Resources for Your New Year’s Resolutions

Written by SARAH NADEAU

Anew year is a fresh start, a clean slate, an opportunity to reflect on all that’s changed in the past 365 days and what you hope to accomplish in the next 364. It’s a time to post that adorable NYE selfie with #NewYearNewMe! That “new me” might have a renewed focus on lifestyle changes for health and wellness, personal development and strengthening relationships, or specific educational or professional goals.

Some of those resolutions pan out better than others once the realities of post-holiday busy-ness set in despite our best intentions. The ball has dropped in Times Square but that doesn’t mean you have to drop the ball in 2023. Your library is here to help support you on your way to creating intentional and meaningful change all year long.

I’m finally going to focus on my health this year!

Your wellness journey is personal. Whatever getting healthier means to you, the library has a variety of resources for your information needs. Use your library card to access our health databases, like MedlinePlus and Magill’s Medical Guide, to learn about medical news, medicines, biology, procedures, and beyond from trusted sources. Borrow cookbooks and exercise guides to help establish new habits. Find guided meditations and more on demand with eLibrary services. Enjoy our StoryWalk in City Park with your kids or grandkids to get active together.

I want to learn more about my family and myself!

A lot of people utilize family genealogical research to better understand their families’ journeys, and, along the way, they learn more about themselves than expected. Family research is also a great way to connect with family members near and far as you share interesting stories from a shared past. If you want to learn more about yourself, getting engaged in the community and meeting new people at library programs is also a great way to do so. If you want to learn even more about yourself as a citizen of the world, you can even get a passport at the Fletcher Branch Library.

I want to learn new skills!

What do you want to learn? You can learn it here. Practice a new language, build a business plan as you earn a Grow With Google certification, take practice exams for a specialty license, and more. Check out DVDs of historical lectures or baking tutorials. Attend meetings to learn about what’s happening in the community. Get hands-on learning experience with crafting library programs, technology assistance appointments, or financial literacy classes, to name a few.

You can do whatever you set your mind to, and Washington County Free Library is here to support you along the way. Happy new year! See you soon!

Sarah Nadeau is the community partnerships librarian at the Washington County Free Library.