If making and breaking resolutions is ubiquitous to the start of your new year, let the Los Angeles Public Library provide you with the FREE resources to realize your goals. Here are some ideas for ways to succeed at the January challenge. Get started with your goals at lapl.org.
Goal: Build a Community
The Library has always been a cornerstone of our community, and here’s how you can give back, get involved, and learn more about all things local.
Book Clubs: From mysteries, new releases, histories, to LGBT topics, connect with like-minded book lovers for a lively discussion group in one of the many branch libraries.
Volunteer: Last year, over 7,900 volunteers supported the 73 libraries across the city. Each location has different volunteer needs, so contact your local branch for more information about opportunities.
The History of Your House: The Library can help you search the history of a residence through online databases of historical records, maps, archival newspapers, and the city directory, or visit the Central Library’s History Department for research assistance.
Goal: Learn Something New
Interested in taking a class? Learning a new language? From online learning tools to in-person resources and programs, the Library has you covered.
Lynda.com: An award-winning online learning site that offers more than 3,000 courses taught by recognized industry experts, and 150,000 video tutorials on business, technical and creative skills.
Trace Your Roots: Visit the Genealogy Collection at Central Library—from census, immigration, and military records to heraldry and coat of arms sources, the Collection includes over 150,000 titles and more than 10,000 genealogies.
Attend ALOUD: Check out the upcoming season of our award-winning series of conversations, readings, and performances with today’s top writers, thinkers, scientists, and more.
Goal: Get Healthy
Through Health Matters, the Los Angeles Public Library offers workshops and resources on a variety of health topics at each of the 73 libraries. Check the Library’s Calendar of Events to learn more about upcoming events:
Enroll in Health Insurance: Eligibility specialists from the LA County Department of Public Social Services can help you and your family sign up for Medi-Cal, Covered California, CalFresh, and other government assistance programs.
Take a Workshop: From vegetarian living to exploring how hypertension, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease affect your brain’s health, learn about a range of health-related topics.
De-stress with Tai Chi, Yoga, or Mindful Meditation Classes across many branches.
Goal: Tackle Your Finances
Need help making a budget or preparing your taxes? Los Angeles Public Library’s Money Matter$ offers library and online resources and tools on issues like savings, credit, investments, budgeting, financial planning, and consumer protection.
Buy Your First Home: The Neighborhood Housing Services of LA County hosts a free workshop on taking the steps towards first-time homeownership.
Fix Your Credit: A free “Building and Maintaining Credit” workshop covers the basics of managing your money and establishing and maintaining good credit.
Start a Small Business: Free one-on-one counseling is provided by a business professional to anyone operating a small business or thinking of starting one.
Goal: Reward Yourself
Beyond checking out the latest bestseller or streaming a movie from home, there are many ways to enhance your lifestyle through the Library.
Patent that Invention: The Science, Technology, and Patents Department of Central Library offers computerized searching of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Save on Subscriptions: From The New Yorker to bon appétit, Library users have access to Zinio, which provides full color, interactive digital magazines of your favorite titles with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limit to the number of downloads.
Get Rid of the Guilt: Don’t feel burdened with fees in the new year… pay your library fines! Pay online at lapl.org or in-person at any branch.
Find all of these free resources and more at lapl.org!