New Year’s resolutions @ your library

CHICAGO – When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, we all know how difficult it can be to get them started, much less keep them going throughout the year. While resolutions are fresh in people’s minds, the library is a resource they can use to kick off the New Year right.



Here are just a few examples of how libraries across the country are helping their communities start and succeed in attaining their New Year’s resolutions goals.



A common New Year’s resolution is to get in shape and lose some of the excess weight we have gained with the help of holiday cookies and parties. The Onondaga County Public Library of Syracuse, N.Y. offers yoga classes as part of its Explore health and fitness @ your library. Open to adults of all ages and yoga experiences, the library hosts a free hour-long session with a certified yoga specialist for five weeks. The Roselle (Ill.) Public Library takes a different approach to Fitness and Diet Resources @ your library through its YouTube video discussing the variety of materials the library offers to patrons looking to slim down and get healthy, including exercise DVDs, workout guides and healthy cookbooks.



Another resolution that seems to be a byproduct of the holiday season is saving money. The Houston Public Library’s More Money @ your library program offers a series of financial literacy classes for adults, children and teens. Class participants will learn about budgeting, savings, banking and checking basics and identity theft. The library has also created a space on its website that includes suggested reading lists, books, periodicals and databases, class schedules, links to other community resources and self-guided education modules available in both Spanish and English.



The Brookfield (Ill.) Public Library offers Volunteer @ your library for library users who have resolved to give back during the New Year. The website features listings for each of the library’s volunteer positions, responsibilities and qualifications.



A popular resolution among families is to spend more quality time together. The Campaign for America’s Libraries’ Connect with your kids @ your library campaign encourages just that idea. Check out the Connect with your kids @ your library librarian toolkit for ideas on how you can promote your library and library resources to families looking to spend more quality time together in the New Year.



The Campaign for America’s Libraries is ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible by ALA’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations.