With January only a few days away, thinking ahead to possible New Year's resolutions can't hurt.
A quick Internet search for the10 most-popular resolutions produced the list below. The problem is that to accomplish even a quarter of the tasks, one would need to hire a personal assistant.
And therein lies the problem with self-improvement: It takes time and effort.
So in the interest of efficiency, and with a nod to the spirit of the new year, let the Seattle Public Library be your one-stop resolution fulfillment center.
1. Spend more time with family and friends.
Does this bring to mind images of you and your family staring vacantly at each other in awkward silence? Yes?
Then let the library's lineup of author visits, book-discussion groups (for both old and young), story times and other programs give you something intelligent to share and talk about.
Oh, and bring your friends.
2. Get fit.
The results are in: Being fit lets you live longer and be more comfortable while you do it.
The library has the latest fitness books and DVDs, so don't let a lack of information be a stumbling block.
Also, carrying five or six books around in a backpack is a great workout.
3. Tame the bulge.
See item No. 2.
4. Quit smoking.
The library is smoke-free! Just being in one of our buildings is a good first step.
And if you need an extra nudge, our librarians will be happy to research various treatments, as well as the health effects smoking has on you and your family.
5. Enjoy life more.
What could be more enjoyable than reading great stories, watching great movies and learning about nearly any topic under the sun? Make it free, you say? OK, done.
Also, see item No. 1.
6. Tame unhealthy behavior.
The library is here to help, no matter the situation. Our librarians are happy to help locate community resources for overcoming addictions of any type. And all our services are confidential.
7. Get out of debt.
The easiest way to get out of debt is to stop spending money. See item No. 5 and continue to live a rich existence.
8. Learn something new.
What a softball! The library has a full complement of works ranging from philosophy to phonetics to photography to pottery to penguins to polka to Peru. We've got it all.
9. Help others.
Get involved at your local branch library. The Seattle Public Library Volunteer Office is always looking for community builders. Call 386-4614 and ask to speak with Anne Vedella.
10. Get organized.
Too much stuff in your house? Take a load off and let the library take on the burden of sorting, shelving and storing your books, videos, magazines and music CDs; it's what we do and we're pretty good at it.
So there you have it. The 10 most-common New Year's resolutions nicely tied up in a bow and delivered to your nearest library. All you have to do is go unwrap it. Happy holidays!
Mark Pond is a librarian at the Green Lake branch, 7364 E. Green Lake Drive N. He can be reached via e-mail at needitor@nwlink.com.
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