Michaela Crawford
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a New Year’s resolution as, “a promise to do something different in the next year.” I set the bar high this year. My New Year’s Resolution for 2023 is to read one book per week and I am thus far proud to say I have been rather successful. But why have I set this grandiose goal for myself when I have several other obligations which take almost if not all of my day? There are numerous reasons beyond personal enjoyment for which I have chosen to undertake this particular resolution.
First, I hope to decrease my overall screen time. I could find myself indulging in a Netflix binge, in which Netflix blatantly judges me as I catch a glimpse of my terrifying reflection in the solid color TV screen after I’ve completed all but one episode of an entire season at 3:19 a.m. Or I could totally dominate level 282 of Candy Crush. Even better, I could choose instead to mindlessly scroll Facebook for 2 hours and have to back out of 23 pages before reaching the home page again. Instead I am choosing to read.
Secondly, I need to shut out the world for a few moments every day. The past several years have been one heck of a wild ride. Social and news media are available at a moment’s notice and often automatically notify you of new information. The consistent instantaneous awareness of information is oftentimes overwhelming. Your emotional reactions tend to change rapidly in response to these relentless notifications. Oh and lest I forget, your mounting self-esteem issues from the constant comparison of yourself to others.
I am choosing to shut out the latest horrible and worrisome news and each day I’m dropping those pesky twenty minutes in which I feel the need to berate myself because I didn’t make special pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup for my kids’ breakfast like that mom on Tik-Tok did for her 8 children before going to work and after her 1 mile daily jog. (I know the likelihood of the last said situation is slim and none, but you get where I’m going.) I highly recommend allowing yourself to use your time wisely and choose to read instead of continuing the downward spiral of worry, anxiety, and berating. (You can thank me later.)
My absolute favorite author, J.K. Rowling said, “Something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” It’s true; the powers of reading cannot be matched. This brings me to my final reason for my lofty goal; I am in constant pursuit of knowledge.
And not the traditional sense of knowledge by reading completely non-fiction materials. Regardless of the book genre; fiction, non-fiction, biography, etc., you obtain knowledge in some way, shape, or form. Knowledge encompasses many realms such as skill-building, emotional competence, social, political, ethical, and religious understanding. You may find yourself entirely in your next book or completely change how you perceive your surroundings. Books have the capability to alter your current perception and that in itself is complete and utter magic. Not to be a corny 1990s poster in an elementary school library, but reading is a total workout for your brain!
The three aforementioned reasons may have you asking at this point, “So, is there anything I can’t find between the pages of a book.” I may be a biased librarian and bibliophile, but no! I personally recommend setting a realistic goal and don’t beat yourself up if your week is absolute chaos and you only read 10 pages. Instead, recognize your 10-page achievement and determine how to chisel out some time for yourself even when your world is upside down.
My 52 book goal for 2023 may same outrageous, impossible even, but I’m not sweating it. The benefits of reading heavily outweigh remaining stressed and overwhelmed. So join me and together, let’s make 2023 the year of the book!
Craig County Public Library events and programs:
Current:
- “Book Bags” for kids. Check out a book with a bag of related materials and activities to enjoy with your child. (AVAILABLE NOW)
- Early Literacy Calendars (AVAILABLE NOW)
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library registration for children under the age of 5 (ONGOING)
- Take and Make Crafts February crafts (AVAILABLE NOW)
Upcoming:
- First Friday book sale-Friday, March 3 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fill a library bag for $5 with DVDs, books, and audiobooks from our book sale selection. More items are available for viewing upon request in our book barns.
- Andrew Lewis Middle School Craft Show Saturday, Feb. 18 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We will be on-site selling dip mixes from Dips ‘n’ More and giving away free books.
- Take Your Child to the Library Day Saturday, Feb. 25 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stay tuned for further information!
- Art to Remember fundraiser with Craig County Childcare Center. Stay tuned for further information!
Stay up-to-date on all library programs and events by following us on our Facebook page.
Michaela Crawford (NOTE FOR MEGAN: PLEASE CHANGE OUT THE NAME IN THE BOX.)
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a New Year’s resolution as, “a promise to do something different in the next year.” I set the bar high this year. My New Year’s Resolution for 2023 is to read one book per week and I am thus far proud to say I have been rather successful. But why have I set this grandiose goal for myself when I have several other obligations which take almost if not all of my day? There are numerous reasons beyond personal enjoyment for which I have chosen to undertake this particular resolution.
First, I hope to decrease my overall screen time. I could find myself indulging in a Netflix binge, in which Netflix blatantly judges me as I catch a glimpse of my terrifying reflection in the solid color TV screen after I’ve completed all but one episode of an entire season at 3:19 a.m. Or I could totally dominate level 282 of Candy Crush. Even better, I could choose instead to mindlessly scroll Facebook for 2 hours and have to back out of 23 pages before reaching the home page again. Instead I am choosing to read.
Secondly, I need to shut out the world for a few moments every day. The past several years have been one heck of a wild ride. Social and news media are available at a moment’s notice and often automatically notify you of new information. The consistent instantaneous awareness of information is oftentimes overwhelming. Your emotional reactions tend to change rapidly in response to these relentless notifications. Oh and lest I forget, your mounting self-esteem issues from the constant comparison of yourself to others.
I am choosing to shut out the latest horrible and worrisome news and each day I’m dropping those pesky twenty minutes in which I feel the need to berate myself because I didn’t make special pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup for my kids’ breakfast like that mom on Tik-Tok did for her 8 children before going to work and after her 1 mile daily jog. (I know the likelihood of the last said situation is slim and none, but you get where I’m going.) I highly recommend allowing yourself to use your time wisely and choose to read instead of continuing the downward spiral of worry, anxiety, and berating. (You can thank me later.)
My absolute favorite author, J.K. Rowling said, “Something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” It’s true; the powers of reading cannot be matched. This brings me to my final reason for my lofty goal; I am in constant pursuit of knowledge.
And not the traditional sense of knowledge by reading completely non-fiction materials. Regardless of the book genre; fiction, non-fiction, biography, etc., you obtain knowledge in some way, shape, or form. Knowledge encompasses many realms such as skill-building, emotional competence, social, political, ethical, and religious understanding. You may find yourself entirely in your next book or completely change how you perceive your surroundings. Books have the capability to alter your current perception and that in itself is complete and utter magic. Not to be a corny 1990s poster in an elementary school library, but reading is a total workout for your brain!
The three aforementioned reasons may have you asking at this point, “So, is there anything I can’t find between the pages of a book.” I may be a biased librarian and bibliophile, but no! I personally recommend setting a realistic goal and don’t beat yourself up if your week is absolute chaos and you only read 10 pages. Instead, recognize your 10-page achievement and determine how to chisel out some time for yourself even when your world is upside down.
My 52 book goal for 2023 may same outrageous, impossible even, but I’m not sweating it. The benefits of reading heavily outweigh remaining stressed and overwhelmed. So join me and together, let’s make 2023 the year of the book!
Craig County Public Library events and programs:
Current:
- “Book Bags” for kids. Check out a book with a bag of related materials and activities to enjoy with your child. (AVAILABLE NOW)
- Early Literacy Calendars (AVAILABLE NOW)
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library registration for children under the age of 5 (ONGOING)
- Take and Make Crafts February crafts (AVAILABLE NOW)
Upcoming:
- First Friday book sale-Friday, March 3 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fill a library bag for $5 with DVDs, books, and audiobooks from our book sale selection. More items are available for viewing upon request in our book barns.
- Andrew Lewis Middle School Craft Show Saturday, Feb. 18 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We will be on-site selling dip mixes from Dips ‘n’ More and giving away free books.
- Take Your Child to the Library Day Saturday, Feb. 25 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stay tuned for further information!
- Art to Remember fundraiser with Craig County Childcare Center. Stay tuned for further information!
Stay up-to-date on all library programs and events by following us on our Facebook page.