Libraries Heal Too: Fitness, Stress Relief, Food Box Giveaways and Self-Care at BPL
As the
ongoing federal government shutdown has stretched past 30 days, its ripple
effects are hitting families across the country hard, from furloughed
government workers missing paychecks to residents losing access to food stamp
benefits. In this time of uncertainty, the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is
stepping up to fill critical gaps, offering programs that support health,
wellness, and daily living needs for people across the city.
With 18
locations serving neighborhoods throughout Birmingham, BPL is proving that
libraries are much more than book lenders. Libraries can heal too, providing
lifelines for mind, body, and community through food box giveaways, free health
screenings, chair yoga classes and more.
Here is a
look at how our libraries across Birmingham are putting wellness and helping
the community into action:
Meeting
Basic Needs with Compassion
At the
Titusville Branch Library, monthly Community Resource Days are providing help
for struggling families, providing fresh food boxes of fruits, vegetables,
meats, canned goods, plus diapers and female hygiene products. In a collaboration
between Titusville Branch, the University of Alabama at Birmingham
(UAB) and Live Health Smart Alabama, the Mobile Market and Wellness
Unit regularly visits Titusville Library to provide fresh, affordable
produce and health screenings.
“These initiatives are designed to ensure our neighbors have access to
essential resources, helping to alleviate some of the pressures associated with
economic hardship,” said Reba Williams-Patton, branch manager. “By providing
access to essential foods and supplies, the library remains dedicated to
promoting the well-being and resilience of all residents.”
Meanwhile,
the Smithfield Branch continues to partner with UAB’s Live HealthSmart Alabama
to host pop-up health services and mobile food markets. With more than 2
million Alabamians living in food deserts, these visits bring nutritious food,
fitness guidance, and health screenings directly into underserved
neighborhoods.
At West End
Branch Library, Be Kind Birmingham provides free clothing giveaways every
month. The next Be Kind Free-to-shop event will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday,
November 12. Be Kind Birmingham has also provided regular give aways of
clothing and other items at Titusville Branch Library.
Caring for
Mind and Body
BPL branches
are also providing resources to help residents manage stress and maintain
wellness during financial strain.
- The North Birmingham Regional
Library hosts a Community Stress Support Group every Wednesday, creating a
safe space for emotional care.
- The Central Library offers a
monthly Self-Care Mastermind Workshop led by a licensed health coach,
teaching relaxation and journaling techniques anyone can use to reduce
anxiety. The next class is Tuesday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m.
- Free fitness classes -
including free exercise classes on Fridays at Titusville Branch, Chair
Yoga at Avondale and Five Points West libraries, and Chair Aerobics at
West End - help seniors and adults stay active and connected.
·
Patrons
can check out blood pressure kits from five major library locations to monitor
their health at home, another way BPL removes barriers to care. These blood
pressure kits are available at the Central Library and four regional libraries
– Avondale, North Birmingham, Five Points West and Springville Road.
A Public
Health Partner for Birmingham
Libraries are
often among the first community spaces people turn to in tough times. When
families can’t afford food, healthcare, or even gym membership, the Birmingham
Public Library provides free programs that nurture both physical and mental
well-being.
Whether
distributing food, hosting health fairs, or offering stress relief workshops,
BPL’s message is clear: the library is for your whole self, including mind,
body, and spirit.
To find free
upcoming programs and wellness events, visit our calendar at www.cobpl.org.
Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist - Birmingham Public Library
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