Check It Out:

Stuck in a rut? Need something new in your life? The Newport Beach Public Library has a large collection of books, DVDs, audio books and magazines that can offer new life out of boredom and discontent. Many people promise they’ll start exercising in the new year and look for new activities that offer fun and variety.

DVDs are a good way to try out new forms of exercise such as “The Biggest Winner! How to Win by Losing: The Complete Body Workout,” a five-disc set with Jillian Michaels, or “Budokon: Strength and Balance” which combines yoga, marital arts and meditation. “Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Mat Workout” is a film that preserves Joseph H. Pilates’ original method of body conditioning by demonstrating its purely classical forms. “The Method: Cardio Flex Band Workout” takes you from warm-up to cool-down, and “Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies” provides easy-to-understand yoga exercises for beginners.

Are you a fan of “What Not to Wear?” All four stars have books available in our library. “Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That’s Right for Your Body,” by Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, covers the basics of what works for different body types. Carmindy has information on her quick makeup routine in “The 5-Minute Face,” and inspiration for women in her latest “Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking & Feeling Gorgeous.”

Nick Arrojo’s new offering, “Great Hair: Secrets to Looking Fabulous and Feeling Beautiful Every Day” is not in the library yet but it is on order, so you can put a hold on it. “Great Hair” offers a guide to hair care, with advice on how to avoid outdated styles and unflattering cuts, identify hair type and choose the proper style and color to enhance one’s image.

If you need a push to get going on a new project or adventure, take a “dare” from one of these authors with books directed at women of all ages.

“You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-up Girls” by Lauren Grandcolas encourages adult women to dare to dream, to learn something new and to do something just for themselves.

It offers practical information, as well as how-to support and the kick-in-the pants encouragement needed to accomplish dreams.

“The Daring Book for Girls” by Andrea J. Buchanan is directed at the younger female and is a book for every girl with an independent spirit and a nose for trouble. It’s the no-boys-allowed guide to adventure.

“Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Fixing (almost) Anything in the Home” by Julie Sussman is designed for every woman who would rather be self-reliant than rely on repairmen.

Need more ideas? The library is full of them.

Just browse the shelves, check the online catalog or ask a librarian.

You’ll never be bored again.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.