Library System focuses on health, wellness

Pioneer Library System (PLS), including their location in Newcastle, is placing a strong focus on health, wellness, and early literacy throughout the first months of 2025.

With an array of programs and resources, PLS is committed to fostering a healthier, more resilient community while also supporting early childhood development and school readiness.

A spokesperson for PLS said these efforts address critical needs by promoting selfcare, healthy environments, social-emotional growth, and foundational skills for lifelong learning.

PLS offers health-focused programs that feature a variety of topics designed to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Community members can participate in many exercise and movement programs offered by PLS, such as yoga and tai chi classes, which offer gentle yet effective ways to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance mindfulness.

For those interested in nutritional wellness, healthyeating workshops provide practical tips on meal planning, cooking, and making informed food choices.

In addition to physical health programming, PLS emphasizes mental and emotional health by offering resources and workshops centered on stress management, social-emotional learning, and building resilience. These programs are designed to empower individuals and families with the tools to create healthier habits and stronger connections.

The spokesperson said, at the same time, PLS continues its impactful work in early education through its Signature Service, Early Literacy School Readiness. PLS builds upon a child’s early literacy foundation by supporting the continuing development of language and literacy, math and science, social and emotional skills, physical growth, and school readiness.

These efforts ensure children are equipped with the tools they need to thrive and excel through Pre-K and beyond.

PLS invites families to enjoy Family Story Times, offered at all PLS locations, where children and caregivers can explore the joy of reading together through engaging stories, songs, and activities. In addition to Story Times, PLS doesn’t want you to miss out on programs like Pawsitive Reading Buddies, where kids can practice reading with a friendly, trained therapy dog; Sensory Explorers, designed for children with sensory needs to learn and play in a supportive environment; and Rhythm Babies, where little ones can discover music and movement.

PLS strives to ensure its initiatives are inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community. By offering diverse programs that promote health, self-care, and early literacy, the library system is working to cultivate a culture of well-being and lifelong learning that benefits all ages and backgrounds.

For more information about health and wellness programming, including yoga, tai chi, and healthy-eating workshops, or to learn more about early literacy services, visit the events calendar at pioneerlibrarysystem. org.

Founded in 1958, PLS today offers full-access libraries in 10 communities throughout Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties, as well as additional access locations in smaller communities and outreach services including Business Services and the PLS Mobile Maker Lab.