By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

January is National Hobby Month – a great time to start a hobby or return to an old one. Reading a new hobby book is a great way to relax. Interested in coins? The library has Handbook of United States Coins by Yeoman. Thinking about blogging? Read WordPress All-in-one by Sabin-Wilson. Living with a future chef? Consider The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs. Into storm chasing? Look at Meteorologist by Kenney. Or if you like biographies and meteorology read Weathering Life by James Spann, who visits the library in January. We also have programs for children and adults that can enhance hobbies.

 

Youth Programs

Story Times are Toddler Tales at 10:30 a.m. Fridays and Sensory Story Time at 3:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays.

Jan. 14 Family Musical Bingo from 6-7 p.m. Families can enjoy playing musical bingo – a game like musical chairs but played with several bingo games at once. All children must be with an adult.

Jan. 17 American Girls Club: Craft-a-thon at 4 p.m. Learn about crafts from the times of their favorite doll characters and make some crafts. Girls 7 years old and older can sign up and come with or without a doll.

Jan. 21 Pete the Cat Book Club at 6 p.m. Read, play bingo, create art and more. Children age 5 and older can sign up.

Jan. 24 Readalicious Book Club at 4 p.m. We’ll read a Pinkalicious story and have fun playing old fashioned games. Children age 5 and older can sign up.

Jan. 28 at 4:15 p.m. Wordplay Writers and artists age 11 to 18 years old can share their special talents with others and talk. Whether it is graphic novels, poetry, short stories, scripts, songs, or books talented tweens and teens can sign up.

 

For Adults:

Ya Ya Yarners, Jan. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information call the library at 205-664-6822 or email Carol Smith at csmith@shelbycounty-al.org.

Computer Classes, 10 a.m., Jan. 7 – Basic Computer Skills; Jan. 14 – Microsoft PowerPoint 2013; Jan. 28 – Microsoft Word 2013.

Tai Chi for Health, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 8. Local instructor Rachel Hickman teaches this 8-week course. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flexible, flat-soled shoes. Each class builds upon previous ones. No newcomers after the first class. Participants must complete the enrollment form at the front desk before the first class.

ABC and Ds of Medicare, Jan. 13, 1pm.

Library Book Group, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende.

Medicare 101, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.

Free AARP Tax Help from February through early April. Available by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Call 205.664.6822 or come by the Albert L. Scott Library to sign up.

Programs are in the meeting room. Children under age 7 must be with an adult unless otherwise indicated.