Happy New Year! People have been celebrating the start of another year as a new beginning for about 4,000 years. There's something about reflecting on and addressing the past that offers us a blank slate for moving forward. Celebrate the magic of new possibilities with our reads and resources below!
READ: The End and Other Beginnings: Stories from the Future
Veronica Roth, New York Times best-selling author of the Divergent series, reaches into the unknown and draws forth something startlingly familiar. With tales of friendship and revenge, plus two new stories from her Carve the Mark universe, this collection has something for new and old fans alike. Each story begins with a hope for a better end, but always end with a better understanding of the beginning.
Questions to think about while you read:
- Was the last year good for you? What three words would you choose to describe 2022?
- Which emotion best characterizes how you feel about starting 2023?
- Where do you usually find support or encouragement when starting fresh?
LISTEN: YA Author Confessionals
Listen in as young adult authors share how they (and their characters would) kick off a brand new year!
Questions to think about while you listen:
- Do you agree that it takes 3 weeks of doing something before it becomes a habit? Why?
- What is a resolution you gave up on the quickest?
- What is a resolution you actually completed?
EXPLORE: New Year Resolution Board
Need help embracing who you want to be and what you want to do in the year ahead? Try out this tool!
Materials:
- poster board or cardstock
- variety of colored paper
- assortment of pens and markers
- old magazines and/or printed pictures
- scissors and glue stick
Steps:
- Consider what changes you want to make this year. Rather than focus on taking something away, think about the areas where you can add something positive into your life.
- Collect images, phrases and words that resonate with you, especially from the perspective of having already fulfilled those intentions, and glue them to your board.
- Hang your New Year Resolution Board somewhere you can see it daily, if not more often!
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all teen programs and events offered this month.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
