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Goal-Getter’s Guide: How the Library Can Help You Achieve More in 2026

Setting Library Goals for the New Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to set fresh goals, and Charles County Public Library is here to help you reach them! Whether you want to read more, learn a new skill, or simply spend more time exploring what the library has to offer, CCPL has the tools, resources, and programs to support your journey.

📚Visit Goals

If it’s been a while since your last visit, make 2026 the year you reconnect with your library! Set a goal to stop by your local CCPL branch once a month, or even once a week. There’s always something new to discover, from the latest book displays to community events and workshops.

Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for Wowbrary to get weekly updates on new releases and materials added to our collection. You’ll never miss a great new book, movie, or audiobook again!

✅Reading Goals

Whether you prefer print books, eBooks, or audiobooks, the library makes it easy to reach your reading goals this year.

And don’t forget: CCPL’s digital collection offers thousands of eBooks and audiobooks that you can borrow anytime, anywhere.

  • Set a personal reading challenge. Try reading a certain number of books each month or exploring a new genre.

  • Track your reading challenge progress on Goodreads and see what others are reading and recommending.

  • Ask for personalized reading recommendations here. Our Reader’s Advisory Team librarians love to match readers with the perfect book!

  • Browse the new books section each time you visit. You might discover a hidden gem you’ve never heard of.

🧠Learning and Skill Development

A new year is also a great time to focus on personal growth and lifelong learning. The library provides countless opportunities to explore new interests and expand your skills.

  • Learn a new language or skill. CCPL offers books, online classes, and access to Mango Languages, where you can practice conversational skills in dozens of languages.

  • Dive into a new subject. Whether it’s history, science, art, or something entirely new, our collection and databases can help you dig deeper.

  • Take a free online course. Through CCPL’s online test prep resources, you can prepare for exams like the SAT, ASVAB, or civil service tests — or build job-related skills through Digital Learn or LinkedIn Learning at your own pace.

📖 Reading and Self-Care

Reading can be a powerful form of self-care. It helps reduce stress, sparks imagination, and offers time to slow down.

  • Read with family. CCPL offers several ways to participate in reading-related activities. You can join the Imagination Library for free books for children under 5, sign up for the 500 by 5 program for children, or find other community-based group and online resources that promote reading and book discussions.

  • Explore resources for well-being. From meditation apps to workshops on stress management, libraries offer tools to help you take care of your mental and emotional health.

📈 Personal Growth and Organization

The new year is also an ideal time to get organized — and the library can help!

  • Learn a new technology. Attend one of CCPL’s computer or digital literacy classes, or schedule a one-on-one session with a librarian to get help using new devices or software

  • Get organized with technology. Learn how to manage citations, organize digital files, or use productivity tools to make studying or working more efficient.

🎊Make the Library Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions🎊

Whether your resolutions center on reading more, learning something new, or simply spending more time doing what you love, your library is the perfect partner in your journey. Stop by your local CCPL branch, explore our online resources, and discover how easy and enjoyable it can be to reach your goals this year.

Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and great reads — with your library by your side.