2009 - What's In It For Me?

Many people take a few minutes during this season to review the accomplishments, the works-in-progress, the lessons learned during the past year, and to make their resolutions for the coming year. I read something recently - can't remember where - that suggested we make "Goals" instead of "Resolutions". Making a resolutions implies that you must keep it to be successful; not keeping it, therefore, means failure. Having a goal, on the other hand, implies progress toward same, and any progress can be counted as a success. All year long!

Central Library has also been reviewing accomplishments, works-in-progress and lessons learned, and is setting goals for the coming year. Some of the accomplishments:

• Creation of a microfilm reading area closer to the microfilm collection.


• Conversion of the former microfilm reading area into a Technology Lab.


• Expansion of the computer classes beyond the basics and into subject interests.


• Complete revision of the call routing system for the library's main phone number (916-264-2700.)

Some works-in-progress:

• Re-arrangement of the Central Express area on the first floor and tweaking loan rules so that more new titles are available for borrowers.


• Refreshing the book and federal documents collections by withdrawing materials clearly past their prime and moving some of the documents into the book collection. We hope this will make the documents collection more usable.


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  Now, which would you rather do: make a resolution or set a goal?

New Year’s Resolutions Revisited

Yes, I know it’s September. Yes, I know it’s too early to start creating New Year’s resolutions for 2009. But, if you’re like me and a gazillion other people, you haven’t gotten around to your 2008 resolutions. Why, just the other day, as I was devouring a batch of delicious, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with walnuts, I thought (between bites), “Didn’t I say I was going to eat healthy this year?” Somehow I doubt drinking chocolate soy milk with the cookies counts as healthy. Guilt ridden, I ate a whole head of lettuce---you know, to cancel out the cookies. Just like my friend canceled out a salami sandwich by adding a plain rice cake between the layers. (“It adds a crunchy texture!”) However, I’m fairly certain such tactics do not work in the long run. This means I have two choices: I can either go on the Stephen King terror diet, or I can check out our health books section.

Is your home so cluttered you can't use your web cam because your family makes fun of you?

Are you still smoking despite the fact that our laws barely let you smoke in your own house?

Is exercise something you get only when you’re late for work?

Then maybe it’s time for you to grab a few books, too. With 104 days left to this year, there’s still plenty of time to follow through with your 2008 resolutions.

So what are you waiting for?