By May Zhee Lim, Markets Media Life Correspondent

Make a New Year’s resolution to learn something new, then head on over to Brooklyn Brainery and sign up for a class. Started by people who were tired of paying exorbitant prices for education in the city, the Brainery is committed to hosting affordable, no-frills classes in Prospect Heights. They offer lessons on just about anything, describing themselves as “book club on steroids.”

Whether it’s something you can make in the kitchen (Thai food) or a useful skill to have today (making websites) or even a more academic subject (the history of Royal Scotland), you’re likely to find something that interests you at the Brainery. Classes are typically one or two weeks long, and the Brainery welcomes suggestions on what people would like to see taught at the center. Some of their more popular classes are offered monthly, like lessons on dumpling making, an introduction to tapestry weaving, and an improv class that’s not just for actors and comedians.

You don’t have to be a world-renowned expert to teach a class, but you do have to be enthusiastic about what you teach. While some of the classes are taught by professionals, there are also hobbyists and people who want to further explore their topic of interest through teaching (much like the people who take classes at the Brainery). The one thing the classes have in common is their laid back, fun, and participatory environment.

Brooklyn Brainery is located at 190 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238.