Passing along the current issue of Let's Move in Libraries January Newsletter<https://uncg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVygdkgPfk3vCnk?Q_DL=G9jewGpt5cTjBPl_eVygdkgPfk3vCnk_CGC_XU73MqMxhc4MgC3&Q_CHL=email>. Subscription information is at the bottom if you are interested in signing up for future months, too. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://lists.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. "The thing I remember best about successful people I've met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they're doing ... and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they're doing, and they love it in front of others." ~ Fred Rogers From: Noah Lenstra <noreply@qemailserver.com> Sent: Monday, January 6, 2025 11:53 AM To: Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) <LancasterC5@michigan.gov> Subject: January 2025 Let's Move in Libraries Newsletter [https://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Safe-Routes-to-Libraries-1.png]The January 2025 newsletter of Let's Move in Libraries<https://letsmovelibraries.org/about-us/newsletters/> includes: * The release of a new report on food justice and public librarianship * How to do new things in collaboration with your communities in 2025 * How to contribute your knowledge on SNAP-ed partnerships * How to join our monthly Birds of a Feather online conversations This month's featured image comes from a new Safe Routes to Libraries planning project<https://www.urbanlibraries.org/initiatives/community-health-safety/safe-routes-to-libraries>. Libraries are more than buildings-they're gateways to learning, opportunity, and connection. Yet, for too many, physical and transportation barriers make accessing these vital spaces difficult and even unsafe. Urban Libraries Council's (ULC) Safe Routes to Libraries initiative addresses this challenge head-on, ensuring everyone has safe, equitable access to the transformative resources libraries provide.
From 2024-2026, ULC and its national partners are engaged in a research and planning project to explore the feasibility of a national initiative to eliminate barriers to library access. By adapting proven strategies from the Safe Routes to School and the Safe Routes to Parks programs, this initiative strives to help libraries collaborate with local partners to improve walkability, safety, and infrastructure, especially in underserved neighborhoods. The Safe Routes Partnership<https://www.saferoutespartnership.org/> is thrilled to be working with the ULC on this initiative.
Let's Move in Libraries is also contributing to this effort. We invite you to make 2025 the year of Safe Routes to Libraries! Learn more at this 2022 webinar<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se3-REZXEBM> on "From Bikes to Books: Exploring Partnerships Between Safe Routes to School and Public Libraries." We look forward engaging libraries from across North America around this topic. At this point, we are looking for examples of Safe Routes to Libraries community partnerships. If you at your public library have worked with any other agencies or organizations to: * Encourage - Using programs, events, and activities to promote walking, bicycling, public transportation * Educate - Teach community members about the broad range of transportation choices, and make sure they have the skills and know-how to be safe from traffic and crime while walking, bicycling, or using public transportation * Engineer - Making physical improvements to the streetscape and built environment that increase street safety for all (e.g. new crosswalk to your library) * Equity - Ensure that Safe Routes benefit all demographic groups * Evaluate - Assess the impacts of the above efforts than we want to hear from you! Fill out this very short form<https://uncg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81Bdz5n4C8RUZD0> telling us how your library promotes or supports Safe Routes to Libraries. To be most useful, we need your input before February 1, 2025. Funding Safe Routes to Libraries We're also thrilled to share that America Walks recently announced its Community Change Grant Applications. These grants are a fundamental part of the America Walks coalition and they are so excited to see what community grassroots projects will come out of the 2025 cycle! The deadline to apply is January 17th. Learn more and get started on your application<https://americawalks.org/programs/community-change-grants/>. StoryWalk(r) with a Safe Routes Twist: A New Chapter in Community Safety [https://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-...] As part of this project, participants completed a Walk, Ride, and Roll to the Library Zine. Download a copy to use at your library<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-8WLFJ1sYlvhqNLnr2xiWD2a7BQYZsps/view?usp=sharing>. Our friends at the Safe Routes Partnership recently published this blog post to kick off the Safe Routes to Libraries project. "Inspired by a growing movement to improve safety and access to public libraries, the Safe Routes StoryWalk(r)<https://saferoutespartnership.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88edfd25ae92304f5d305736c&id=66281d3e21&e=974c06bb38> takes the familiar StoryWalk(r) concept and adds a powerful twist: traffic safety education. By blending literacy, art, and public safety, the Safe Routes StoryWalk(r) encourages walking, biking, and rolling to the library while promoting safe road behaviors for all. Over a year of collaborative planning, community engagement, and partnership-building culminated in the launch of two StoryWalk(r) installations at Benning Library in Ward 7 and Bellevue Library in Ward 8. Each StoryWalk(r) installation features colorful, community-inspired artwork accompanied by traffic safety messages written in verse. The messages offer simple yet impactful lessons on safe walking, biking, rolling, driving, and taking transit. The whimsical nature of the displays makes them approachable for people of all ages, blending fun with education. Local artist Rebecca Crouch<https://saferoutespartnership.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88edfd25ae92304f5d305736c&id=5ee66cc819&e=974c06bb38> created artwork that reflects the local community and the various ways people travel to the library. Visitors to the StoryWalk(r) will be able to see themselves, their family, and their friends represented in each panel, while also receiving an important safety message. The Safe Routes StoryWalk(r) project is a model for how public spaces can be transformed to serve a larger purpose. It's a reminder that safe access to libraries is essential to advancing equity within the Safe Routes movement. By combining art, literacy, and traffic safety education, the Safe Routes StoryWalk(r) is doing more than encouraging safe access to libraries - it's building a culture of safety for the entire community. As libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of their communities, projects like the Safe Routes StoryWalk(r) ensure that everyone - no matter how they travel - can get there safely. This initiative is proof that with creativity, collaboration, and community input, we can reimagine public spaces as places of safety, learning, and joy." Read the full article on the Safe Routes StoryWalk<https://saferoutespartnership.org/blog/storywalkr-safe-routes-twist-new-chapter-community-safety>. View the final project<https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/xiMum5lyreb64> and get inspired to bring this program to your community! The release of a new report on food justice and public librarianship [https://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-12-at-8.41.07%E2%80%AFAM.png]We are thrilled to share that in December 2024 we released Public librarianship and food justice: Current intersections and future opportunities. Download the report by clicking this link<https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/listing.aspx?styp=ti&id=48010> or putting the following into your browser: go.uncg.edu/food-justice-and-libraries This report explores and examines some of the intersections between public librarianship and food justice. Food justice is a topic many working in public libraries wish to understand and put into action. Many struggle to do so in a way that is sustainable for the institution of the public library. These findings emerged from focus groups with public library workers conducted from November 2023 to March 2024. This report introduces five themes based on these focus group conversations: 1. The library is an evolving, multi-cultural community resource and hub. 2. Food access is essential to learning and literacy. 3. Library workers feel pressure and guilt to address all needs and individuals. 4. Procedures and policies integrate food work into library work. 5. Partnerships integrate library work into food work. These findings are followed by models and recommendations that may help us advance knowledge and action related to these intersections. The research included in this paper was made possible through funding by the Mellon Foundation. The findings and conclusions presented in this paper was conducted by a research team consisting of students and faculty from with The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Wayne State University. Download the report by clicking this link<https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/listing.aspx?styp=ti&id=48010> or putting the following into your browser: go.uncg.edu/food-justice-and-libraries We look forward to your feedback<https://letsmovelibraries.org/contact-us/>, and please share widely! How to contribute your knowledge on SNAP-ed partnerships [https://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sharnet-Nixon-at-th...] In Louisiana, the Audubon Regional Library hosted a healthy-eating program each week at its Clinton and Jackson locations. During a program, SNAP-ED Nutrition Educator Sharnet Nixon talked with Zenaria Atkins (pictured) and other children at the Audubon Regional Library in Clinton. Photo by Peggy Stafford A group of staff from multiple SNAP-Ed implementing agencies as well as Noah Lenstra, Associate Professor of Library and Information Science at University of North Carolina Greensboro and Director of Let's Move in Libraries<http://letsmovelibraries.org/>, have convened to develop a guide for partnerships between SNAP-Ed implementers and public libraries to help underserved populations access healthy food and opportunities for physical activity, make healthy food choices, and be more physically active. The guide will include information about the value of SNAP-Ed and public library partnership and guidance for how to start to partner, collaboratively implement and sustain programs, build in equity, and more. As we continue to move through drafting content and look ahead to plans for expert review, pilot testing, and evaluation, we would like to expand the team! If you are interested in joining this effort, please email Sarah Mott<mailto:smott@michiganfitness.org>, program manager at Michigan Fitness Foundation to be added to the contact list and save the date for a virtual meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST to learn more about the project and how to get engaged In the United States, SNAP-Ed<https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/> is a federally funded, evidence-based program that helps people lead healthy, active lives through a combination of educational strategies, social marketing, and interventions to improve policies, systems, and environments (PSE). In many states (find yours here<https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/state-snap-ed-programs>), SNAP-Ed works through the Cooperative Extension system, but in some states SNAP-Ed is implemented by non-profit organizations, social service and public health agencies, Universities, and more. If you or your library has worked with SNAP-Ed in any capacity, we want to hear about that!! Please reach out to us<https://letsmovelibraries.org/contact-us/> or email Dr. Noah Lenstra<mailto:njlenstr@uncg.edu> or Sarah Mott<mailto:smott@michiganfitness.org> if you have questions or want to contribute to this project. How to do new things in collaboration with your communities in 2025 In December, Dr. Noah Lenstra of Let's Move in Libraries joined Rebecca Hass of Anne Arundel County Public Library for a free Niche Academy<https://www.nicheacademy.com/> webinar on Partnerships and Building Relationships: How, Why, and Who<https://www.nicheacademy.com/blog/partnerships-and-building-relationships-how-why-and-who>. Here's what this webinar was about: "It takes a village... What strategies work for libraries wanting to become stronger community partners? How can you do this work no matter your job title? Being strategic, accountable, and a library advocate focused on documentation are key, but so too is centering the entire process around joy. In this free one-hour webinar, Rebecca Hass and Noah Lenstra share how to center joy in the sometimes complicated work of building and maintaining community partnerships. They'll present examples of libraries across America that have devised working systems for building partnerships and strong community relationships. And they'll take a deep dive into the successes and challenges experienced at Maryland's Anne Arundel County Public Library. You'll leave this session not only with renewed confidence in your ability to find partners, but also with plans to integrate partnerships and relationships even more fully into your work, and into the work of your library." Learn more and watch the recording<https://www.nicheacademy.com/partnerships-and-building-relationships-how-why-and-who>! How to join our monthly Birds of a Feather online conversations [https://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/LetsMoveInLibraries-Logo.jpg]Want to join a community of public library workers and partners interested in the topics celebrated by Let's Move in Libraries? Have a burning question you'd like to ask other librarians? Join us in our monthly Birds of a Feather conversation series. Beginning in February 2023, we host a monthly one-hour Birds of a Feather online conversation<https://letsmovelibraries.org/birds-of-a-feather/>. We are taking the month of October off, but we'll be back in November: Join us January 15, 2024 at 12 pm Eastern / 9 am Pacific for an inspiring, engaging, open and lively conversation. What is a Birds of a Feather conversation? It's an opportunity for individuals with shared interests to gather together (birds of a feather flock together) to share resources, inspire one another, and generally build community. These events are never recorded so that all participants can share freely. Join us<https://letsmovelibraries.org/birds-of-a-feather/>! Join us for an upcoming Birds of a Feather online conversation<https://letsmovelibraries.org/birds-of-a-feather/> to share and gain additional resources. The next event will be January 15, 2024 at 12 pm Eastern / 9 am Pacific. Here are some of the great resources shared by participants during our December online conversation. In December we had library workers from across the United States - Iowa, California, Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts, Georgia, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma - log on to share, learn, and grow. Join us<https://letsmovelibraries.org/birds-of-a-feather/>! Resources related to health promotion and health access State Library of Ohio Know Your Flow Grant<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/know-your-flow-grant/about-grant> Know Your Flow<https://knowyourflow.info/> Tools for Better Living at the Niles-Maine District Public Library<https://www.nileslibrary.org/tools-for-better-living> Resources related to physical activity, active living, and mind-body connection Be Fit Kits - Annapolis Valley Regional Library<https://valleylibrary.ca/news/be-fit-kits/> Tuesdays to THRIVE Poster at Saratoga Springs Public Library<http://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tuesdays-to-THRIVE-Poster.pdf> Folding Kayaks That Go Anywhere | Oru Kayak<https://www.orukayak.com/> Book Yak on a Kayak<https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/latest-links/book-yak-on-a-kayak/> Owl Prowl at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park<https://sspl.libcal.com/event/13301593> Bokwa Fitness<https://www.bokwafitness.com/en/> intenSati - MOVEMENT + MANTRAS<https://intensati.com/> Tango and Parkinson's: Can Dance Improve Movement and Confidence?<https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/stories/brain-health/tango-and-parkinsons-can-dance-improve-movement-and-confidence> Example of a library fitness class waiver<https://www.hhhlibrary.org/events/fitness-waiver> Another example of a library fitness class waiver<http://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/intenSatiWaiverandReleaseAssumptionofRisk.pdf> Read & Reach! A Resource for Promoting Physical Activity in Storytime Programs | Let's Move in Libraries<https://letsmovelibraries.org/how-to-get-started/read-and-reach/> Resources just for fun E.C. Scranton Memorial Library<https://www.facebook.com/ScrantonMemorialLibrary/> - "Jesse, our Adult Programming Librarian, loves to spread cheer by wearing a new holiday outfit every day in December." Scroll through this library's Facebook page to see all the outfits! Sewell Mill Library Creative Studios<https://www.cobbcounty.org/library/locations/sewell-mill-library/creative-studios> Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Subscribe<https://letsmovelibraries.org/about-us/newsletters/> 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 HEAL (Healthy Eating & Active Living) programs and services in public libraries. Also follow the project on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/letsmoveinlibraries/>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/letsmoveinlibraries/>, YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/@LetsMoveInLibraries/videos>, and Twitter<https://twitter.com/LetsMoveLibrary> to stay up-to-date. The Let's Move in Libraries<https://www.letsmovelibraries.org/> project focuses on how public libraries create opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in healthy activities. Follow this link to read the newsletter online: Read the newsletter<https://uncg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVygdkgPfk3vCnk?Q_DL=G9jewGpt5cTjBPl_eVygdkgPfk3vCnk_CGC_XU73MqMxhc4MgC3&Q_CHL=email> Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser: https://uncg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVygdkgPfk3vCnk?Q_DL=G9jewGpt5cTjBPl_eVygdkgPfk3vCnk_CGC_XU73MqMxhc4MgC3&Q_CHL=email