A Library Blogger's New Year's Resolutions

Sigh.

It’s that time again when many of us make resolutions to be better in some way, whether it’s eating better, losing weight, dropping that bad habit or spending less. It’s not difficult to come up with something but very difficult to change.

But nevertheless, here are mine.

The last time I wrote a blog featuring nattily dressed canines, there were comments from readers that my blogs were starting to scare them, so I have resolved to stop using wise-cracking babies and dogs in costumes as a cheap way of getting a laugh, and instead, will work to be more serious about the topic at hand: the greatness of the public library.

I also plan to eat better, lose weight, drop a bad habit and spend less. Right.

But for those of you who either don’t make resolutions or need a little help coming up with something really good and original, I thought I would give you some help.

So Dear Reader, here are some very good resolutions from which you can choose.

Pick at least three and I promise you, your life will be changed for the better.

• “Book a Librarian” to help you download free e-books for your Kindle, Nook, IPad or other device. Or to learn how to use our library web page, place holds on items you want, do research and more. This is a free one-on-one service. Just call us or come in to set up an appointment.

• Bring your child or grandchild to our Family Night at the Library , which features "Reading with Rover," where your child can read to a loving and “interested” canine (not wearing a costume). Also "Saturdays at the Library" feature quality programming provided by our Friends of the Library. Check us out on a Saturday. "There's Always Something Going On!"

•If you don’t have a library card, get one. It’s free and is your ticket to so much: free DVDs, computer usage, and databases where you can find car repair information, genealogical research, newspapers and much more, all from the convenience of your own home. And you can't find this free on the Internet. We purchase this information for you.

• Speaking of DVDs, why pay a service for them when you can check out 10 DVDs at a time at the library for free? We have the latest releases and you can place your requests online via our web page.

• Never got around to learning how to use a computer? Sign up for our free computer classes and learn how to use a mouse, find what you need on the Internet, use your email effectively, send attachments, copy and paste, all those things that have you stumped. And if you are a job hunter, we have a class highlighting job hunting resources on the Internet, as well as a laptop you can use in the library for as long as you need to.

• Need help preparing your tax return? We partner with the AARP every year to help people fill out their tax returns. The service is free by appointment. And we have tax forms too!

• Know anyone who will be taking the citizenship test? We provide a 5-week course to help people pass the U.S. citizenship test.

• New in town and want to meet your fellow residents? Join us for one of our free movie showings or join one of our book groups – one is a “foodie” group where participants read a book about food and then bring food inspired by the book to the meeting to share. Yum.

• Is your little one just starting to read? We have books especially focused on new readers. And our baby and family story times are designed to help your little one succeed in kindergarten.

• Have a slow Internet connection or no Internet? Free computer usage is available at the library, and if you have a laptop, we also provide free Wi Fi. Rumor has it that our Wi Fi projects out into our parking lot for after hours access. Almost like a drive-in. Remember those?

This is just a taste of what awaits you at the library if you resolve to make your life better this year.

So get yourself to the library and start on those resolutions!



Old habits die hard.

I'll start mine tomorrow!