What is your New Year's resolution? If you are looking for a new hobby or to learn something new the local public library might be the right place to start. From Bay Minette to Orange Beach, each city in Baldwin County has a public library full of books and programs for residents to enjoy and they are always adding innovative programs.
The Fairhope Public Library offers programs for all ages but one of the newest, Mini Maestros, is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. In this unique program, youth librarian, Dr. Rachael Hendricks, will use her background in music to introduce students to new instruments, music theory, history and highlight the library's music-themed books.
"I hope the kids that are already interested in music will find an outlet. I also hope more kids will become interested in music if they haven't had access to that at their elementary school. It will give them an opportunity to see what music has to offer them," Hendricks said.
Hendricks is a professional clarinetist who has played the clarinet for 20 years. She studied clarinet performance at Penn State University and received her master's and doctoral degrees in clarinet performance from the University of Cincinnati.
"Music changed the whole trajectory of my life. I never really thought of doing anything else. I started playing piano at three-years-old and then the clarinet when I was in fourth grade. Ever since I was in elementary school I knew I wanted to do something with music," Hendricks said.

Let your Mini Maestros explore elementary music with Hendricks on Jan. 15 and Jan. 29 from 10 – 10:45 a.m. at the Fairhope Public Library. Register for Mini Maestros or any of the Fairhope Library's youth programs on Eventbrite.

Here's a look at the other programs coming to libraries across Baldwin County in 2022:

Fairhope Public Library

Intro to Coding Basics
Various days in January
This class is an introduction to the concept of computer science including basic terminology and a little bit of computer science history. The classes are offered for grade second through 12th on various days. The course also meets Girl Scout Coding for Good badge requirements.

Convergence Discussion Group

Jan. 12 from 2-4 p.m.
This monthly group meets to discuss one topic across any media. This month's topic is Unusual Careers. A topic sheet can be picked up at the Circulation Desk.

Daphne Public Library

Family Board Game Night

Jan. 11 from 4-6 p.m.
Spend some quality time with your family over a board game. This family friendly event takes place every second Tuesday of the month. The library has a variety of games for ages five and up.

Cross Stitch Club
Jan. 19 from 2-3:30 p.m.

Cross stitch and meet new friends at the Cross Stitch Club. The group meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Bring your own project or stitch along with the group pattern. Supplies are provided for the group pattern.

Spanish Fort Public Library

Storytime with Ms. Shanlie
Jan. 11, Jan. 18, Jan. 25 at 10:30

Join Ms. Shanlie for songs, books, laughing and getting the wiggles out each Tuesday.

Foley Public Library

Adult Anime Club

Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.
Join in on the creation of the new Adult Anime Club. Bring a dinner or snack to eat and the library will provide cold drinks. The club is for those aged 17 and over. Enter the library through the back doors starting at 5:30 p.m.

Thomas B. Norton Public Library

Author Series 2022: Jan. 11, Jan. 18, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m.
The Thomas B. Norton Public Library's Author Series will host distinguished authors and presenters to discuss their works, other related topics and enjoy lively conversation. The first speaker is author Faye Makarsky who will discuss her book entitled "The Ancient Aviators of South Alabama."

Orange Beach Public Library

Winter Tech Classes
Jan. 10, Jan. 13, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m.
Orange Beach Public Library is offering free tech classes through February. The classes will build your tech knowledge. The classes cover entry level information such as iPhone basics, Android phone basics, cyber and online security and PC computer basics.

Full STEAM Ahead
Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.
Full STEAM Ahead invites kids to get hands-on with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in a fun and educational way. The group is open to children aged five and up. January's activity will be Perler bead creations.