The library is for more than books and quiet reading.

At the Hall County Library in Gainesville, the start of the new year also signals the start of new programs that provide lessons in everything from horseback riding to ways to declutter a home.

“Not a lot of people recognize all the library has to offer,” Marion Hunter of the Hall County Library said. “We try to have programs throughout the year that touch on different interests.”

Beginning Tuesday, community members can learn the basics of horsemanship, breeds and horse care from Ashley Marascalco, a trainer and instructor at Garland Farms. The free class will run once a month for three months, Hunter said.

“Some things she’ll teach are about the seat and how it’s used properly and how to exercise the horse,” Hunter said. “At the end of the third class in March, she may plan to have an actual riding lesson.”

Hunter said the library classes generally attract a broad range of people, from young to old and across genders.

“You wouldn’t think that for a jewelry-making class men would be too interested. But we had them come in,” Hunter said. “They make a different kind of jewelry of course, with a masculine bent.”

Hunter said over the years, the library has aimed at meeting 21st century needs, alongside the traditional book-lending services. As well as programs, the library offers online courses for SAT prep, language learning and several others. People can select from over 80 languages which can be accessed from the library or at home online.

“All they need is a library card,” Hunter said.

Other programs coming up this month include paper crafting, card making and calligraphy.

Hunter said all of the programs are free, but supplies may need to be purchased.