January 2022
GALLERY OPENINGS & EXHIBITS
WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS
RESOLUTIONS VS. GOALS
In-Person Programming
Why buy when you can borrow?
Argenta Branch Book Clubs have limited openings
CHAPTER BOOK CLUB
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Knitting for a Cause is back! Everyone is welcome to help with this community hat- and scarf-making project – no experience necessary! Join us at Main Branch for a Loom Knitting Workshop at 2 p.m. on Jan. 5. We'll supply all the necessary materials, and if you’re new to loom knitting – don’t worry! It’s easy, fun, and relaxing.
In years past, this community effort created 121 sleeping mats and more than 600 handmade hats for local shelters and the Central Arkansas Heart Association’s Little Hats, Big Hearts program.
Join us for movies at Argenta Branch We're happy to announce "Hump Day" movies at Argenta Branch, beginning at 1 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of every month. Jungle Cruise, starring The Rock and Emily Blunt, plays Jan. 5, and we'll show Marvel's SHANG-CHI The Legend of the Ten Rings on Jan. 19. We'll provide a beverage and popcorn to enjoy during the show.
Staff Spotlight
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Quilt Block of the Month
We'll share quilting tips and tricks with free monthly lessons in the Main Branch Makerspace. Quilters of all skills levels welcome! This is great way to develop or polish your sewing skills and have something beautiful in the end. The first session is at 3 p.m. on Jan. 26.
New Year New Website
Visit lamanlibrary.org for an updated look at current events, our newest arrivals, reader recommendations, and the latest social media updates. "We're excited to offer a streamlined, dynamic site highlighting the community services of our Digital Branch," Laman's webmaster, Adam Branscum, said.
Kids' Clubhouse Main Branch Children's created a new space under the Teen Center with seating perfect for homework and creative projects.
RESOLUTIONS -VS- GOALS The New Year can be such an exciting time. It feels like a fresh start! You might be motivated to make changes and accomplish new things. It’s not uncommon to have a New Year’s resolution that goes into effect on January 1st, but do resolutions really work? According to yougov.com, about 1 in 4 Americans will make a resolution, but only about 1 in 3 of those will be successful. When you break it down, that's not a very stellar success rate. Perhaps it’s because many of those making a resolution are just making a statement of what they would like to accomplish rather than having a specific game plan for success. How do you put together a game plan to make the changes you want become a reality? The answer can be found in written goals. I’ve read enough books, and been to enough leadership seminars to know they have one common thread: Written goals are the road map, or the GPS, to take you where you want to be. With written goals, you can break down the steps required for a desired outcome. According to the book This Year I Will… by M.J. Ryan, goals need to be SMART or specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. She also says top pitfalls are being vague, not being seriously committed, procrastinating, and making excuses. Here’s a very basic example of being specific, measurable and achievable with your goals - Say you have a goal to save $1,000 for an emergency fund. It might be hard to come up with the full $1,000 immediately, but you can break it down into steps. With 52 weeks in a year, you need to save $19.23 per week to save $1,000. You can break it down even further, and it becomes about $2.75 a day. Written goals make your desired outcome realistic. Plus, seeing your game plan working feels very good and helps build confidence for other achievements.
RESOLUTIONS -VS- GOALS CONTD. Another pro tip is to make your goals visual. Once you’ve written down your goals, put them in a place where you will see them regularly each day. It could be on your bathroom mirror or in your car. Maybe even write your goals on a piece of paper and put it in your wallet so you can read them often. Lots of experts say there’s something that happens when you keep your goals top of mind. You’ll find yourself working toward them when you don’t even realize it. Also, the things you want to accomplish won’t happen overnight. In The First 30 Days, author Ariane de Bonvoisin says the first month is the most crucial for any change. She knows people are “stronger, more resilient, more intuitive, and more resourceful than you think.” You’ll have setbacks, and bumps in the road, but when they happen, simply reset and follow your game plan. Enjoy the journey and celebrate your successes along the way. So what are your goals this year? The great thing about a goal is that it can be anything you want it to be. Some of the most common are losing weight/exercising more, learning a new skill or hobby, getting a new job, traveling more, and spending more time with family and friends. So what would you like to do? Laman Library can help you achieve almost anything you want, and the assistance is available for free! If you'd like to lose weight or get in shape, you can check out a yoga mat, DVDs, and books on dieting and fitness at lamanlibrary.org. Is your goal learning a new skill? There are so many options for you. We’ve recently added so much to our Main Branch Makerspace, including sewing machines, die cutters, a Cricut, and lots of other tools to help. Check lamanlibrary.org for the next workshop or stop by for individualized assistance. In our Library of Things, you’ll find supplies for baking, crafting, knitting, home improvement, jewelry making, and much more. Maybe you would like to get a better-paying job or make more money? Visit our LINC center for computer and printing services. You can check out a book, or we can assist you in building a new resume. We also have tech services, like free internet access, available to help promote your side hustle. Would you like to spend more time with your family? We have supplies for family game night, and there's tons of fun in the new all-inclusive playground at Laman Plaza. We have crockpots, air fryers, and more for family meals. Would you like to travel more? We have travel guides, books, and DVDs for destinations, local and worldwide. We can also help you get a passport. You can even try out Mango at lamanlibrary.org/digital and learn a new language. We have local field guides, telescopes, and fishing poles too. So this year, turn your resolutions into goals and put together a plan for success. Laman Library is here to help with the free resources you need to have an amazing New Year!
Reader Recommendation The Son of Mr. Suleman by Eric Jerome Dickey
"It's Eric Jerome Dickey's last book. It's a good read - full of interesting characters. I'd say the characters are relatable, but it puts you in a different world. It's a captivating romantic mystery with a good story plot."
Ashley, Manager of our Passport Services Office
January Events
For the complete calendar and event updates, please check lamanlibrary.org Free Meals for Ages 2-18 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Weekdays in Main Branch Children's Department Join us for Discovery Library 3 - 5 p.m., except Jan. 17 Live Storytimes are Back! 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at Main Branch 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at Argenta Branch Argenta Branch Youth Services Paint & Sip All ages welcome 3 - 5 p.m. on Wednesdays Argenta Branch Youth Services Superhero Club Explore S.T.E.A.M with superpowers, gadgets, epic battles, and super stories! 3 - 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 4 & 18
Teens De-Stress with a Mess: DIY Slime 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, in the Main Branch Teen Center Free Computer Basics Class Sign up beforehand in Main Branch LINC to let us know what help you need 3 p.m. on Jan. 13 upstairs at the Main Branch Main Branch's Tabletop Tuesday All ages welcome - bring a game to share or use one of ours 3 - 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18 E-Reader Workshop Join us in the Main Branch lecture hall at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20 Valentine/Anti-Valentine Workshop Learn to use the Gemini & Accucut machines 2 p.m. in the Main Branch Second-Floor Makerspace on Jan. 25 Backwards Day Celebration 3 p.m. in the Main Branch Children's Department on Monday, Jan. 31