Library Research: Making @ FCPL: DIY Now

Online Databases

Auto Repair Source
Provides updated service and repair information from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to help users diagnose problems, and repair and maintain most makes and models of vehicle as far back as 1974, including step-by-step instructions, maintenance schedules, parts information and prices, labor time and cost estimates, technical service bulletins and recalls, specifications and standards, and diagrams. (Formerly AutoMate)
Home Improvement Reference Center
Browse or search through this comprehensive collection of books, magazines, images, and videos for help with home maintenance, remodeling, electrical work, plumbing, home decorating, gardening and outdoor improvements, and wood projects.
Small Engine Repair Reference Center
Provides repair and maintenance information for all types of small engines, with a full collection of Clymer repair manuals and other full-text reference books with images and illustrations for over 25 years of engine models, including air-cooled engines, boat motors and personal watercraft, ATVs and motorcycles, and outdoor power equipment and generators.

LinkedIn Learning Courses (Formerly Lynda.com)

LinkedIn Learning is a database of video courses available free for cardholders. Below are some examples of courses available for learning after logging into the site with your library card. Courses can be saved to "My Library" and are broken down into small chunks so you can watch at your own pace.

Learning Digital Painting
Whether you are a traditional painter looking to transition to digital work or you have never picked up a brush, learn the essential concepts and skills you need to become a digital painter.
Learning Photography Skills
Whether you're a hobbyist, enthusiast, or an aspiring pro, discover the tools and best practices you need to take professional, high-quality photographs. This learning path teaches the basics of photography, including composition, lighting, and exposure.
Designing a Comic Book
From the basics of character development and design to courses on page layout, penciling, coloring, storyboarding, and lettering, this comprehensive learning path will provide you with tools to create a dynamic comic book.
Playing Piano and Keyboards
Trying the piano or keyboard has never been easier! You can begin with the basics of keyboard-based instruments and then expand your knowledge with courses in jazz improvisation and songwriting techniques.
Playing the Guitar
If you've ever thought of picking up the guitar, these courses can help get you started on the path to guitar mastery. Learn the basics of acoustic and electric guitar, then expand your musical knowledge by concentrating on specific musical styles and intermediate lessons to build skill and confidence.
Graphic Design
Do you want to make your flyers, work documents, or webpages stand out or convey information better? Try this learning path to learn more about graphic design. Some of our library staff have enjoyed this course.

Universal Class Courses

These courses are all available through Universal Class. Create an account with your library card to access the content.

Bread Baking 101
Bread baking can seem daunting, but with this easy-to-follow course guide, you will be able to uncover the mysteries of bread baking without any of the fear. You will learn the proper utensils and instruments necessary for each task, what ingredients to store in your kitchen, and which techniques to make each bread baking task run smoothly.
Candle Making 101
This course will open up for you the amazing array of possibilities that exist in your pursuit to create beautiful, functional, and sweet smelling candles. From basic molded and container designs, through the wonders of ice, chunk, votive, and the all-mysterious floating candles, you'll learn the easiest and safest ways to work with wax, wicks, and molds.
How to Can, Freeze, Dry and Preserve Food
In this course you will learn about the tradition of canning and preserving, how to get started, deciding what to can and preserve, the various methods of canning and preserving (such as freezing, canning, drying, smoking, etc.), water bath and pressure canning, tools of the trade, as well as how to make jams and jellies, condiments, and even your own beverages. You will learn how to can your own juices, water and more! In addition to all this, you will learn how to preserve herbs, meats, seafood, and can and preserve for special diets, such as those following low salt, low or no sugar, and sulfite-free.
Knitting 101
This course is designed to teach beginners the basics of knitting but it is also useful to those knitters that might need a refresher class. Whether you have just a little or no knowledge of knitting – this course is for you. Eleven lessons provide history, discussion of the tools, how to read and understand patterns and color charts, and of course how to start knitting. This course will finish up with some simple knitting projects to practice and complete.
Sewing 101
Sewing your own garments is really not as difficult as it may sound. This course will take you through the very basic elements of fabric choice, how to decipher the pattern envelope and instructions inside, getting to know your sewing machine and how to begin expanding your wardrobe by sewing your own clothing, or clothing for your family.
Soap Making 101
With or without any experience you will learn the foundations of soap making: the history behind the craft; basic melt and pour techniques, popular cold-process methods; how to create your own recipes (using a simple set formula); how to create signature soaps, basic aromatherapy, special soaps and what to do when your recipes need a little fine tuning.

Making @ FCPL

Online Databases

LinkedIn Learning Courses (Formerly Lynda.com)

Universal Class Courses

Recommended Magazines

Popular Mechanics

PC Magazine

Cook's Illustrated

Woodworker's Journal

Taste of Home