By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

The New Year could be the start of at least one life improvement no matter one’s age. Our library’s ‘how-to’ books are not the only source of inspiration. Inspiration can also be found in our fiction.

For adults striving to help the environment there’s Oryx and Crake by Atwood. For teens wanting to be more proactive consider A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Smith. For youngsters trying to conquer fears A Small Thing…But Big by Johnston could help.

But for folks struggling to get dinner served faster we have new books including: Superfood Weeknight Meals by Pfeiffer. For those desiring a life change there’s The Big Fat Truth by Roth.

Attending one of our many programs is a great way to start 2017.

Kids Programs:

-Story Times – Tunes & Tales Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.; Toddler Tales, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

-Homeschool Happening: Spaghetti Tower Lab – Jan. 9, 10-11 a.m. Science, skills, and engineering fun with Charity Battles of Alabama 4-H Clubs. Kids in grades 1 through 12 can sign up.

-Lego League – Jan. 10, 6-6:45 p.m. For all ages but kids age 6 and younger must be with an adult.

-Throwback Thursday: Are You Game – Jan. 19, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Teens and tweens can come for games and snacks. Sign up.

-Pete the Cat Book Club – Jan. 24, 6 p.m. We’ll read: Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes. For ages 5 and older, but kids age 6 and younger must be with an adult. Sign up.

-American Girls Club – Jan. 27, 4 p.m. Girls interested in designing a dream room can bring their ideas (drawings, fabric, or a room in a shoe box) and meet guest interior design enthusiast Kinley Bell, an Alabama 4-H Ambassador. Girls age 7 and older can sign up.

Adult Programs:

-Computer Classes – 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 4 Computer Basics; Jan. 11 Basic Internet and Email; Jan. 18 Microsoft Word 2013 Part 1. To sign up come by or call 664-6822.

-Tai Chi for Health – Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 4 with instructor Rachel Hickman for eight weeks. Tai Chi is an exercise that improves balance, the mind, and oxygen circulation while massaging joints, ligaments, and muscles. Wear loose clothing and shoes that will not slip during movement. Each class builds upon the previous ones. Newcomers will not be admitted after the second class. Complete the Enrollment Form at the library before the first class.

-ABC & Ds of Medicare – Jan. 9, 1 p.m. Answers from Karen Haiflich of the Medicare Information Source.

-Mobile Device Workshop – Jan. 12, 6 p.m. Troubleshooting by Bob Fitzgerald of Personal Computer Consulting in Alabaster.

-Library Book Group – Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.

-Reverse Mortgage Basics – Jan. 30, 1 p.m. Facts from John Littleford, reverse mortgage professional, NMLS #1452250.

Programs are in the meeting room.

Coming in February: Free AARP Tax Help for Seniors February through early April. Available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sign up begins in January.