Yoga and Meditation at the Library

Book excerpt: Yoga and meditation have a proven track record of lowering stress levels, helping to treat mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, building community, and contributing to an overall sense of wellbeing in their practitioners. According to recent surveys, 1/4 of North American libraries have offered meditation programs and 2/3 have offered yoga classes. Carson, a professional yoga teacher and library director, has been leading yoga and meditation programs in schools and libraries for over a decade, and she presents this guidebook to give others the tools for serving library patrons of all ages and abilities. Inside Yoga and Meditation at the Library, you will find 21 program models, including choreographed yoga sequences complete with pictures, passive program ideas, alternative collections suggestions, budget considerations, literacy tie-ins, and checklists for prep, teardown, and follow-up, as well as advice from real-world program delivery. Chapters include: What are Mindfulness and Meditation? What is Yoga? Implementing Yoga and Meditation Programs in Your Library Choosing Resources and Designing Spaces Passive Programs and Alternative Collections Policies and Procedures for Avoiding and Handling Problems Yoga and Meditation for the Early Years Yoga and Meditation for Elementary-Age Students Yoga and Meditation for Teens and Young Adults Yoga and Meditation for Adults and Seniors Yoga for Every Body: Inclusive Programming through Outreach and Inreach This book is for any programming librarian, administrator, yoga and meditation teacher, or outreach coordinator looking to boost circulation stats, program numbers, literacy rates, and foster health and wellness in their community.