2011 - Are You Kidding Me?

I can't believe that 2011 is almost here.

So once again it's time to make those New Year's resolutions.

Every year I make them, but I usually don't go back and review them to see if I accomplished what I planned.

So, in 2010, did I do what I said I was going to do? Let's see...

2010 Resolution #1. Lose weight.

No.

2010 Resolution #2. Exercise more.

Nope.

2010 Resolution #3. Pay more attention to my husband.

Oops.

2010 Resolution #4. Watch less TV.

Ouch.

2010 Resolution #5. Cut down on visits to Woodinville for wine tasting.

Uh-uh...that's no for "I can't believe how badly this is going."

2010 Resolution #6. Stop spending so much on clothes.

OK, you know what? This isn't working. Let's try something else.



At the end of 2009, I blogged about my library-related New Year's resolutions, so let's review those and see if I did any better.

A Librarian's New Year's Resolutions for 2010

Make every patron feel welcome?

Yes, I think I did that and will continue to do that, except maybe for that guy doing his back exercises in the men's room who is getting on my nerves so I might not say hello to him. I'm only human.

Give all patrons' questions my undivided attention?

Yes, and I will go one further. I will not only answer their questions, but also ask questions and engage them, so they will know I care and am happy to see them.

Continue to provide programs the community wants and needs?
Yes - 9 people have become U.S. citizens since we started our citizenship classes a year ago, our "Reading with Rover" program continues to delight our new readers and our beginning computer classes have waiting lists. I will continue to provide programs that will enhance our community's desire for lifelong learning and that help the community's children get ready to be successful in school.




Handle building issues with good humor?
Well, sort of. But why is it that I am always wearing a cute new outfit when an emergency cleanup is needed in the men's room? They didn't tell us about that stuff in library school.

Read more?
Yep.

Support my staff?
I hope they think I do.

Share my enthusiasm about a librarian's work?
Daily -- and I think my biggest testament to this is the fact that my only daughter wants to follow in her old mom's footsteps and is currently in library school at the University of Washington.

So what about 2011?

I want to continue what I resolved for 2010 and add these:

I resolve to not only accept change but to welcome it enthusiastically.
A new computer system is coming in March. Though it will be so much better than our current one, there will be a learning curve for staff and customers alike. I will keep a cool head, learn everything I can, and patiently and cheerfully teach our customers how to get the most out of it.

I resolve to continue to provide services to the community in the most innovative and responsive ways possible and to make our library a destination for adults and young children alike.

I resolve to "sharpen my saw"
-to grow as a leader, network with the community, keep learning, and to share with all who will listen that their library is one of those things that is right with the world.

How will you hold me to these?

Well, you will just have to come to the library frequently to check it out.

Or invite me to talk to your group about what the library can do for you.

Or when you see me in the community, tell me what you would like to see the library doing.

Or ask our teen and children's librarians to visit your classroom to inspire your students to read and connect with the library.

Or call us for help when you have a question.

Or check out all the cool features on our web site.

And my personal resolutions for 2011?
#1. Lose weight.
#2. Exercise more
#3. Pay more attention to my husband
#4. Watch less TV
#5. Lay off the Woodinville wine tasting trips
#6. Stop buying clothes

Sigh. Here we go again.

Best wishes for a happy and productive New Year from us to you!