Knox County Public Library invites you to start the new decade out by using your brain. This year, resolve to learn something new. From workshops and online databases to books on the shelf, the Library has resources available for just about any resolution imaginable.

Here are few suggestions:

1) Make a will. Many people put off making their last will and testament, but now there are no excuses. KCPL has a host of books and online databases for various business or personal legal needs. Most popular subjects include bankruptcy, name change, power of attorney, wills, and sample letters.

2) Learn a language. Whether you want to learn Hindi or Hebrew, Swedish or Spanish, KCPL has audio language programs available on dozens of languages. Check them out in the Sights and Sounds Department at Lawson McGhee Library.

3) Join a local club or organization. KCPL has an extensive directory of local groups to help you find folks who share your interest whether that is beekeeping or speech making.

4) Read to your child for 20 minutes every day. Research shows that reading to children who are not yet reading on their own is one of the best ways to prepare them for school. And it doesn't have to stop at Kindergarten. Some of the most treasured times between adults and children happen while sharing a book regardless of the age. With KCPL and Imagination Library, there will never be a shortage of books.

5) Read to yourself. Set a goal to increase your personal reading by 25%. Maybe you love the classics or maybe you prefer mysteries. No matter the genre, the Library has a list of titles that you can work through. There are even online book clubs that will give sample chapters before you commit.

6) Research your genealogy. KCPL's McClung Historical Collection has significant holdings of area newspapers predating 1920, census records, state and local government records, historic maps, photographs, and manuscripts as well as rare complete sets of Knoxville City Directories and phone books. Genealogy workshops and research savvy staff are always available to help you get started.

7) Jazz up your life. KCPL's Sights and Sounds Department has a tremendous collection of music and film. Discover a new local jazz musician or revisit a decades old foreign film that changed the course of cinematography. The second floor of Lawson McGhee Library is the hip place to be.

8) Learn a new computer skill. KCPL offers an array of computer workshops that take you from basic mouse and keyboard skills though the nuances of digital photography. All classes are free and require reservations. See the www.knoxlib.org for a schedule of classes.

9) Test yourself. Whether you want to get your GED or go to graduate school, KCPL can help prepare you for the test. KCPL offers online study guides and practice tests for school grade levels, GED, college entrance, career licensing, civil service, U.S. citizenship, and military entrance exams. It also includes skills improvement courses for business writing, resume writing, job search, job interviewing, networking and career success.

10) Ask a librarian. Google is a good start, but with so much information to sort through, your best option is to ask a librarian to help you. The reference staff at Knox County Public Library is available to help you find the answers you need by phone, email or fax. Call 215-8750 or email: [email protected].

To access the resources of the Knox County Public Library, drop in any library location, visit www.knoxlib.org or call 215-8750.