Many programs focus on introducing you to available maker technologies. You can also connect with crafters, knitters, and other makers at a meet-up program.

Start your crafting journey with your library!