Summer reading program urges adults to exercise their minds

Oxford residents are invited to stretch their bodies and their minds at the Oxford Public Library this summer.

The library will be hosting a series of exercise-oriented activities through Aug. 12 as part of the 2016 Adult Summer Reading Program, themed “Exercise your Mind – Read.”

The program will kick-off with an Introduction to Pilates class, open to all ages, on June 17 at 11 a.m., rain or shine. This event, and all others, will be located at Oxford Public Library (530 Pontiac Road in Oxford). Pilates is a physical fitness system which aims to restore the natural curves of the spine and improve posture.

Sandy Gilmore, Head of Adult Services at Oxford Public Library said each event is meant to provide an opportunity to exercise safely and have fun while getting fit. “(Participants) will be exercising their mind, learning how to exercise their creativity and, at the same time, exercise their body. The idea is to give patrons a taste of different exercise options,” said Gilmore.

The introductory lesson will be instructed by Cyndy DuVal of HealthQuest Physical Therapy and Medical Fitness of Oxford. DuVal is a life-long fitness enthusiast and has instructed group exercise classes for over 25 years.

Other summer reading events this summer will include a performance by the Flying Aces, a Michigan-based professional frisbee team, which will be held June 20, outside the library at 6:30 p.m. On June 23, the library will offer a guided meditation by Troy Farwell of Simple Organics in Oxford. Gentle Yoga, which will teach participants the foundational poses of yoga, will be hosted on July 29. An introductory Zumba class will be held August 12.

Oxford’s public library will also have a series of ongoing “brain-stretching” activities in honor of the theme. The library will display jigsaw puzzles on the tables for patrons and will offer coloring sheets to each of the three age-groups in an effort to provide creative forms of exercise.

Residents are also invited to win prizes by reading books throughout the summer. Registration for reading begins June 10. Participants can choose from the library reading lists or write a book review to receive extra chances to win prizes. Weekly prize drawings begin Friday, June 17, at 2:00 p.m. The grand prize drawing will be August 12.

For more information on the Introduction to Pilates or any other programs, and to register, call (248) 628-3034 or visit www.miopl.org.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *