The Joy of Lifelong Learning by Amelia Bainbridge
1. Free Online Courses: With your St. Thomas Public Library card, you get access to LinkedIn Learning and Creativebug, two platforms offering thousands of video courses. LinkedIn Learning covers everything from coding to communication skills, while Creativebug offers tutorials on painting, crafting, sewing, and more. 2. In-Person Programs: Connect with others and learn something new at programs like Tech Talk, Crafternoon, Teaching & Sharing Circles, or a Maker Lab session. From learning to use a 3D printer or laser cutter to hands-on crafting, these experiences build both skills and community. 3. Books: Reading is a fantastic way to expand your thinking and reduce screen time. Try a nonfiction book to build a new skill or explore a genre you haven’t read before to give your brain a workout. However you approach lifelong learning, enjoying the process can be just as rewarding as the skills you gain. In fact, the ability to keep learning might just be the most valuable skill of all. Hometown St. Thomas September Cover The Piano for Peace (more
For many of us who aren’t students, September brings nostalgia for the days when we tucked into a new school year and brought our attention back to learning. Cooler weather, a new set of binders, and a tidied-up desk signal a return to learning and the excitement of mastering something new. If you’re nostalgic for the learning scene, we have good news: There are many ways to keep learning, and for adults who are in the middle of our working lives or retirement, lifelong learning is very good for us in a few important ways:
FOR AS LITTLE AS $1 P 1. New Skills: Whether it’s mastering Excel, sewing your own clothes, or learning a new language, lifelong learning can give you practical skills to use in everyday life, at home or work. 2. Adapting to Change: As technologies like AI evolve rapidly, being a curious, consistent learner makes it easier to adapt and thrive in our quickly changing world.
3. Brain Health: Research shows that keeping our minds active helps maintain brain function and may delay cognitive decline. Plus, it just feels great to accomplish something new. Gaining a skill or understanding something unfamiliar can give you a real confidence boost! So, how can you keep learning throughout life? One option is to explore continuing education through colleges and universities, many of which offer part-time certificate and skills-upgrading programs. But if you’re looking for flexible, free options, St. Thomas Public Library has you covered! Here are a few ways to make the most of your library:
on pages 12-13) on display at Geerlinks Home Hardware. Photo by Geoff Rae
• • • * LDDKINli FDR A CHANGE? • * LDDKINli FDR A CHANGE? • WANT TO SAVE . e /. ? • CHEAPER THAN OTHER conPETITDRS • WANT TD SUPPORT LOCAL WITH A conPANY YOU CAN TRUST? WWW.ABODEHOMECOMFORT.COM S19-9S3-4821 • • LDDKINli FDR A CHANGE? • • WANT TO SAVE . e /. ? WANT TO SAVE . e /. ? • CHEAPER THAN OTHER conPETITDRS • WANT TD SUPPORT LOCAL WITH A conPANY YOU CAN TRUST? WWW.ABODEHOMECOMFORT.COM S19-9S3-4821 • • CHEAPER THAN OTHER conPETITDRS • WANT TD SUPPORT LOCAL WITH A conPANY YOU CAN TRUST? WWW.ABODEHOMECOMFORT.COM S19-9S3-4821 • • • WANT TO SAVE . e /. ? • CHEAPER THAN OTHER conPETITDRS • WANT TD SUPPORT LOCAL WITH A conPANY YOU CAN TRUST? WWW.ABODEHOMECOMFORT.COM S19-9S3-4821 • • * LDDKINli FDR A CHANGE? •
FOR AS LITTLE AS $1 PER DAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $1 PER DAY
FOR AS LITTLE AS $1 PER DAY
Page 38 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2025
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@VillagerPublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs