The beginning of a new year brings resolutions. Losing weight, learning a new skill, donating time — we’ve all made them. The thought of resolution makes me reflect on the many transitions in life that we all go through. Whether a welcome transition or an unwelcome change, we all need to adjust and grow.

This past year has been a transition year for my family. We celebrated my daughter’s wedding in May as well as my nephew’s wedding a week later. My husband and I traveled to Los Angeles to celebrate Thanksgiving with my son’s future in-laws. The trip was a major change since I’ve been hosting Thanksgiving at my home for the last 20 years. My husband retired in April from a demanding position and is changing his focus in life. There were unwelcome changes with the passing of my mother at the age of 91 and the death of a close friend of a brain tumor at the age of 56.

We all experience changes. As a children’s librarian, I am often asked for books to help guide children through these transitions. We provide books that address death, divorce, fear, anxiety and anger. There are titles that discuss a jailed parent, a military parent and gay parents.

Throughout the library, foreign language sections have been created, and titles are continually added. The library supports patrons who are in flux, whether a recent immigrant learning a new language or enjoying reading in their first language, or a patron getting familiar with a new language.

The adult department provides many “self-help” guides to support readers during transitions. The 2017 title Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg, is an inspiring and practical book about building resilience and moving forward after life’s inevitable setbacks; Sheryl’s experience after the sudden loss of her husband provided her with the unfortunate background for the guide. Ask any reference librarian; they will direct you to materials that you seek in your quest for knowledge and strategies. Whether you are creating life changes or reacting to them, the library is a great source.

Make those resolutions, try your best, and best of luck adjusting to the changes in your life — whether good, bad, expected or unexpected. Happy New Year!

Jean Todesca is the head of children’s services at the Morrill Memorial Library.