- Lindsey T.
- Wednesday, January 24
Many people have read the viral NPR article describing some surprising ways the library can save you money, but did you know we can help you meet your New Year’s Resolutions too?
If you’re like me, you started off this year with some ambitious goals and resolutions, but now we’re in that week three slump. It's hard to keep that motivation to go running when it’s 23 degrees outside, if you catch my drift. But what many people don’t realize is that some of those hurdles can be surpassed using your local library. Although the weather can’t be changed, your access to premium audio editing software or free résumé assistance can. Here are some unusual ways Richland Library can help you hit your goals that are more than just books.
I want to go back to school.
If you’re inspired to get your GED, we can help with that. The Career Online High School is free to adults aged 21 and older who are residents of Richland County and currently hold a valid library card. It’s flexible, entirely online, and will provide you with tools to get the job you want.
We also provide multiple platforms to help you with practice tests and tutoring. If you’ve been on hold for that ASVAB test prep book for far too long, EBSCO Learning Express contains pages of practice tests and testing strategies to help you prepare, and tutor.com has resources to help you study for a variety of subjects in English and Español.
I want to save money.
This is where your local library shines because all the services we offer are free to those living in Richland County. Yes, this includes books, DVDs, and video games, but it also includes social services, free concerts or performances, and career help. We also offer many opportunities to help you on your path to financial literacy.
Thomas Maluck is a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®) who writes blogs on our website to teach adults and teens about financial literacy. #FinLit is a blog series by him that reviews popular financial books, and he's already written a blog detailing Richland Library's financial literacy resources. His blogs are chock full of valuable information but are immensely approachable for someone just getting started on their financial journey.
Richland Library also has a Tax Prep event in March 2024 and then a series about personal finance in conjunction with The City of Columbia Community Development for Financial Literacy later in the year.
For all financial booklists, blogs, and events, click here.
I want a new job.
One of the most valuable resources Richland Library can offer in this area is booking an appointment with a certified career coach. From building your own brand to practicing those interview skills, these passionate people will help you stop just applying for jobs and start getting them. I’ve used this service. I love this service. I highly recommend this service.
But don't stop there. Richland Library Main's Business, Careers, and Research Center is the perfect place to work on your résumé and explore new business and career opportunities.
I want to be healthier.
Did you know that we offer health-related events and classes throughout the year? Richland Library Northeast has regular yoga classes in 2024 while other meditation and stretching events will be online. We add events throughout the year, so just search "health" on our Events tab to see what's available.
We're also offering cooking programs to help you eat healthy as well. Starting in April 2024, Richland Library Northeast is offering SNAP-Ed Cooking Matters® for Parents. Taught by a registered Dietitian and Cooking Matters® chef, this course covers food safety, meal preparation, grocery shopping, food budgeting, and nutrition.
For all health-related booklists, blogs, and events, click here.
I want to take my art to the next level.
Photography and Videography
If it’s equipment that’s holding you back, you need to visit our Library of Things. We have backdrops, ring lights, DSLR cameras, and more! All you need to do is create an account with us, and you’re good to go. Otherwise, ask us about our production studio at Richland Library Main for soundproof spaces and post-production software like Adobe Creative Cloud.
Music or Spoken Word
Richland Library hosts an Open Mic Night nearly every month where you can perform your craft in front of an audience. This event travels across multiple Richland Library locations, so the next one could be right next door! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get your name out in the community or work through that stage fright.
Once you've worked out all the kinks, Richland Library North Main has a recording studio you can book after you complete an orientation, and Richland Library St. Andrews has Audio Open Labs on certain days where you have access to software like LogicPro X and Garage Band.
Writing
If you’re trying to get that book published, we have an entire section of our website with writing resources dedicated to help—from popular writing groups to help you stay inspired to an application to add your work to our collection. We also publish a literary magazine that features poetry, stories, short plays, essays, drawings, photographs, and more created by Midlands-area children and teens ages 6-18 called Kids in Print.
I want to gain a new skill.
I highly recommend LinkedIn Learning. All you need to do is create an account using your library card. From SEO optimization to management philosophies, the amount and variety of instructional videos are staggering—but it’s user-friendly and helpfully organized into different business topics or learning guides. You’ll even get a certificate at the end of the course that you can link to your LinkedIn profile.
And, as always, keep an eye on our events. Many of our events can teach you new skills like woodworking, coding, or various fiber arts.
I want to be outside more.
We’ve all been regaled about the benefits of being in nature—especially these past few years. StoryWalks® are a delightful way for families to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Located in Doko Meadows, Caughman Road Park, and Hyatt Park, these trails offer readers of all ages a chance to walk along their favorite trails while reading a story, step-by-step and page-by-page.
This resolution might also be the perfect opportunity to start a garden. There are seed libraries at our Richland Library Main, Ballentine, St. Andrews, and Lower Richland locations where you can borrow an array of local varieties and heirloom seeds. You can then use our Library of Things to check out gardening equipment like tillers, bow rakes, and trowels to help you plant.
If you would like to know more about the services offered by Richland Library, you can book an appointment, explore our website under the Services tab, or give us a call!