New Year’s resolutions to improve one’s personal life or health are common. You might not realize it, but your public library can be helpful in such endeavors. Jackson County Library Services can connect you to resources that support your goals, and many of them are accessible from home, allowing you to enjoy them in your own time and on your own schedule. Best of all, anyone with a library card can access them for free.

Udemy is another resource provided by JCLS that gives you access to varied courses, including an entire personal development category. From subjects on mindfulness and emotional intelligence to stress management and motivation, Udemy has something for everyone.

Udemy course samples "Stress Management" and "Smart Tips: Wellness"

Kanopy is another service offered to Jackson County patrons. It is a video streaming service that offers access to 30,000 videos, including documentaries, independent films, and more. Many of these are courses for personal growth and physical health. Enrolling in a course provides access to all videos in the series. Kanopy is well worth checking out to see if it can help your personal growth journey.

Course sample from "The Great Courses: Building Your Resilience: Finding Meaning in Adversity"

Hoopla is a service that offers eBooks, mp3 audiobooks, and videos on demand; including many that focus on meditation and exercise. Physical activity is beneficial for the health of your body as well as your mind. You can access videos from beginner level through advanced. With six credits each month, you can find something to keep you active each week.

Qigong courses from Gaiam on Hoopla

As with any new mental or physical health regimen, it is good to check with your physician before you begin, to avoid injury. If you’re interested in learning more about these resources, and how to get started, you can contact the Digital Services department via phone at 541-734-3990, or email via digitalservices@jcls.org.