Live Your Best Life in 2019 with Library Resources

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

With the beginning of a new year comes the renewed commitment to shake up our usual routines. We tell ourselves we’re going to learn a new skill, take a class or two, strive to get exposed to diverse and different ideas, make healthier choices, take risks in personal and professional lives… an ambitious list of life-changing activities. Luckily, the Library is an ideal starting point to help you turn your New Year’s resolutions into real results.
 

Make it a bookish 2019

No list of Library-provided New Year’s resolutions would be complete without a suggestion to add more books to your life. Looking to hang out with other literature lovers? Join a Library book group. Read books by authors from different cultures or with different viewpoints from your own. Try out different reading formats like eBooks or digital audiobooks. Get reading recommendations by using the NoveList digital resource, browse reading lists in our catalog, or have one of the Library's reading experts build you a custom list using our new Shelf Help service.
   


Take a seat in the digital classroom

Time and cost are always factors when it comes to coursework or lifelong learning. But with the Library’s digital offerings, you can develop skills on your own time, at your own pace, and even while at home sitting on your own couch. Your Library card gives you FREE access to well-known educational and skill-building resources like Lynda.com or Universal Class. Prepare for entrance exams and certification tests by taking practice tests and tutorials through LearningExpress Library. Students can get online homework help with BrainFuse. And the Library, in partnership with Literacy Kansas City and the Mid-Continent Public Library, offers Career Online High School, a fully accredited online program for adults who want to earn their high school diplomas. (Check out this past piece on the first COHS class.)
   

Learn a new language or improve literacy skills

Try out Pronunciator, a digital resource that offers phrase tutorials for over 80 languages. Courses are available for English speakers or for native speakers of 50 other languages. You can access Pronunciator on your computer or mobile device. The Library also offers classes for English as a Second Language (ESL) as well as English classes where you can learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and usage. 
   

C'mon, get healthy

Targeting a healthier lifestyle? Many Library locations offer health and fitness classes for all levels and abilities. If you’re conducting more in-depth research on medicine and nutrition, we offer a number of digital resources for exploring a wide range of topics. And if you want to raise your healthy cooking game in the coming year, a good way to start is by browsing the collection of healthy cookbooks available in our catalog.
   

Take your tech skills to the next level

Whether you have questions about computer basics or want tips on better ways to use your smartphone or tablet, the Library’s Tech Access program can be a valuable source of help. You can even make an appointment to meet with a Tech Coach for a one-on-one session. The Library also offers regular drop-in sessions at many of our locations that cover everything from general computer or digital device operations to specific software or programs.
   

It's business time

If this is the year you want to start your long-dreamed-of entrepreneurial venture or simply explore ways to grow your career, the Library’s H&R Block Business Center is a great place to start. Whether it’s job searching or professional development, getting help writing a business plan, or connecting with other entrepreneurship resources, our staff can offer assistance and guidance. The Block Center also provides tips on managing finances and building other financial literacy skills through its Money Matters resources. An extensive collection of digital databases is also available to the business-minded.  
   

Join the community of the curious

Feed your hunger for current events, social issues, history, culture, and other topics by attending a Library signature event. Select programs are also available to watch online and many can be accessed through digital audio recordings. Get your art fix at the Central Library by visiting its galleries and special exhibits. And children and families can enjoy a regular lineup of outstanding activities and story times.
   


Continue supporting your Library

Our commitment to our patrons in the coming year is to keep providing Kansas City with all the vital materials, resources, and programs that you’ve come to expect from us – in addition to finding new and innovative ways to better serve everyone in our community. We’re grateful for the support, and, if you want to help us do even more, we invite you to get involved by making a financial gift, volunteering at the Library, or becoming a Friend of the Library.  
 





 
Resources
Digital Services
Education
Health and Wellness
Signature Events
Readers Services
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tech Access