Set a goal. We’ll help you achieve it!
New Year’s resolutions become much easier—and more fun—when you don’t have to tackle them alone. At BCPL, you have access to friendly, knowledgeable staff who can guide you to the right resources, events, and next steps. We’re here to help you get started, stay motivated, and keep moving forward.
Whether you’re exploring a new hobby, aiming for healthier habits, building your skills, managing your money, or preparing for the next step in your career, the Library is ready to support your journey. And your library card is one of the most powerful tools you have—unlocking resources to help you crush your goal one step, one resource, and one small victory at a time.
GOAL #1: Explore a New Hobby or Skill
Try something new, discover a passion, or finally dig into a hobby you’ve always wondered about.
Get Started:
- Jump into creative experiences at New Year, New Hobby events throughout January.
- Experiment with hands-on crafts at Artsy Evenings, Art Lab, Craft Circle, Crafting with Gayle, and Teen Crafternoon.
- Learn to paint at events like Color & Canvas, Mocktails & Masterpieces, and Paint & Sip Night.
- Learn an instrument with ArtistWorks—and pair your lessons with Library of Things instruments you can borrow at no cost.
- Improve your cooking skills at culinary events including Level Up: Cooking Skills for young adults (16–25) and Knife Skills & Meal Thrills for teens.
- Learn a new language with Mango Languages, perfect for travelers, students, and lifelong learners.
- Begin your family history journey with our Getting Started with Genealogy class—or visit Sarah in the Local History Room at Central Library for an introduction to our resources.
- Use the Maker Lab and Digital Media Lab to practice photography, audio/video production, 3D printing, and design.
- Sample new interests with GO! Totes like Space Exploration, Louisville for Foodies, Knitting & Crochet, and more.
Stick with It:
- Keep dropping in for recurring arts and creativity programs to build your skills over time.
- Showcase your creativity—the Youth Art Gallery returns in March, and artists of all ages can apply to display work in our exhibit spaces.
- Level up your practice using the Creativebug BingePass, The Great Courses, and other online learning tools available with your library card.
- Set seasonal challenges—a new recipe, a new craft, a new instrument piece, or a new language milestone—to keep your momentum going.
GOAL #2: Read More & Learn More
Read more books, try new genres, or learn about something that excites you.
Get Started:
- Get personalized reading suggestions. Ask staff for recommendations or request a Personalized Reading List—tell us what you enjoy, and we’ll curate a custom list just for you.
- Request a Book Bundle. Enjoy 3–5 handpicked books (and optional movies) on a shared theme—selected by staff for readers of all ages.
- Follow us on Facebook or Instagram. We share new book alerts a few times each month so you’ll know when the most buzzworthy titles hit our shelves.
- Subscribe to NextReads Newsletters. Get fresh book recommendations emailed straight to you—organized by genre and interest areas like Mystery, Teen Scene, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Biography, Healthy Living, Romance, and more.
- Browse curated displays or explore themed GO! Totes to discover new authors and topics.
- Use discovery tools like NoveList and TeachingBooks to find read-alikes, booklists, author insights, and more.
- Try audiobooks to fit reading into busy days. Hoopla and Libby are both compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto!
Stick with It:
- Join a BCPL book club to make reading social and stay motivated.
- Deepen your learning with documentaries and lectures through Kanopy, Hoopla, and The Great Courses.
- Participate in seasonal reading challenges or set your own monthly goals.
- Sign up for Beanstack and try the app. Track your reading with the Minute Tracker—and starting in March, ages 18+ can join our annual Book Binge challenge!
GOAL #3: Strengthen Your Connections
Spend more quality time with family and friends—or make new ones.
Get Started:
- Plan a fun family day at the library. Explore new books together, discover hands-on activities in the children’s area, try something new in the Maker Lab, or simply enjoy time together in a welcoming space.
- Build instant group experiences with GO! Totes like Date Night, Hunt a Killer, and Jumanji Escape Room.
- Boost your next game night with friends or family by shopping our board game collection.
- Join us for Family Game Night or Family Bingo—a relaxed, laughter-filled way to connect with kids, siblings, or friends.
- Celebrate together at special events like the Disney Sing-Along Spectacular—coming to Central Library on January 24th.
- Find your people at social programs such as Active 55+, Adult Game Night, Anime Club, Coffee Chats, Memory Café, and True Crime Chat.
Stick with It:
- Make library visits part of your routine, whether it’s a monthly game night, a monthly event, or a standing family outing.
- Build your community by returning to your favorite programs and exploring new ones together.
- Create new traditions using GO! Totes, seasonal events, or your favorite recurring programs.
GOAL #4: Take Care of Your Health (Body & Mind)
Move more, reduce stress, or develop healthier routines.
Get Started:
- Attend fitness classes like Chair Yoga, Gentle Stretch, and Senior Strength Training.
- Borrow health-related GO! Totes or fitness tools from the Library of Things.
- Monitor your blood pressure in the library or with a checkout device (also in the Library of Things).
Stick with It:
- Explore Universal Class courses on nutrition, emotional health, and stress management.
- Use Hoopla and Kanopy for guided workouts and mindfulness videos.
- Refresh your goals each season with new books, classes, or tools.
GOAL #5: Build Financial Confidence
Create a budget, save more consistently, reduce debt, or begin investing.
Get Started:
Stick with It:
- Build and refine your budget using Excel or Google Sheets—staff can help you learn.
- Revisit money workshops throughout the year.
- Set quarterly financial check-ins using library resources as your guide.
GOAL #6: Build Your Computer & Technology Skills
Get more comfortable with computers, software, or digital communication.
Get Started:
- Schedule one-on-one tech help with a librarian, or drop by—or call!—any location for quick troubleshooting support.
- Visit Computer Café for a short tech discussion followed by an open Q&A.
- Use LearningExpress Library for guided tutorials on computer basics, e-mail, Word, Excel, and more.
- Try LinkedIn Learning for software, productivity tools, and digital communication training.
- Access the Kinetic Digital Literacy Program on any public computer at BCPL or use it for free at home.
- Start your coding journey with Fiero Code.
Stick with It:
- Practice skills in the library or at home as often as possible.
- Learn one new digital skill each month or quarter.
- Join tech-friendly programs like Girls Who Code.
- Practice using software like Canva, Cricut Design Space, Tinkercad, Photoshop, Adobe Premier Pro, or Audacity as you create something amazing in our Maker Lab or Digital Media Lab.
GOAL #7: Start (or Grow) Your Own Business
Launch a business, build a side hustle, or take your current venture to the next level.
Get Started:
- Take your first steps with start-up kits, guides, and forms from Small Business Source—covering planning, legal basics, marketing, taxes, and more.
- Explore entrepreneurship, marketing, and management courses through LinkedIn Learning and Universal Class.
- Research markets, competitors, and industry data with AtoZdatabases and Business Source Premier.
- Use LearningExpress Library to practice business math, writing, and planning skills.
Stick with It:
- Stay informed on news and trends with Wall Street Journal Digital Access.
- Use library study rooms and conference rooms for Zoom calls, interviews, or business meetings.
- Host (free) networking events or larger information sessions in our meeting rooms.
- Create promotional materials in our Maker Lab—from branded banners, stickers, and T-shirts to 3D prints!
- Record and edit promotional videos or podcasts in our Digital Media Lab.
- Continue refining your business plan with books, templates, and staff support.
- Attend community workshops and networking events.
- Build ongoing skills—design, spreadsheets, presentations, social media—as your business grows.
GOAL #8: Grow Your Career
Find a job, switch fields, earn a promotion, or build workplace confidence.
Get Started:
- Meet with staff for help with résumés, job searching, applications, and computer basics.
- Attend Workforce Workshops with Kentucky Career Center for expert support and guidance.
- Learn job skills, leadership, communication, and career exploration through LinkedIn Learning, Universal Class, and The Great Courses.
- Use LearningExpress Library to practice software and workplace readiness skills.
Stick with It:
- Revisit online learning paths each season to stay current.
- Borrow business and leadership books to keep developing your skills.
- Attend special professional development events or programs to stay motivated.
Do you have a SPECIFIC resolution in need of solutions?
Contact us, and we’ll offer possible solutions to aid your progress!
- E-mail Tracy from our Marketing & Communications team for general questions and solution requests.
- Contact our Reference Team to learn more about online resources and services.
- E-mail our Outreach & Events Coordinator to learn about or suggest a library event or workshop.
