My New Year’s Resolution is simple. I want to learn new things. (I’d like to eat less sugar and exercise more, but I feel my goals must be achievable.) One New Year’s Resolution that is easy to keep is getting a free local library card. It’s not just for adults. Children can get a library card as soon as they can sign their name.

According to The Digital Library of America, headquartered in Boston, after the Revolutionary War, libraries evolved from private salons and exclusive book clubs to subscription/membership organizations where books, ideas, and writings were limited to those either invited or able to afford access.

The first subscription library was founded in Philadelphia under the direction of Benjamin Franklin and became known as the Library Company. The founding members pooled funds to start the first library collection. At the time, most universities and private libraries only had books written in Latin. The majority of the Library Company’s collection was written in English and expanded beyond religious and educational texts. In 1790, Franklin donated books to the town of Franklin, MA, with the residents voting to make the books accessible to all, forming the first public library in the United States. It wasn’t until 1833 that the first fully tax-supported public library began in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Now public libraries are available across the nation to visitors and residents.

Though public libraries started with book loans, these community centers have evolved to fit the needs of their residents. From computer access, Wifi, fax machines, printers, and scanners to movies, eBooks, and discount museum passes, libraries offer opportunities to everyone. There are group events, art exhibits, and sometimes even volunteer tax help. Each activity is either free or available at a significant discount.

Two new digital apps are also available for card-carrying members, Hoopla and Kanopy. Hoopla allows access to eBooks, music, movies, and audiobooks, while Kanopy is a video streaming service.

The Saranac Lake Free Library is part of the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System (CEFLS). It was the first multi-county library system in New York State and now services 33 public libraries and reading centers across the three counties. The non-profit allows patrons access to a broader range of books through interlibrary loans.

In Saranac Lake, residents can use their library card number to gain access to numerous local events. Please ask the library as each museum/activity center’s discount varies from a percentage off to free. Ask about a pass to skate at the Saranac Lake Civic Center, High Falls Gorge, Fort Ticonderoga, Historical Saranac Lake, ADK Experience, The Wild Center, or Burlington’s ECHO Center.

Don’t forget that Saranac Lake’s library will host special events during the Winter Carnival. Keeping with the Musical Legends theme, go to the library’s website (SLFL.org) to sign up for the February 6th Karaoke Contest. There are over $500 in prizes ($350/first place, $100/second place, $50/third place.) Entry is free, but people do need to register and pick a song from the karaoke catalog. If singing isn’t your thing, attend one of the library’s movie nights and watch a film about more music legends. It doesn’t have to be an either/or situation.

Every year, there are more opportunities at our local libraries. Reading is still my favorite pastime, but it’s wonderful knowing all the other services are available when I need them. Enjoy!