As we enter a new year, we often reflect on our resolutions and goals for the months ahead. While libraries may follow programming seasons, academic calendars, or municipal budget cycles, the start of a new year is still a fresh chapter. As we turn the page into 2026, it’s an opportunity to refresh our programs and processes. Should we open a new chapter for community needs or professional growth? Here’s how I’m approaching library resolutions this year.
A Year of Library Resolutions
This year, I’m flipping the script on traditional resolutions. When I reviewed the usual list of New Year’s goals, they felt uninspired. So instead, I’m writing library-adapted versions. Now, those common resolutions will focus on improved patron services, smarter programming, more intentional practices, and healthier staff workflows. Rather than “exercise more,” we’ll look at ways to support movement in programming. Instead of “lose weight,” we’ll explore streamlining processes and procedures. One step at a time, we can create responsive, sustainable systems and spaces. Each month, I’ll choose a single resolution, rethinking our library work and sharing actionable strategies you can adapt to your library.
Why Resolutions Matter
Even when things are going really well, there’s value in pausing to reflect on what’s working and what we can improve. Whether you use a rose-bud-thorn framework or a stop-start-continue approach, including objective evaluation matters. By regularly considering accessibility, systems, and cost effectiveness, we create healthy, sustainable models that support staff and patrons. Further, tapping into creativity and curiosity supports evolution. When we prioritize staff well-being and community engagement, the library thrives.
A Glimpse at the Months Ahead
Each month, we’ll focus on a different resolution. Whether you’re hoping to refine a process or invest in yourself, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a preview of the year:
- February: Exercise More. Incorporate intentional movements, accessible adaptations, and flexible spaces to transform engagement for all library patrons.
- March: Live Life to the Fullest. Embrace big, messy programs and extra effort for big rewards.
- April: Eat Healthier. Feed a child’s natural curiosity to build lifelong learners and library users.
- May: Lose Weight. Streamline processes and procedures to save time and sanity.
- June: Save More Money. Identify no-cost and low-cost programming options that can stretch your budget and engage your community.
- July: Get Organized. Create scaffolded program structures that engage learners of all ages and abilities.
- August: Learn a New Skill. Utilize intentional training to encourage, empower, and inspire your team.
- September: Reduce Harmful Habits. Review, revise, and retire programs to maintain robust programs.
- October: Reduce Stress. Balance staff capacity and patron needs for a healthy, happy library.
- November: Spend More Time with Family and Friends. Curate programs for all ages that build community and inspire engagement.
- December: Resolution Wrap Up. Reflect on the year’s progress and identify new resolutions.
Each month, I’ll share practical strategies and reflections to put these resolutions into action. Whether you’re a paraprofessional, children’s librarian, manager, library school student, or early literacy specialist, this series is for you. I hope the ready-to-use ideas, tips, and insights will help you juggle tasks, evaluate priorities, and set meaningful resolutions for yourself and your library. Stay tuned next month as we get ready to exercise more!
Picture Book Previews
Because I work with children, I’ll also highlight a picture book each month that pairs with the featured resolution. Use these in storytime, add them to displays, or enjoy a moment of lighthearted reflection. To start, check out Proper Badger Would Never! by Lauren Glattly, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. Follow Proper Badger as he attends a party as (he assures you) a perfectly proper guest, even when his behavior says otherwise. This playful title explores how we identify our “better” selves. If Proper Badger has some room for growth, maybe we do, too.
As we start the new year, what library resolutions will guide you?
This post addresses ALSC Core Competency #1: Commitment to Client Group, ALSC Core Competency #6: Administrative and Management Skills, and ALSC Core Competency #7: Professionalism and Professional Development.
Jaime Eastman is a senior Public Services Librarian and Early Learning Coordinator at the Harrington Library, one of the Plano (Texas) Public Library locations. Jaime is also working on at least two ambitious cross-stitch projects, dreaming of future travel plans, and reading far too many books. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be an author. Writing for the blog and publishing with Children and Libraries feels like a good start, and she regrets nothing about her adult decision to be a librarian doing storytimes, who didn’t have to grow up too much.