We don't know about you, but we're skipping traditional New Years resolutions this year.  We're not setting deadlines or checkpoints or trying to summon strict self-discipline that never seems to last. But that doesn't mean we're not setting some intentions for the coming year knowing, more than ever, that life is in flux. If you're thinking along the same lines, make The New York Public Library (or your own local library) a bigger part of your 2021. We have so much to offer! 

Here are some ideas for Library Resolutions you can make this year:

Sign up for a library card

Don't have a card yet? This is a resolution you can fulfill in just a few minutes! If you live, work, attend school, or pay property taxes in New York State, you can get a free digital NYPL library card using this online form. You can also get a card through our free e-reader app, SimplyE. Not in New York? Get in touch with your local public library to get a card! 

Get digital with us—download the NYPL and SimplyE Apps

Put the Library in your pocket by downloading our apps. The NYPL app lets you search the catalog, request books for pickup, use your phone for self-checkout, renew your materials, and even pay fees—all from your phone. SimplyE  is our free, open source e-reader that brings together our entire collection of more than 300,000 e-books and audiobooks and makes them accessible all in one place. 

Sign up for Book of the Day

Want to read more, but aren't sure what to read? Anyone can sign up for Book of the Day to receive a daily reading recommendation delivered straight to their inbox. NYPL librarians select fantastic fiction, nonfiction, and poetry reads to share—getting excited about a new book is a great way to start your day.

Get Library book bundles just for you with Shelf Help

Prefer personalized recommendations? We've got you covered. Tell us about your interests and the kinds of books and genres you enjoy, and librarians at our new Shelf Help service will handpick books just for you to be delivered to your preferred grab-and-go branch. 

Subscribe to our podcast, The Librarian Is In

Join us every other week as Frank Collerius (manager of Jefferson Market Library) and Rhonda Evans (Assistant Chief Librarian in the Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture) talk books, culture, and what to read next. Start listening today!

Attend an Online Event

The Library is more than just books—join us from home for an online event. Our staff hosts events for adults, teens and kids including book discussions, holiday movie trivia, adult coloring, crochet, crafts, acting circles and much more. Explore our events calendar for something that's your cup of tea.

"Get Lit" and join our Virtual Book Club

If you're missing getting together with your usual book club, we have an even bigger one you can join. We've teamed up with WNYC to bring you the "Get Lit" book club. Join us each month to read our selected book and then tune in for a lively discussion with the author led by Alison Stewart, host of WNYC’s weekday arts and culture show, All of It.

Try something from an NYPL Book List

We love a book list and we love making them to highlight important or beloved reads. You're sure to find something rewarding among them: 125 Books We Love, Best Books of 2020, NYC Books We Love, Black Liberation Reading List, and Essential Reads on Feminism. And don't forget to check out the book list readers made for us this year: NYPL's Top Checkouts of 2020

Introduce a young reader to Online Storytime

We know our youngest visitors miss storytime at the Library and we miss them, too. Help spread the word about our Online Storytime series by telling a child in your life to join NYPL children's librarians (no library card required) as they read books, sing songs, and share early literacy tips. Anyone can explore our archive of storytimes here for hours of fun.

Sign up for NYPL Connect and more Library updates

You and us? Do you feel the connection? Do you want to feel even more connected? Sign up for the NYPL Connect newsletter for the latest infomation on programs, cultural events, resources, and Library news. It's the best and easiest way to be in the loop and in the know. Plus, check out additional newsletters for Library lovers, including resources for young learners, biweekly resources from the Schomburg Center, updates from the Library for the Performing Arts, and more!

READ!

We believe reading is the best gift you can give yourself. There's no need to commit to how many or which books you're going to read this year—read to escape or read to inform; read what opens your eyes, mind and heart to new ideas, new places and new people; and most importantly, read what makes you happy!