If you’re hoping to be happier, healthier, or more inspired in 2020, your library can help. Here are five ways your library can help you achieve your goals in the new year:
1. Save money
With free access to books, movies, music, and more, your library lets you cut entertainment costs without sacrificing the media you love. Plus, many libraries offer financial literacy resources and programs to help with budgeting, navigating tax season, and other key skills for managing your money. To see how much cash your library can save you in a given year, check out our interactive Library Value Calculator.
2. Eat healthier
Tired of takeout? Your library’s cookbook collection is filled with inspiring recipe ideas to get you excited about cooking more at home; at some libraries, you can also check out specialty kitchen supplies to upgrade your home cooking set-up without breaking the bank. Many libraries also offer cooking lessons, nutrition classes, and even community gardens to help people living in food deserts access fresh, seasonal produce.
3. Learn a new skill
Your library is the perfect place to start pursuing a new hobby or talent. If you’re interested in tech, try a library coding class or stop by a makerspace to expand your STEM knowledge; for arts and crafts lovers, libraries offer workshops on knitting, painting, and more. Your library’s electronic resource collection may even let you learn a new skill from the comfort of your home, through language learning apps and software tutorials available to library cardholders.
4. Boost your career
Your library can help you upgrade your resume through free training in key skills for the job market; many libraries also provide workshops for perfecting your cover letter and preparing for interviews. If you’re looking to strike out on your own, libraries offer key resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners, including “business bootcamp” programs and access to patent research and business planning software.
5. Read more
Libraries are a treasure trove for bibliophiles of all stripes, with collections ranging across genres, formats, and reading levels. Whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, eBooks or audiobooks, your library has a vast array of options worth exploring in 2020. If you’re not sure which titles to start with, try asking library staff for a personalized recommendation, or join a library book club to read alongside your community.
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