Events to help you keep your New Year’s intentions, especially for older adults

By Rose Barnes, Health & Senior Services Librarian

January is a month when many set intentions for the New Year and some may even take on new projects or hobbies. This year, my intention is to slow down and be more present in my interactions and activities.

With that in mind, I’d like to highlight upcoming programs that I think will help me—and you—keep our New Year’s intentions, whether you intend to focus on health and wellness, cleaning and organizing, exploring more arts and culture, planning for retirement, or all of the above in 2023.

Register now for these upcoming events

Health & wellness

I am very much looking forward to the two sound bath meditations we have scheduled for January.

Sound Bath Meditation
Main Library Veterans Room. Sound bath meditations (pictured above) help still the mind and body in order to expand the mind and awareness. Bring a yoga mat or use one of ours, or sit on a chair, and enjoy the vibrations and sounds of various instruments including singing bowls and bells.

See a full list of upcoming health and wellness events »

Cleaning & organizing

This year, I am feeling ready to make some big organizational changes to my home office and am looking forward to this program to help me get motivated and ready.

Organize & Declutter Your Space
Tuesday, January 24, 6-7 pm, Main Library Small Meeting Room. Do you feel at ease and inspired in your home or overwhelmed and ready for a change in the new year? Find out how you can reduce clutter and focus on what you love about your space with Megan Spillman, professional organizer and certified KonMari consultant. Register now »

Arts & culture

January is also a cold and dark month, and one where I like to stay inside and be as cozy as possible. With that in mind, I’m so glad the library is offering such interesting virtual programs that I can attend from the comfort of my couch. Here are two that I’m particularly excited about!

VIRTUAL: The History of Carol King
Wednesday, January 18, 2-3 pm, virtually on Zoom. The history of Carol King will explore the amazing story of a young, earnest songwriter whose mix of gently rocking pop, folk, and soul music touched and warmed us all. I can’t wait to learn more about her history and listen to some amazing songs and stories. Register now »

VIRTUAL: Curious to See: Discovering America’s Art Museums
Saturday, January 21, 2-3 pm, virtually on Zoom. Learn how American art museums—through timing, luck, and lots of money—became international leaders of the world’s best art collections. I love wandering around an art museum but often have questions about how they were established and built their collections, so this program is right up my alley. Register now »

Planning for retirement

Looking ahead at the next two months, and life, I also am extremely interested in an upcoming retirement series. You might be like me and in the retirement planning process or might be in the midst of your well-deserved retirement. Either way, these upcoming programs can help!

Retirement Series: Can You Afford to Retire?
Thursday, February 2, 7-8 pm, Small Meeting Room
. This topic is always on my mind and I want to be as prepared as possible. Evaluate your readiness for retirement with several self-evaluation exercises and the “Ten Critical Questions,” and discuss basic needs for estate and financial planning. Register now »

Retirement Series: ReThink Retirement
3-4 pm, Small Meeting Room. There are so many housing options available for adults as they age, but which one is right for you? I know that I would want to stay as autonomous as possible as I age, but that might not be what you want. Further, you might not even know what you want yet, and that’s ok! This educational program provides a wide array of information for families with older adults on solutions they may consider as their parents age. Learn which options might be best for you and be proactive about your or a loved one’s future.

About Rose

Rose is an Adult Services Librarian specializing in health and senior services. She is a passionate reader, baker, and explorer who is always planning her next adventure.