Westerly Sun Column | Mid-Year Resolution Ideas at the Library

We’re just about halfway through 2024, so I have to ask … how are you doing with those resolutions you made 6 months ago?!? If you’ve kept up with them and are still going strong: fantastic, you’re a star! If you’ve gotten a bit off track, or forgotten your resolution completely: you’re still a star! To be honest, I don’t think the middle of winter is the best time to make any big (or small) resolution, unless that resolution is to hibernate. Summer, on the other hand, is a great time: we have more sunlight, more time in the day, and — as such — more energy to pursue activities and attack out goals head on. If the mid-year resolution sounds appealing to you, the library is here to help.

One of the most common resolutions is to exercise more, which is often much simpler in the summer than the dead of winter! “Best Easy Day Hikes Rhode Island” (2022) by Steve Mirsky is an informative and up-to-date guide to local hikes, which includes concise descriptions and detailed maps. “Weekend Walks in Rhode Island” and “Walks and Rambles in Rhode Island,” both by Ken Weber, include summaries of some of the best walks in the state, many of which are located in the southern half of the state and near the Connecticut border. Ranging from relatively easy 1.5-mile walks to more challenging 9-mile hikes, there are options for various ages and abilities. Pair one of these guides with a cookbook like “Beating the Lunch Box Blues: Fresh Ideas for Lunches On the Go!” by J. M. Hirsch, and you’ll be ready to go.

Speaking of food, another popular resolution is to eat healthier, and — surprise, surprise — this is also easier to accomplish in the summer! The term “healthy” is fairly subjective, but most of us would agree that a diet rich in fresh food and ingredients is a good start! “Bountiful: Recipes Inspired by Our Garden” by Todd Porter & Diane Cu is a fantastic collection of healthy dishes that focus on local ingredients, and is bound to give you some ideas to make use of seasonal produce. “Veg-table” by Nik Sharma is a new cookbook full of mouthwatering recipes and gorgeous photos that will encourage you to use more vegetables in your meals, and offer new, exciting, and delicious ways to do so.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, of course, and there are infinite other resolutions you might want to focus on. No matter what you are focusing on, though, I recommend stopping by the library or checking out our online resources. Want to save money? Library materials and resources are free! Interested in learning a new language? We have audiobooks, movies, apps, and even in-person programs that can help. Looking to meet new people, or pick up a new hobby? We have groups for all ages and interests, from D&D to chess to sewing, to keep you engaged and entertained. Look no further than the library for your mid-year resolutions.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian