Check It Out! New Year, New Chapters: Looking Ahead at the Colusa County Free Library

By Stacey Zwald Costello, Library Director

As the calendar turns and we welcome a fresh new year, many of us take part in the long-standing tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. This practice dates back more than 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, where people made yearly promises to their gods to repay debts and return borrowed items. The idea evolved through ancient Rome and into modern times, shifting from religious pledges to personal commitments for growth, health, and renewal. Today, resolutions are a way for individuals to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future.

At the Colusa County Free Library, we are embracing this spirit of reflection and renewal by setting three meaningful resolutions for the year ahead. Each one centers on strengthening our role as a trusted, welcoming, and dynamic resource for the entire community.

1. Provide Consistent, Reliable Services Across All Branches
   In the year ahead, we resolve to continue strengthening the consistency of our services countywide. From dependable hours to responsive support at each branch, our goal is to ensure that every patron can count on us for access to information, technology, and welcoming spaces. As we navigate ongoing changes within the county and broader library landscape, we remain committed to stability and clarity for those we serve.
2. Create Fun, Enriching Experiences for All Ages
   Libraries are for everyone, and we want every visitor—toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors—to find something joyful and engaging at their local branch. This year, we aim to provide programs that spark creativity, curiosity, and connection. Whether it’s hands-on learning for kids, book clubs for adults, cultural celebrations, or countywide reading challenges, we are committed to offering experiences that bring people together and make the library a destination for community life.
3. Support Our Patrons Through Service, Learning, and Care
   Above all, our third resolution is to deepen our support for the people who make our library thrive. That means listening closely to patron needs, offering guidance with warmth and patience, and ensuring that every interaction, whether at the desk, online, or during programs, reflects our mission to empower, educate, and uplift.

As we look forward to the year ahead, we invite our community to join us in turning the page to a new chapter, one filled with learning, connection, and fresh possibilities.