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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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A New Year, a New Skill (or Two)
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
January has a way of making us reflective. We think about what worked last year, what didn’t, and what we might want to do a little differently in the months ahead. Some people make big resolutions. Others just set quiet intentions: learn something new, take better care of myself, finally try that thing I’ve been curious about.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to help you get started!
Eat a Little Healthier
Maybe your goal is to cook more meals at home, try plant-forward recipes, or finally figure out what all those nutrition labels mean. The library has cookbooks, meal-planning guides, and wellness resources that can help you build healthier habits without feeling overwhelmed. Browsing a few books can be a low-pressure way to find ideas that actually fit your life.
Here’s a great new choice that was just added to our collection — find it in our New Nonfiction collection on the 1st floor: Skinnytaste: everyday high protein: 100 healthy, simple recipes to fuel every meal is a great choice for simple and healthy family friendly recipes. For MORE choices, visit our cookbook section (641.5) upstairs for books like this one: Power foods: 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients.
Learn a hands-on skill or find a new creative outlet
The new year is also a perfect time to make something with your hands. Knitting, crocheting, painting, pottery, woodworking, and other creative hobbies don’t just produce something tangible — they’re also a great way to relax and recharge. Whether you’re learning from a how-to book, watching a tutorial, or trying a class or workshop, the library can help you get started (or get better).
Have you always wanted to paint, throw clay, or record a song or podcast or write a book? Creativity doesn’t require being an “artist.” It just requires curiosity and a willingness to try. Libraries are increasingly places where people can experiment, make a mess, and learn by doing — often with tools and equipment you wouldn’t have access to at home.
If you’re a reader (or a writer), you might want to start with: The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad. The author explores the art of journaling and shares what she’s learned about how this practice can help us tap into that mystical trait that exists in every human: creativity. Or try this new book by Sue Monk Kidd: Writing, Creativity and Soul.
If you just want to jump right into hands-on activities, the MakeIT Place at the Washington Public Library is here to help you get started! Stop by for a tour or sign up for one of our classes. See our calendar for classes and tours here: https://washington-ia.whofi.com/calendar/full
Work toward a professional goal
Some resolutions are practical. Maybe this is the year you pass a certification exam, change careers, learn a new language or build new job skills. Test prep books, online learning platforms, and quiet study spaces can make a big difference when you’re working toward a professional milestone. Small, consistent study sessions add up. If you’re studying for a certification exam or maybe thinking about going back to school and need to take an entrance exam, the Library offers a FREE test prep service called Momentrix eLibrary. If you’re thinking of learning a new language, the library also offers Mango Languages. Check out our Learning Resource page here to connect with Momentrix or Mango: https://www.washington.lib.ia.us/online-resources/learning-resources
Explore your family history and/or preserve memories
The new year can also be a time to look backward. Researching your family history can help you better understand where you come from and preserve stories for the next generation. Census records, local history materials, genealogy databases, and knowledgeable volunteers can help you take those first steps — or dig deeper into a branch you’ve already started. Did you know that the Library offers Ancestry Library edition (free for users within the Library) and also Heritage Quest (can be used by library cardholders from home — contains many of the same records that Ancestry does). Check out our Genealogy and Local History page here: https://www.washington.lib.ia.us/online-resources/genealogy-collection
If you have boxes of old photos, slides, or home movies tucked away, maybe this is the year to bring them back to life. Digitizing and organizing family memories not only protects them from damage, it also makes them easier to share with friends and family. The MakeIT Place Memory Lab can help with tools, guidance, and inspiration for preserving what matters.
Let us know how we can help!
You don’t need to change everything at once. You don’t even need a formal resolution. Sometimes the best goal is simply to stay curious.
Whatever you’re hoping to learn, try, or do differently this year, your library is here to help — with books, digital resources, creative spaces, and people who love helping others discover what’s possible.
