Fresh Ideas for DIYers

It is that time of the year when avid crafters may be eager to try out new ideas!

The Library has two great eResources for hobbyists and home improvers:

You will need your library card and PIN for either database.

Common Features in Both Databases

  • Browse by category
  • Spotlight
  • Search features: basic, advanced, search history, new search
  • List of publications in the upper left hand corner
  • Use another language
  • Help
  • Sign in feature in the upper right hand corner that allows you to:
    • create a folder for things that you like
    • set preferences

Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center

Unique to this database are:

  • Video database
  • Browse by popular source

Here are topics that have been categorized:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Collecting
  • Home and garden
  • Indoor recreation
  • Kid's crafts
  • Model building
  • Needlecrafts and textiles
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Performing arts
  • Science and technology
  • Scrapbook and paper crafts

Home Improvement Reference Center

Unique to this database is a Toolbox that includes:

  • How-to-videos
  • Conversion charts
  • Glossary of terms
  • Homeowner's Journal (pdf which you can print out to record your home records)
  • Working with contractors (pdf which helps you to find a good contractor)

Here are topics that have been categorized:

  • Decorating
  • Electrical
  • Maintenance
  • Outdoor
  • Plumbing
  • Remodeling
  • Woodworking

You can also find books on these subjects in our Home Improvement collections in the adult section of the Library.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!