AVRL Helping You Stay Active and Healthy

AVRL Helping You Stay Active and Healthy
By Tim Jackson

In 2015 the Annapolis Valley Regional Library (AVRL) created the original Be Fit Kits that focused on physical literacy and movement skills. During March Break 2018, Be Fit Kits 2.0 were launched. These kits are bags of equipment and books that children and families may borrow from the library. The bags are loaned for three weeks, just like books. The kits provide an opportunity for people to learn fundamental skill movements together in a safe and comfortable environment, with hopes they could continue to be active together. The kits focus on: dancing, running, throwing, parachute games, and yoga. Each kit includes equipment and books that will entice borrowers to learn and build their activity skill levels.

Offering FREE recreational bikes to borrow, Annapolis Valley Regional Libraries is promoting the Harvest Moon Trail and active living through public libraries, and also bicycling awareness for fitness, enjoyment, and transportation. The 7-speed freewheel-style bikes are available for adults to borrow during library open hours. Borrowers must have a valid AVRL library card. Helmets and locks are provided as part of the loan. The bikes are equipped with bells and lights, as well as a basket. BookBikes are available for loan at the Annapolis Royal, Berwick, and Wolfville libraries. These locations have bike fix-it stations and also periodically offer bike maintenance and safety seminars. This is a project that has been done in other provinces and in the US, but this is the first one for Nova Scotia public libraries.

AVRL has partnered with provincial and municipal departments to offer these services. While BookBikes are only available in person at the participating branches, Be Fit Kits can be reserved through the AVRL catalogue just like any book or DVD.