All Library locations will be closing early at 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 31 and remain closed Thursday, January 1, for New Year's.
The end of an old year — and the start of a new one — offers an opportunity for a fresh beginning.
Many people make a list of New Year’s goals focused on health, exercise, or diet. Others set intentions for their money, relationships, hobbies, work, or career.Whatever you’ve got on your mind in the new year, the Library is here to help you tackle everyday challenges, reach your goals, and explore new interests.
For example, winter is a great time to prepare for spring planting. Whether you’ve tried that before or it’s uncharted territory, check out flower and vegetable seeds, gardening books, and cookbooks at the Ruiz Branch’s Seed Library.
If you want to dig into new hobbies, the Library has you covered there, too. From art classes to book clubs to writing classes at different branches, brush up on old skills or learn something unfamiliar.
But it can feel nerve-wracking to try something new. You might feel uncomfortable stepping out of your comfort zone.
The Library’s Kathleen Kennedy, a career and personal finance specialist who connects patrons to job search resources, says this time of year invites us to pause and reflect.
“The new year is a great time to step back, take a look, and figure out: Have I stayed too long in my current position? Do I want to try a whole other area?” Kennedy says. “And so, with that sometimes comes: Do I need new education or short-term training?”
Sometimes just showing up takes a lot of effort.
Luke Welsh, who teaches sessions of Tai Chi and Qi Gong at the Plaza Branch, says he welcomes participants of all ages. In general, he says, Tai Chi is accessible, slow-moving, and easy for first-timers to follow.
“It’s a nice way for people to meditate, but also move at the same time. It’s not so hard as just sitting and meditating,” Welsh says. “It checks several boxes at once: exercising and breathing and community.”
He adds, “So I would just say, ‘Come and have fun.’”
If fitness is on your to-do list, the Bluford Branch hosts NickiFit classes. Stop by at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays for a 200 Tough Workout to build muscle or at 6 p.m. on Thursdays for Mixxed Fit classes to dance and tone with weights.
Boost memory and problem-solving skills at the North-East Branch every third Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Game Night. Play some games at open tables, or check one out to take home.
Test your knowledge about national parks, Academy Awards, and Earth Day, among other topics, at Trivia Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Branch.
And, by popular demand, the Central Library’s 101 series is moving to Saturdays at 2 p.m. Look for a wide range of sessions on using Library resources, repairing clothes, registering to vote, and more.
Stop by your nearest Library – or visit us online – to start your new year right.
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eBook Collections
Get immediate access to new-to-you eBooks through hoopla or Libby.
Films
Explore a movie you’ve never seen before through our streaming video service Kanopy, or check one out from the Library.