APLA2018

What is physical literacy? Why is it a cornerstone to whole-person literacy? Why should libraries offer movement-based programs? Where do we start?

The topic of physical literacy in libraries is certainly a growing and relevant trend. A survey conducted in Spring 2017 identified 18 public libraries in the Atlantic Provinces that regularly offer some form of movement-based programs, and an additional 79 public libraries elsewhere in Canada that offer these programs (Lenstra, 2017). In addition, past work shows that at least one fifth of public libraries have offered some sort of exercise class (Bertot et al., 2014). Evidence also suggests that more and more school (Barack, 2015) and academic libraries (Smith, 2016) also offer these programs.

Join presenters Jenn Carson and Noah Lenstra, who combined have over a decade of physical literacy program and research experience, as they deliver a multimodal production that includes a PowerPoint presentation, videos, handouts and some (optional) yoga stretches to get the audience into a body-positive state of mind. We will explore the neuroscience behind physical literacy, share case studies of what other libraries are doing (both academic and public), and offer links to program models. We will also discuss how to leverage community partnerships to start and sustain these types of programs. Some of the issues to be addressed include: marketing, staff and administrative buy-in, passive vs. active programs, funding sources, legal and liability issues, training, and modifications for patrons with exceptionalities. Participation in movement-based programs is valuable regardless of talent, ability, or experience; it has been proven that to increase physical literacy increases competence in other literacies, such as emotional, textual, oral/aural, digital and visual literacies.