While I’m not sure that I subscribe to the concept of New Year’s resolutions, I see nothing wrong with saving money or feeling better in 2024. And just like there are endless versions of a resolution, there are equally endless ways to feel better. I quite like the idea of making friends, exploring neighboring communities and having more fun in the new year. Asking new questions, perhaps, or reading new books. Stretching. Joining. Staying in touch.

That said, it’s no mystery that the words “free” and “healthy” are not typically linked. Gym memberships and grocery bills can be pricey, to say nothing of visits to the doctor. Cookbooks too can be expensive and, let’s be honest, today’s internet presents contradictory advice on everything from symptoms to spices. It might seem dubious then to propose that saving money and feeling better can happen together, but there’s a kicker.

No matter what your practical health goal is for 2024, I believe it can be accomplished through the library. Whether you are managing diabetes or anxiety, aiming for sobriety, juggling financial stress or simply wanting to get out more, there are plenty of interesting books and programs to find within the Whitman County Rural Library District for free.

Just this month, two new programs were launched with such goals in mind. At the Uniontown Community Center Gym at 6 p.m. every Wednesday, adults are invited to learn the rules of pickleball or hop in for a game with friends or strangers. Similarly, in Garfield, a walking group has formed. Open to all ages, paces, and abilities, this group leaves the library for a stroll at 6:05 p.m. every Tuesday evening. Even friendly dogs are welcome.

A more longstanding program at the Colfax Library is worth knowing about too. S.A.I.L. Fitness, which stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life, is led by instructors from Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Here, many adults and seniors can be found improving their strength, balance, and agility in The Center. Completely free and very fun, the classes are a great way to feel better this year.

If you’re busy, or if your resolution is more individualized, there are still a few no-cost library tools you should know about. Fitness kits for children and adults are full of workout suggestions, jump ropes and resistance bands. Discover Passes offer free access to millions of acres of state managed lands and trails across Washington. Or, in case you forgot, both digital and paper versions of incredible health and wellness titles are available throughout Latah and Whitman counties.

Let’s not forget that health is made up of countless elements. Exercise, nutrition and fresh air, certainly, but there’s no discounting the importance of socialization or joy. A statistic that stood out to me recently was that, from the 1970s to the 1990s, there was a 60% decline in the number of picnics that Americans hosted annually. While that may seem funny or trivial, let’s not discount that either. Places to gather are important; picnics are known to help us feel better.

While there likely won’t be a solution to the picnic problem this January, there are plenty of other opportunities for connection through your library. Especially for creatives of all kinds, there’s much to tap into: a craft circle at 4 p.m. every Tuesday at the Tekoa Library, a sewing and craft group at 11:30 p.m. every Friday at the Uniontown Library, and a yarn club at 3 p.m. every Friday at the St. John Library. Really, there’s no shortage of chances to teach, chat, or work via libraries this year.

Monthly book clubs too can be found almost anywhere near you. Albion, Oakesdale, Farmington, Colfax and LaCrosse offer a great variety to choose from. Or, for introverts with resolutions, Palouse Library’s Read Club provides a similar evening of fellowship, where, every second Thursday of the month for one hour, adults read silently over tea and then stay to share their current and best books. It’s kind of like a picnic.

Truth be told, I consider any day at the library to be a sort of picnic. So, whether you like them, whether you believe in resolutions, whether you have one or not, just try to remember that the Whitman County Rural Library District is hoping to help you save money and feel better this year. Or just to have more fun.

Bofenkamp is the Palouse librarian and marketing specialist for the Whitman County Library.