Welcome to the January 2018 newsletter of the Let’s Move in Libraries project. This project focuses on how public libraries create opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to move and be physically active.

Results from Spring 2017 public library survey published. Thank you to everyone who participated! The results are now freely available in the open access journal Evidence Based Library and Information Practice. A few major findings:

• 80% of North American public libraries that have offered movement-based programs say that they have contributed to community building.
• The most commonly offered programs include: Yoga, Movement-Based Early Literacy Programs, Gardening, Dancing, and StoryWalks.
• Respondents report offering movement-based programs for all ages, with the most common audiences being: Pre-K youth, Adults, and School-aged children.
• Learn more about how to start these programs at your library by visiting the project’s Resource Collection and Webinar Archive.

Free webinar on physical activity programs and health offered in March 2018. The quarterly Let’s Move in Libraries webinar will be held March 7, 2018, and will feature library staff from the Be Well at Nashville Public Library Initiative and Sonoma County Public Library’s Healthy Living at Your Library. Learn how to get people moving as part of your library’s health services. The webinar is free. Sign up here!

The Let’s Move in Libraries Initiative is on Facebook and Twitter. Tweet us @LetsMoveLibrary! We’d love to know what you are doing. Follow the project on Facebookand on Twitter to stay informed of recently published articles and cutting-edge program ideas. Here are some highlights:

• Despite temperatures in the -40’s Centigrade outside, the Red Deer Public Library in Alberta, held a raucous Happy Noon Year Dance Party that got everyone up and moving.
• Knowledge Quest highlights the San Antonio Public Library, which held a bilingual StoryWalk that combined physical activity with literacy and arts appreciation.
• Rehoboth Beach Public Library in Delaware will hold its third annual Run for the Books 5K on May 19, 2018. Organizing a 5K is a great way to build community partnerships, encourage physical activity, and generate revenue for your library.
• The American Libraries Magazine highlighted how to create storytimes that incorporate yoga and movement. Check out the article to be inspired!
• Pelham Library in Alabama will hold a Rock Climbing 101 program on January 27, 2018. Learn how to rock climb at the library!
• The Guardian newspaper highlights the fact that the new Obama Presidential Library will feature a yoga studio, a basketball court, and a teaching kitchen.
• The National Network of Libraries of Medicine Greater Midwest Region highlights the Walking Book Club program at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, Illinois.
• The Programming Librarian website highlights the Middle Earth Walking Challenge of Peter White Public Library in Marquette, Michigan. “Participants kept track of the miles they walked from June until August. The winner received a copy of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ and runners-up received a copy of ‘The Hobbit.’

What are you planning for Summer Reading? We would love to hear about any movement-based programs your libraries have in the works for summer reading. Tweet us @LetsMoveLibrary, share with us on Facebook, or drop us a line at lenstra@uncg.edu.

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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.