Jelena Jovin
Biblioteka Matice srpske, Novi Sad
jovinj@bms.ns.ac.rs

doi: 10.19090/cit.2024.44.89-96
No. 44 (May 2024), p. 89-96

Fostering Physical Activity in American Public Libraries

Summary

During the past decade, among the service offerings in American public libraries, there has been a noticeable trend of implementing library programs that include various forms of physical activity. Specific national initiatives appear on the scene as inspirations for an active and healthy lifestyle for librarians and users of different ages and abilities. From storywalks for children and parents, music and movement, fitness classes for teenagers, walk or run groups for adults, to chair yoga for seniors - the common goal is to support users’ physical activity throughout life. The paper highlights the benefits of these programs from the perspective of librarians, users and the community. It is illustrated with examples of best practices on the Let’s Move in Libraries website and an online survey results of different library activities in America and Canada, led by Noah Lenstra, professor of library science at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. The work aims to inform Serbian librarians about details of the organization, implementation and positive/negative effects of the current trend in American libraries, as well as to encourage the development of similar, personal growth and health-oriented programs in Serbia.

Keywords:

physical activity, health, wellness, library services, national health initiatives, local community, skills, lifelong development

Submitted: 5th August 2023
Correction to the manuscript: 10th January 2023
Accepted for publication: 5th February 2023

Fostering Physical Activity in American Public Libraries by Jelena Jovin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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