New Year, New Adventures

A round ornament shape, studded with multi-colored lights, reads Happy New Year - 2025 all in pink.

by Sahana C.

As we flip our calendars to the new year, we set goals for ourselves, knowingly or unknowingly. Maybe this is the year we decide to learn to sew, or we plan a dream vacation to somewhere where people speak a different language. Whether you’re dreaming of picking up a new hobby, improving your skills, or simply finding more time for yourself, the library can help you make those resolutions stick. No matter your goal, there are more than a few ways Howard County Library System can be a part of your “something new” this year.

A Linked In Learning ad that shows a person standing by a desk, with a calendar and a clock behind them, and a dog under the desk. It reads: 1: Set a learning goal. 2. Creat a plan. 3. Knock it out of the park!

Ready to master the art of sourdough, learn Spanish, or tackle coding? Our online resources have you covered. With platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and Gale Courses, you can dive into everything from baking to business analytics — at your own pace and for free!

If moving more is on your list, we’ve got tools to keep you motivated. Check out our collection of fitness books, yoga DVDs, and meditation guides for some free inspiration. Or, stream workout videos through digital resources like Hoopla and Kanopy.l

Maybe you’ve resolved to read more this year (or just read at all). Our monthly book clubs, personalized recommendations from your friendly local librarians, decorated displays, and endless supply of audiobooks, eBooks, and physical titles are great places to start.

Or, perhaps, you want to figure out what’s going on with all this tech. Digital devices can help you work smarter, not harder, but learning them takes time. Our classes on topics like 3D printing, social media, and generative AI will make you feel like a tech pro in no time, and if you want to start at an intro level, you can book time with one of our incredible instructors for a tech one-on-one.

It’s not just about the goals you set — it’s about the people you meet along the way. Whether you’re attending a craft workshop, exploring local history, or seeing us out in the community, you’ll find spaces to connect and share your journey.

At the library, we believe every year is a chance to grow, create, and connect. No matter what your resolution looks like, we’re ready to help you turn “I’ll try” into “I did it!” Visit your local branch or explore our website to get started. We can’t wait to see what you achieve this year!

An old fashioned wooden signpost with arrows reads Get Uncomfortable or Change Course. A desert highway appears in the background.

Set Up Your Business for Success
For adults. Register now.
Kelvin Abrams, author of Get Uncomfortable or Change Course: Understanding What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur, helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs learn what it takes to run a small business, providing solid advice to achieve their goals and be more successful. A powerful storyteller, Kelvin draws on his experience and uses a variety of insightful anecdotes to share his message. He explains the need to get creative in the face of change, the importance of a solid business plan, how to hire employees, how to work with banks, and more.
Mon, Jan 13 | 6 – 7:30 pm
HCLS East Columbia Branch

Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.

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