By: Gianna Fraccalvieri, QCL Information Assistant

January 2024 is National Hobby Month! As we step into a new year and semester, consider picking up an old pastime or trying something new to enjoy the countless personal and professional rewards that hobbies can offer you. If you’re looking for a place to start, please visit the book display dedicated to the historical and current practice of popular hobbies in the U.S. located on the main level of the ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ Library (Rosenthal 3rd floor).

This month’s cultural awareness collection seeks to provide a variety of hobby-related resources, from step-by-step guides to detailed histories and scholarly analyses of the social and emotional impacts of different leisurely ventures. Some of the activities highlighted in this display include cooking and baking, video gaming, reading and writing, DIY crafting, caring for plants and pets, physical fitness, fashion design and cosplay, stargazing, and much more! To further explore your interests, please browse the print books and E-Books on display, use to find related sources, and meet with a librarian for in-depth inquiries.

has linked the perception of a positive work-life balance with the regular practice of hobbies among a sample of undergraduate students, suggesting that carving out time to enjoy personal interests outside of school and work could help reduce overall stress. Additionally, report that having hobbies can enhance levels of productivity, creativity, and originality among scholars and professionals by encouraging more divergent thought processes throughout our daily responsibilities.

For more information about how to pursue your recreational interests as a member of the ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ community, please review the following resources:

• • ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ (Rosenthal 1st floor)

• • ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ Clubs and Organizations (Student Union Building)

• • ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ and (Fitzgerald Gymnasium)

Display and blog post created by Gianna Fraccalvieri, an Information Assistant at ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ Library and MLS/MA student at ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ GSLIS.