Whether you kicked off the New Year with goals, resolutions, 26 in 2026, or a word of the year, Allegheny County libraries have the resources (all free!) to help you be your best self in 2026—with your library card as a passport to possibility. Here are just a few examples.
READ MORE: Try an eBook or audio book from Libby or Hoopla. Join a book club at the library, such as the Cook the Book Potluck at Avalon Public Library. Participate in a reading challenge, like the Winter Reading Challenge at Scott Township Public Library.
GET HEALTHY: Learn about new cuisines, different diets, or how to cook by checking out cookbooks. Try different forms of exercise by checking out workout DVDs. Attend a program like exercise class at Shaler North Hills Library. Borrow fitness equipment, such as resistance bands from the Library of Things.
FIND A HOBBY: Peruse the Library of Things for items to support hobbies, like a bird watching kit or knitting machine. Find inspiration by attending arts and crafts classes using CreateBug on the eLibrary. Inquire whether your local library has a MakerSpace with open hours to use the sewing machine, Cricut and other resources, such as Oakmont Carnegie Library and Monroeville Public Library.
MANAGE FINANCES: Find tax forms. Attend a program, like Fraud Prevention at Whitehall Public Library. Use databases like Morningstar and Financial Fit in the eLibrary.
EXPLORE: Check out a nature backpack (keyword nature backpack in the catalog) and explore local greenspaces or an experience kit to visit local historic sites. Use your library card to obtain a RAD Pass for local arts and entertainment destinations.
REDUCE SCREEN TIME: Play board games and do puzzles (all available to check out). Attend a family storytime or program, like the Block Party at Sewickley Public Library.
VOLUNTEER: Give by donating your time and talents as a library board member or friend of the library. Learn more about the Talent Bank and complete the form to be connected to a local library in your comment.
This month’s segment of Books & Beyond on Pittsburgh Today Live with Heather Abraham and David Highfield highlights some of these topics. To watch the full segment, click here. The book for this month’s segment is Tidy Up Your Life: Make Space for What Matters by Tyler Moore, a perfect title to kick-off for the New Year, when everything might seem a little cluttered, including life. Here is a link to discussion questions.
What are you waiting for? Visit the library today and get started on your year!