As we find out feet in the new year, many of us are looking for ways to kickstart 2026 and make positive changes in our lives.
Whether it’s a new exercise regime, learning a language, or picking up a new skill, the books in our non-fiction collection can help you smash those resolutions - or inspire you to make some!
Exercise
The Easy Way to Enjoy Exercise – Allen Carr [book]
We all know the feeling: you've put on a few pounds, you want to feel and look fitter, but the discipline you need to join that exercise class or go for that run always deserts you when you need it most.
How can you overcome your aversion to exercise and achieve the health and physique you dream of? Rediscover the joy of exercise, effortlessly and permanently, with the revolutionary Easyway method.
30 Day Kick Start Plan – Joe Wicks [book]
Lacking motivation? Know what you should do, but don't know where to start? Want to cook better, healthier food?
This is the only 30-day plan you'll need to create new habits, keep on track and feel brilliant inside and out.
How to Build a Body that Lasts: Exercises for Longevity, Strength and Health – Adam Richardson [book]
TikTok and Instagram's favourite fitness coach Adam Richardson shows how to work quick flexibility 'snacks' into your daily routine - without having to find time for a full workout in your busy day.
Whether you want to target your 'text neck', tight hips or tired ankles, this book provides inclusive exercises for all ages, shapes and body size, all of which can be done within the comfort of your own home.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mind Your Body – Nicole J. Sachs [book]
Does it feel like your body is failing you? It doesn't have to be this way. The thread that binds us is chronic pain, and conditions that limit us in countless ways. We live a shadow life, isolated by our pain. This struggle impacts our confidence at work, in our relationships, and leaves us vulnerable to depression.
You may have tried different drugs, surgeries, alternative and holistic procedures, hoping to find a hint of relief. Too often, that relief doesn't come. In 'Mind Your Body', psychotherapist Nicole Sachs shows us a new way of understanding and tackling chronic pain by nurturing your mind-body connection.
Everything I know about Hormones – Hannah Alderson [book]
For too long, women have been led to believe that hormones are our enemies. With concerns brushed off by doctors, we find ourselves struggling with our hormones, and blaming them for bloating, stress, tiredness and so much more. But what if they aren't the problem?
Your hormones are your superpower - only, they can't thrive without your help. Founder of the Positive Method, Hannah Alderson, will show you just how simple that can be.
The Mind Manual: Your Complete Mental Fitness Toolkit – Dr Alex George [book]
Mental health matters! Learn how to assess your mental health today - and understand what's normal for you.
Discover the seven universal truths that everyone should remember, and the mental fitness foundations that will boost you. And exercise your mind with the mental health toolkit that will help you thrive.
Craft
Quick and Easy Crochet – Melody Griffiths [book]
Discover 35 patterns for gorgeous clothes and accessories to make with just yarn and a crochet hook in no time at all. The designs in this book offer a range of contemporary garments and accessories to make on the move - from hats and gloves to children's clothes, and from bags and cushions to wraps and throws.
The crochet techniques are simple to master and impressive pieces can be achieved without expertise.
A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting – Tracey Lord [book]
A step-by-step guide to stitches and techniques, from knit and purl to Fair Isle, with 20 beautiful projects to make.
If you would like to start knitting, or if you know the basics but would like to learn the more complex skills of shaping, lace patterns and colourwork, then 'A Beginner's Guide to Knitting' is for you.
Healthy Living
Try Dry: The Official Guide to a Month Off Booze – Lauren Booker [book]
Whether you're a Daily Tippler, a Weekender, an Unwinder or a Both Ends of the Candle-er, this book will lead you through each stage of your booze-free challenge - from 'coming out' to friends and family, to sober dating, setbacks, cravings, going out and staying in.
Deeper sleep, reduced anxiety, improved mood, clearer skin, more energy and of course, extra cash, are just a few of a whole host of benefits to be gained from trying dry.
Cook Happy, Cook Healthy – Fearne Cotton [book]
Fearne Cotton is one of our best-loved television and radio presenters. She is also a keen healthy baker and young, busy, working mum who has found some great ways to eat well and eat clean.
Her first cookbook, 'Cook Happy, Cook Healthy', is full of easy, fast and healthy recipes for everything from breakfast and speedy suppers to baked treats.
Detox in a Weekend – Maggie Pannell [book]
Packed with expert advice and guidance, this book contains everything you need to know in order to detox safely and effectively over a short period.
Finances
Good with Money – Emma Edwards [book]
A game-changing, practical guide to the psychology behind your spending habits, revealing how to manage your money without missing out on the things you love.
Have you ever avoided looking at your banking app after a big night out? Placed an online order during a late-night doom scroll? Or felt helpless when your new budget simply failed to stick, despite your best intentions? If this sounds familiar, this is the book for you.
Make the Most of Your Money – Nic Cicutti [book]
'Make the Most of Your Money' is a no-nonsense, hassle-free guide designed to help you work out your financial priorities, grow your cash and kick-start your journey to good financial health.
Learning Languages
50 Spanish Coffee Breaks – Coffee Break Languages [book]
In 2006 Coffee Break Spanish became the first podcast for beginners of Spanish and immediately caught the attention of listeners. Soon, language learners around the world were building their language skills with the Coffee Break Languages podcasts and online courses.
This book offers short activities to improve your Spanish one cup at a time.
15 Minute French – Caroline Lemoine [book]
A book for anyone who wants to learn French fast, this text comes with a downloadable audio app for Apple and Android phones, enabling learners to hear words and phrases spoken by native French speakers. Lessons span a range of practical themes, from socialising to doing business. Each lesson combines French vocabulary and grammar essentials with full-colour photographs for a user-friendly, accessible language guide.
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Is your resolution to join a club or meet new people in your community? Why not join the Library Book Club! Our 2026 schedule is coming soon, with our first meeting of the year taking place in February. Click the button below to find out more.
If you’re still thinking of a resolution, 2026 is the National Year of Reading. Why not make it your goal to read more, or explore a new genre? Crime, crochet, adventure, or ancient history, you’re guaranteed to find something you love at the Library.