Healthy Living at the Library: Programs for All Ages

Libraries increasingly provide movement-based programs for all ages, and Physical Activity in the Library is intended for librarians in all departments who want to offer programs and services that will foster physical activity. Librarians are increasingly organizing 5K fun runs; checking out bicycles, backpacks, and exercise equipment; and participating in local, regional, and national days devoted to health and wellness. When this programming exists, it tends to be highly popular and impactful, bringing new users into the library and generating media attention.

This book is a step-by-step guide to starting, running, and sustaining movement-based programs. The first section suggests steps librarians should take when starting programs. The second section offers detailed instructions for running different types of programs for different ages and abilities. The third section focuses on sustaining programs: How do you keep the momentum going? The book additionally articulates specific challenges or roadblocks that may arise and offers tips on how to overcome these difficulties. The instructions are simple enough to be used by everyone considering adding movement to library programming.

From garden plots to cooking classes, StoryWalks to free yoga, more and more libraries are developing innovative programs and partnerships to encourage healthy living. Libraries increasingly provide health and wellness programs for all ages and abilities, and Healthy Living at the Library is intended for library staff of all types who want to offer programs and services that foster healthy living, particularly in the domains of food and physical activity.

Author Noah Lenstra, who has extensive experience directing and advising on healthy living programs, first outlines steps librarians should take when starting programs, highlighting the critical role of community partnerships. The second section of the book offers detailed instructions for running different types of programs for different ages and abilities, and a third section includes advice on keeping the momentum of a program going and assess program impacts. Finally, Lenstra offers tips on how to overcome challenges or roadblocks that may arise. An appendix contains resources you can adapt at your library to get these programs off the ground, including waivers of liability, memoranda of understanding, and examples of strategic plans and assessment tools.

This broad-ranging resource is for librarians who want to begin a new program or incorporate healthy living into an existing one.

From garden plots to cooking classes to StoryWalks to free yoga, more and more libraries are developing innovative programs and partnerships to encourage healthy living. Libraries increasingly provide health and wellness programs for all ages and abilities, and Healthy Living at the Library is intended for library staff of all types who want to offer programs and services that foster healthy living, particularly in the domains of food and physical activity.

Author Noah Lenstra, who has extensive experience directing and advising on healthy living programs, first outlines steps librarians should take when starting programs, highlighting the critical role of community partnerships. The second section of the book offers detailed instructions for running different types of programs for different ages and abilities. A third section includes advice on keeping the momentum of a program going and assessing program impacts. Lenstra offers tips on how to overcome challenges or roadblocks that may arise. An appendix contains resources you can adapt to get these programs off the ground, including waivers of liability, memoranda of understanding, and examples of strategic plans and assessment tools.