[cid:image005.png@01DB7DF6.2AA9F5D0]In January people make New Year’s Resolutions that involve abstaining from something. Instead, what if we made resolutions in February that are about trying something new? The Michigan eLibrary<https://mel.org/welcome> (MeL) can help you start a new hobby, gain the skills to maintain small engines, or make upgrades to your home. Start a New Hobby Hobbies & Crafts Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-hcrc> can help you start a new hobby for 2025 such as knitting. "Knitting School<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=98051c24-59c9-38d9-8872-1d730e634c35>" in Creative Knitting<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edspub&AN=edp463509&site=pfi-live> includes diagrams and instructions to help with basic techniques, as well as information about yarn weight and reading patterns. Using this guide you might knit a temperature afghan—a special blanket that includes one row per day of the year featuring a color for each temperature range. Once you’ve become proficient, you might even knit a hat and mittens set<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=5ced4280-4594-3ecf-9a65-fccfc955bf50> to keep warm outdoors. Speaking of getting outside, make 2025 your “Big Year”—the year you begin birdwatching and keep track of every type of bird you see. Bird Watcher’s Digest<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edspub&AN=edp765571&site=pfi-live> suggests that you don’t have to travel far and can instead modify this challenge to your own parameters in "A Local BIG YEAR<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=4aaa21f9-3d99-3920-9e97-d21c5f9bf744>" or perhaps narrow your watching even further into a category of birds such as birds of a particular color or size according to "A List of Lists<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=01b65489-42ef-3344-9311-d8ba33c97ea5>." Do It Yourself Maybe you are more of a do-it-yourselfer. Small Engine Repair Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-serrc> can help you tune up and repair more than 80 makes of snowmobiles. Those who like to tinker will find information about ATVs, generators, outdoor power equipment, and even tractors. There are diagrams of various parts of many models as well as user manuals. Fix Up Your Home Gaining new skills to fix up your home and yard is another great way to spend 2025. Home Improvement Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-hirc> can help us understand the pros and cons of "Off-Grid Heating Solutions<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=9b83f365-bbba-31ce-8cba-bec7d2aa681a>" and what to consider when we want to find out "How to Create Your Dream Kitchen Extension<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=e3874ac3-718a-3376-94ae-35582e7a2ecf>" in Homebuilding & Renovating<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edspub&AN=edp793224&site=pfi-live>. Winter might be the perfect time to start planning a garden to provide both a hobby and healthy food all summer long. In the February 2025 issue of Log & Timber Home Living<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edspub&AN=edp25292789&site=pfi-live> you'll find "Growing Up<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=ef66eb42-67c1-3fce-afd3-cc4b12fc8045>," an article with ideas for gardening in smaller spaces. No matter what you decide to do with it, 2025 is a brand-new year and you are in charge of how you enjoy it. We hope you will continue to make the MeL eResources<https://mel.org/az.php> part of your journey. If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp@mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> for help. Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team. Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. Want more information on MeL? Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Laura Warren-Gross MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries Midwest Collaborative for Library Services 517-481-2022 warren-grossl@mcls.org [cid:image003.png@01DB7DF2.001E6070] mcls.org<https://www.mcls.org/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | X<https://twitter.com/mclsorg> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services> [cid:image004.png@01DB7DF2.001E6070]
