New year, new you? I always make a fairly lengthy list of resolutions for the new year and keep about half of them, which I think is pretty good! What did you decide to do differently in 2017? Maybe the library can help…

Do you constantly peruse crafty projects on Pinterest but never end up gathering the materials to actually make something? Come to the library for our adult “Crafternoon” every month. It’s so easy, you just sign up and show up and the library provides all the materials and instructions, free of charge! This program is at the Saluda Library on the second Monday of the month and at the Columbus Library on the fourth Friday. Join us on Jan. 9 to make marbled mugs and photo coasters and on Jan. 27 to make Valentine’s Day cards with a local “Stampin’ Up” demonstrator. Contact Amelia at aderr@polklibrary.org for more information or to register for a class.

We also have a wide array of books at the library to help you get started on any new creative hobby, from soapmaking to metal crafting to creating washi paper.

Make new friends, but keep the old. Don’t become a hermit just because it’s winter! Gather up your friends or family and head to our Team Trivia Night at Black Coffee in Tryon on Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. This is a great excuse to get out of the house and have some fun on a Friday night! You could also win an awesome prize. This month’s theme is Flashback Trivia and will focus on facts from the 1950s and beyond, so study up!

We have various other programs with social aspects as well, from our Color Me Happy group that meets on second Tuesdays to the Foothills Chess Club that plays every Monday afternoon. And if you’re really determined not to leave the comfort of your home more than necessary this month, at least stop by and check out some of our thousands of DVDs to keep you entertained!

Of course, the most popular resolution each year is always to get healthier. Why not join Cookbook Club and test out healthy new recipes to make at home? Join us for a delicious potluck lunch on third Thursdays at noon.

This month, Cooperative Extension agent Jimmi Buell will also provide information on the Mediterranean diet. Don’t forget to check out books about any diet you’re interested in from our extensive collection, which includes hundreds of cookbooks!

The library also has DVDs that teach yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, belly dancing, and more, if you prefer to burn calories in the privacy of your own home.

Maybe you just want to read more? You know where to go for help with that goal. Happy New Year!

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian at Polk County Public Library. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit www.polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.