Many professional athletes are reaping the benefits of being free agents and so should we! Free agents are not under contract; therefore, their options are open and their focus is on constant improvement for the next assignment. This idea of “free agency” for the job seeker is being batted around a lot in this current job market. As part of our new year, new strategy, we need to embrace the idea that we work for us now! As the CEO of our own company, we need to invest in our brand by updating our skills so we are prepared to move on to the next opportunity whenever it appears!

Richland Library helps you be resolute on your New Year's resolutions. Like most people, you started 2013 with great intentions but your resolve waxes and wanes. Whether you want to eat more salad, find the love of your life, make new friends, spend more time with family, or be more creative, we have the resources to help you achieve the change you seek. As for me, I plan on buying a new kayak and Canoe & Kayak, a free e-magazine through Richland Library's Zinio e-magazine service, has a 2013 buying guide all ready for me to get started. Checkout what we have to help you:

When something is new, not everyone sees the value or potential.

Is one of your goals for 2013 to lose weight?  Why not use what you have in your pocket? Free apps available on most smartphones.

I’m something of a re-reader.  I am more than happy to revisit a story I have thoroughly enjoyed.  So, not surprisingly, some of my reading resolutions include re-reading well liked books, but I am trying to add some challenges as well. 

As I looked through the hundreds of titles available through Richland Library’s Zinio account, I realized that I could read nearly every magazine I currently subscribe to through Zinio.  It’s just as easy to read a magazine in your living room or on the porch using a tablet or smart phone, as it is to read the print version. So, one of my resolutions for the New Year is to save money by dropping my magazine subscriptions when they come up for renewal and access them at no cost through the Richland Library. There are also dozens of additional magazines I have never subscribed to that I’ll be able to enjoy. Take a minute to check out Zinio and see how much money you can save.

Even though you are still basking in holiday spirit, you may also want to begin thinking ahead to the New Year and your career and technology goals. 

Last year my New Year’s resolution was to stop making New Year’s resolutions. Clearly, that resolution was an epic fail because I currently have at least three solid resolutions in the works. But this is exactly what makes New Year’s resolutions so great. They can be as grand or as small as we want them to be. What's your resolution? Maybe you want to start your own rock band. Or maybe you dream of finding ways to eat healthier or live green. You may even want to learn how to have an encounter with a vampire.

It is that time of the year when we resolve to be better than ever. We have the resources and the knowledge to help you achieve your goals...whether your quest is for a better mind, body, or soul.

It's no secret that we generally over-indulge in culinary treats during the holidays.   It's also no secret that many of us will make losing weight one of our resolutions for the new year.  Gyms will be crowded with newcomers in January!  If losing weight is one of your goals for 2013 and you don't have funds to join a gym or just need some extra motivation, consider taking advantage of the numerous fitness DVDs including yoga, pilates, dance, weight-training, etc.  available at Richland Library.   Don't have the energy to come to the library...download an exercise video from the comfort of your home!