An editorial in Power & Motoryacht titled "Are Hobbies Dying?" recently caught my attention. The author shared that he often encounters adults who don’t have any hobbies. Many of us work, scroll, stream, sleep, repeat. He contends that finding something to be passionate about that allows an escape from work can help decrease burnout. Since July is National Anti-Boredom Month, why not use the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) to discover new activities that will keep you active and engaged in enjoyable pursuits?

To find a hobby that fits, try answering the questions posed in "5 Ways to Find Your New Favorite Hobby" from TIME Magazine. Rather than focusing on mastery or monetization, the author suggests thinking about how you want to feel and giving yourself permission to enjoy leisure time.

Puzzles have become increasingly popular. Many libraries loan puzzles, host puzzle swaps, and even hold puzzle competitions. In Joy of Jigsaws: A Puzzler’s Guide and How to Make Your Own, Holly Lambert provides in-depth information about the history of puzzles, puzzle manufacturing, strategies for completing puzzles, and even directions for making your own puzzle. Because puzzling is both relaxing and intellectually stimulating, it might be a great new pastime.

Though commonly known as the Ace of Cakes, Duff Goldman has become an accomplished woodworker. His new hobby started because he wanted to create battery-free toys for his daughter. The July 2025 issue of Wood Magazine provides a peek into Goldman’s workshop and displays some of the projects he has completed. If getting started in woodworking is of interest, this publication provides tips, project ideas, and tool reviews. Since many libraries include power tools in their Library of Things, consider sharing options for projects in newsletters and social media posts so patrons know they can use MeL as a reference when getting started.

If getting out and about is of interest, try pairing Oddball Michigan: A Guide to 450 Really Strange Places with hobbies such as photography and hiking. This eBook is divided geographically and provides ideas for free or low-cost sites to visit all around the state. You might also consider exploring Michigan’s lighthouses, historic railroad stations, or destinations that accept the Michigan Activity Pass.

However you choose to keep boredom at bay this summer, consider using the MeL eResources for ideas that can help develop a hobby that will last a lifetime. 

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact 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, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery. 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

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