The Metropolitan Library System offers families a variety of ways to build healthier, more active lives — from nutrition guides and wellness programs to fitness resources and community events.
Children’s Services Manager Kristin Williamson describes libraries as community hubs that support whole family wellness and books are just the beginning. Williamson says families can turn to their Metro Library branch for hands-on cooking classes, fitness programs and mental health resources.
How do local libraries help build healthy families?
For anyone looking to jumpstart their journey toward better health, Metro Libraries provides free and accessible resources for all ages. To get moving, options include Wiggly Wednesdays for babies and toddlers, kids and family yoga, tai chi for adults and much more.
For families seeking nutrition advice and meal inspiration, Metro Libraries offers access to a host of databases such as A to Z American, with more than 2,000 state, regional and international recipes, and A to Z World Food, featuring thousands of global recipes.
For a more hands-on experience, cooking classes are available for kids, teens and adults. Kids Cafe and Steam Team feed both bellies and brains, and Dash Cooking for Teens teaches teenagers to cook quick, healthy meals. Parents can also check out a variety of classes that help families incorporate healthier food choices (Smart Kids, Smart Nutrition), drink more water with flavor infusion (Infuse Your Moves), and develop a more adventurous palate (Super Tasters).
Supporting Mental Health
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Metro Libraries offer families access to numerous mental health resources, as well as classes designed to promote self-care, including sound bath meditation, mindfulness journaling and teen chats on healthy relationships, along with family kindness challenges.
Learn more
Whether you’re seeking health and wellness tips, wanting to learn a new skill or find a new favorite book, your local library branch can help. Learn more about the Metropolitan Library System at metrolibrary.org.
