8 Ways Your Library Can Ignite Your New Year’s Resolutions

The holiday season can feel like closing the door on one chapter of life and opening another to embrace new beginnings. Many people create a list of goals to check off in the New Year—wellness, hobbies, finances, and more. Thankfully, your neighborhood library can help you get started!

Out with the Old, in with the New

New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to embrace fresh starts, explore different interests, overcome challenges, or improve upon well-established skills. Public libraries are valuable resources for tackling resolutions in an affordable and accessible manner. Many branches provide office supplies, research materials, and, of course, books to help you start the New Year with a bang!

1. Get More Active

Exercising regularly or trying a new sport are common New Year’s goals. Instead of a gym membership, consider looking into your library’s wellness programs, as some offer in-person and virtual classes. If your local library doesn’t offer courses, it will undoubtedly have wellness books, DVDs, and streaming services like Hoopla, which have a wide selection of guided exercise videos. Some libraries even allow patrons to check out wellness items, such as bikes, equipment, and gear.

2. Learn a New Skill

If you’ve been interested in trying something new or expanding your current hobbies, the library has a lot to offer! One highlight is language-learning software such as Mango Languages, which many libraries offer for free. Some libraries also house makerspaces—centers where creatives come together to work with unique tools, such as 3D printers. Librarians or other community members may also host clubs focused on particular hobbies, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

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3. Reduce Stress

Libraries have always been vital community centers, including for mental health. While they should never replace mental health professionals, many offer resources to lead patrons in the right direction. For example, some libraries offer free access to mental health apps typically blocked by paywalls. The Norfolk Public Library in Virginia has a mental health podcast hosted by a professional counselor. Speak to your librarian about their mental health resources; you may be surprised by what they provide!

4. Get More Involved in Your Community

If one of your New Year’s goals is to get more involved with your community, there’s no better place to start than the library! Some libraries are entirely volunteer-run; thus, an easy way to give back to the community is by helping out at the library itself. If you’re interested in other volunteer opportunities, speak with your librarian, browse your library’s website, or check for community announcements.

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5. Improve Your Finances

If financial management is at the top of your New Year’s resolution list, consider exploring your library’s resources. Similarly, if you’re going through a period of financial insecurity, your library is there to support you. Most, if not all, library services are free, including computer access, office supplies, and wifi. Some devote entire portions of the facility or programming to financial management, including opportunities for community members to meet with financial advisors.

6. Advance Your Career

With the right tools and guidance, your neighborhood library could become your next university. Job seekers can also greatly benefit from library resources, especially when they have exclusive access to databases otherwise blocked by paywalls. For example, many libraries host classes on career advancement. Some also offer mock interviews and networking workshops to help community job seekers. Freelancers and entrepreneurs may especially enjoy free access to community rooms, business librarians, and library materials covering small business topics.

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7. Learn to Cook

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, cooking is an important life skill that you can practice at the library. Of course, patrons can check out cookbooks to try their hand at cooking at home. However, people interested in learning more can explore opportunities such as in-person or virtual cooking classes. Alternatively, cookbook book clubs allow community members to socialize while discovering delicious new recipes.

8. Read More Books

Life gets busy! For some, diving back into reading is enough of a goal on its own. There’s no better place than an entire building full of books, all free to borrow—perfect if you’re finally ready to tackle your TBR pile. If reading is challenging, consider trying out other options, such as audiobooks or graphic novels. Resources like Libby give you free access to audiobooks and e-readers with your library card. Many libraries also host book clubs for individuals who wish to share their love of reading with fellow community members.

The New Year is a chance to start fresh, step outside your comfort zone, and pursue new ambitions. Visit your nearest library branch to get a head start on your resolutions and achieve your goals!

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