Wishing You More in 2024
Happy New Year from Sno-Isle Libraries! Whether you set New Year’s resolutions or rebel against them, we have a slew of ways for you to turn a new page in 2024. Find your center by living in the moment, create new friendships or extend your community, take care of yourself, practice gratitude, and explore new ways to give back. There is always something fresh and new – or tried and true! – at Sno-Isle Libraries.
Live in the moment
Embark on a challenging new adventure to remain in the present moment. Check out a Washington State Parks Discover Pass and books like “Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness” by Qing Li for inspiration, then explore the outdoors in your own backyard.
Reconnect with nature in any weather from the comfort of home. Browse books about micro food, container gardening, or caring for bonsai trees; learn about gardening in the winter or how to plant for pollinators; or access over 100 journals and reference books using the Gale OneFile Gardening and Horticulture database.
Watch the wonder of young minds. Bring the little ones in your life to the library to enjoy a Storytime. Build something new during Drop-in Construction Zone at the Camano Island Library. Take in a science program like “Nurturing Nature: What’s Up with Water Bugs?” at the Oak Harbor Library. Or stay cozy at home with Storytime Snippets on YouTube or a fun Family Trivia Night.
Cultivate community
Studies repeatedly show that social connections increase longevity by keeping us vibrant and engaged. Sno-Isle Libraries can help you connect with others who share your interests via in-person and online events.
Try a new hobby or immerse yourself in a favorite pastime. Learn a new language with Mango Languages. Join a group of lively fellow crafters and artists during an Online Craft & Chat. Sign up at sno-isle.org/events or by contacting your local library.
Does a suspenseful mystery novel thrill you? Are you crazy for cookbooks? Do you have the hots for historical fiction? We have a book group for that! Sno-Isle Libraries has over 20 online and in-person book groups! Come chat about your favorite genres or titles, meet fellow book lovers, and delve deeper into the literature you love. Alternatively, join a dedicated group of writers at the Third Thursday Online Writers group and work on your own magnum opus.
Take care of your physical and mental health
Colder weather is the perfect time to hunker down, rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Gain insight into caring for yourself by reading “Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times” by Katherine May or get physical with DVDs. Get physical with the “Independence Fitness” series for silver sneakers workouts on DVD. Focus on specific areas such as coordination and balance or meditation and qigong. For seated workouts, try “Sit and Be Fit” or “Arthritis Chair Exercises for Seniors.”
Express your emotions during Mindful Reflection Through Art at the Camano Island Library. Local artist and teacher, Gaylynn Beuthien, will guide participants through an intuitive and process-based approach to creating art using words and images.
Attend an online Author Talk and embrace love in the new year (Rebecca Serle, Jan. 10), learn about Hygge* and the Science of Happiness (Jody Eddy, Jan. 10), avoid the hidden traps of retirement planning advice (Rajiv Nagaich, J.D. L.L.M., Jan. 23), or gain a new understanding of the importance of nutrition (Dr. Robert Lustig, Jan. 30). Sign up online at sno-isle.org/events or by contacting your local library.
*Pronounced “HOO-gah,” the Danish concept of Hygge refers to the feeling of contentment or well-being brought about by coziness, comfort, and conviviality.
Practice gratitude and find new ways to give back
Cultivate a grateful heart with books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, and music CDs, such as Earth, Wind & Fire’s CD “Gratitude” or the large print book “The Power of Thank You: Discover the Joy of Gratitude” by Joyce Meyer.
Work on a deeper understanding and appreciation of your family tree. Use the no-cost Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageHub, My Heritage, or the Historical Photo Archive to research your origin story.
Looking for more friends? So are we! Why not join your local library’s Friends group? Friends of the Library are involved, caring volunteers who help their local libraries by hosting book sales, fundraising, promoting library services, supporting Summer Reading for children, and funding programming for all ages.
What is the ultimate way to give back? Turn your gratitude into action and leave a lasting legacy for your library. There are many ways to support Sno-Isle Libraries’ work. You can provide in-kind gifts or services, volunteer, gift stock or other securities, donate a vehicle, establish a Donor-Advised Fund, or find a legacy option that is right for you by contacting the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation at 360-651-7074 or FoundationDepartment@sno-isle.org.
We’re here for you
A new year is a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to reflect, assess, and look forward to the ways we want to show up in the world. As the famous lyrics of Auld Lang Syne state, let’s “drink a cup of kindness yet” and meet 2024 with a commitment to caring for ourselves and others with bright eyes and a zest for what’s to come. Browse sno-isle.org or call your local library to learn how you can bring more engagement, more learning, and more connection to your life in the new year.
Written by Maria Romero
Island Senior Resources, January 2024