NYC libraries let you learn Mandarin, Pilates, needlepoint and more all for free
In NYC, you can major in fun without minoring in debt — and all it takes is a visit to the library.That’s the (whispered) word from New York’s most bookish institutions, which will offer winter classes in subjects as varied as web coding, Mandarin, oil painting, crochet and even origami.The classes come after a record year for New York Public Library learners, which include 1.36 million visitors in Manhattan and over 843,000 in Brooklyn, according to the city.“I think people would be surprised by how specific the offerings get,” Ariel Lee, 28, the creator behind Library Scout, a platform for discovering free NYC library classes and events, told The Post.“You can learn Arabic calligraphy, practice ceramics, figure out the manual settings on your camera or join a philosophy discussion… and you don’t have to arrive with a serious goal or a hobby you’re already good at.You can just find something interesting and try it.”If you feel like a college-worthy class for $0 in tuition, check out these upcoming options:Mott Haven Library is hosting Ceramics for Adults on Thursday, Oct.
29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.The program also recurs every other Thursday, giving would-be potters a chance to make creativity a regular habit rather than a one-and-done affair.Every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
at the Park Slope Library, you can break a sweat with cardio, strength and balance exercises led by NYC fitness professionals.Attendees are encouraged to bring a small towel and a water bottle, and please, wear sneakers instead of heels.Head to the Mitchell-Linden Library in Flushing on Friday, Oct.
30, at 3:30 p.m.for a dough figurine-making workshop led by the award-winning artist Catherine Lau.
The class explores the Chinese art of sculpting figures from dough, and will be taught in both Mandarin and English.Materials are limited, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 20 participants.Clinton Hill Library is offering “Needlepo...