Minitex and Craft & Hobby Partner to Expand Digital Learning in Midwest

The collaboration integrates Craft & Hobby’s extensive library of instructional videos into the digital offerings managed by Minitex, the resource-sharing arm of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the University of Minnesota Libraries. Patrons can explore more than 20 creative disciplines, ranging from woodworking and photography to knitting and culinary arts. The content is designed to support both independent, self-paced learning at home and structured community programming within library walls.

TN Marketing CEO Cal Franklin noted that the initiative leverages the role of libraries as essential community anchors, providing accessible skill-based education to a wide demographic. Maggie Snow, director of Minitex, emphasized that the partnership bridges the gap between traditional digital literacy and creative expression, offering a curated alternative for students, educators, and hobbyists alike. By embedding these resources into the eLibrary Minnesota network, the organizations intend to sustain long-term engagement with modern digital tools for personal enrichment.