This is the October 2017 edition of the Let’s Move in Libraries project newsletter. The project’s focus is on how public libraries create opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to move and to be physically active.

The next webinar on how to incorporate movement into libraries will be held on November 8, 2017, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. This webinar is free and open to all. Josh Berk (Bethlehem [PA] Public Library) and Rick Samuelson (Henrico County Public Library) will discuss how their libraries circulate objects like bicycles and nature backpacks to encourage healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles. Attend to learn how your library can utilize the “library of things” concept to positively impact physical activity.

On October 18, 2017, public librarians Stephanie Fennell, Susan Craven, and Jenn Carson shared their experiences developing and implementing movement-based programs at the biennial conference of the North Carolina Library Association in Winston-Salem. Approximately 50 librarians participated in this action-packed, fun-filled session. If you missed it, here is the handout on how to de-stress at your desk that was used during the session to practice moving. Also check out Jenn’s website, Yoga in the Library, and her blog on the Programming Librarian website. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Participants were asked to review the current listing of movement-based programs in North Carolina Public Libraries. We learned that line dancing is held once a week at the Steele Memorial Library (Mount Olive, NC), a full-service branch of the Wayne County Public Library. The library also organizes an annual cemetery walk in collaboration with the historical society. Great to hear! Take a look at the map of movement-based programs offered in public libraries throughout North America. If anything is missing just fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we will get it fixed right away! Let’s celebrate all that we do in our public libraries to support healthy, active communities!

Finally, I want to highlight some resources that may help you develop more movement-based programs:

• America Walks has Community Change Micro Grants available that public libraries across the U.S. can use to develop walking programs and services. This program awards up to $1,500 to fund or help to catalyze smaller-scale, low-cost projects and programs that increase the prevalence of walking, expand the diversity of people and organizations working to advance walkability, and help to make walking safer, easier, and more fun for all community members.
• The Canadian Atlantic Provinces Library Association is celebrating Games@theLibrary/ Jeux@labibliothèque week October 29-November 4. Among other program ideas, they recommend active things like geocaching and scavenger hunts. Take a look and get inspired to try something new!
• The Public Library Association will award award up to fifty (50) stipends to librarians, including library support staff and paraprofessionals, at libraries in the U.S. and U.S. territories to support attending a full-day preconference of the Public Library Association’s biennial meeting, Stand Up for Health: Health and Wellness Services for Your Community, scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Applicants from public libraries will be given priority consideration.
• October is Health Literacy Month. Check out the American Library Association’s Health Literacy Toolkit to get some great ideas about movement-based programs, including yoga, walking, silver sneakers, gardening, and more!
• Finally, here is a round-up of recent library literature on movement-based programs:
  1. Jenny Foster Stenis wrote a great review of Stories, Songs and Stretches: Creating Playful Storytimes with Yoga and Movement for RUSQ.
  2. Natalia Tuchina wrote (in Russian!) an article on her library’s community garden for the Russian National Library Work Magazine.
  3. Emily Puckett Rodgers wrote in Library Journal on how to create great outdoor spaces that, among other things, support movement.
  4. Linda Jacobson wrote in School Library Journal on “Riders’ Advisory: Bike-Related programs” in public and school libraries.
  5. Traci Lesneski wrote in Library Journal on how to encourage activity in today’s libraries in an article appropriately called “Get Moving.”

If your library’s programs get any coverage in the media (or if you have a press release), please let me know! I’d love to highlight what you do in a future newsletter, on the project website, and on social media. These stories are important to share and to collect!

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 Subscribe to the Let’s Move in Libraries newsletter for monthly editions of success stories, educational opportunities, and food for thought that will deepen the impact of movement-based programs and services in public libraries. Also follow the project on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date. The Let’s Move in Libraries project focuses on how public libraries create opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in healthy physical activity.