Get Healthy at Your Library!

From yoga classes for adults and teens, to Zumba kits that can be checked out and taken home, to online exercise classes, there are many tools the Library offers to help with your fitness and health goals! Some find this surprising, and below is just one of many conversations I’ve heard customers having with friends, neighbors, or family members:

“I’m going to the Library.”  

“I thought you were going to work out.”  

“I am!”

“You are? You just said you’re going to the Library.” 

“That’s right. Check it out! Just visit the Library’s website and sign up for one of their wellness classes or check out their many other health-related resources.”  

“Okay, so you go to the Library for some workout DVDs right?” 

“No, I go to their programs, check out their DVDs, and use their online resources.”  

“I bet that must cost you a fortune.” 

“With my Library card, it’s completely free!” 

The Library can provide you with many free health and wellness resources—we’re not just a place for books! From yoga to Zumba, nutrition to medical discussions—there are a wide variety of health- and wellness-related topics covered in programs that you can attend at your local MCPL branch. For example, are you an adult looking to try out yoga? Sign up for one of the beginner yoga workshops. Teens, we’ve got yoga classes just for you too!

In the Library’s wonderful catalog of items, check out one of the 484 yoga books, 194 DVDs, or stream one of the 138 yoga training videos. Are martial arts more your speed? Check out over 300 DVDs and books. Does dance count as exercise? You can definitely burn a lot of calories through dance! Check out the nearly 700 dance instructional DVDs and streaming videos. Have you tried Zumba yet? Did you know that the Library has Zumba kits that you can check out? They include everything you need: music, instructional DVDs, and tools for one sweat-inducing workout!   

Did you know that you can earn Continuing Education Credits for free through Universal Class? What does this have to do with health and fitness? Universal Class offers courses in becoming a Wellness Coach, Yoga 101, Weight Training, Meditation, Life Coaching, Aromatherapy, Chakras, Freshwater Fishing, Canoeing, Landscaping, starting a Dog-Walking Business (it’s good for you and your pets), and even Therapeutic Bathing Instruction.

Each of the courses is self-paced and includes a wide array of lessons, exams, videos, discussion pages, a real instructor that you can email with, and a printable certificate upon course completion. Plus, it’s free with your Library card!   

What else can you do to exercise at the Library? Take a StoryWalk! Two MCPL branches currently have StoryWalks, which are similar to those signs you see in parks or along nature trails. You know, those signs that say, “Stop. Look at me and let me explain something to you.” So, take your family and visit the Library’s Antioch or Lone Jack Branches, and read the 15-page book as you and your family walk outside the Library.  

Log on and start streaming those workout videos or come to your nearest branch for events, kits, and information. Let’s get physical!  

*Please note that the Library staff are not nutritionists, trainers, doctors, physical therapists, or specialists in the medical field. Please consult your physician or professionals.  

For even more health and wellness resources, learn about MCPL’s Access Wellness initiative!

Andrew E.
Red Bridge Branch