There remain a little more than three weeks until the first day of spring. However, just because we are still trudging through winter doesn’t mean we need to hibernate on our health – physical, emotional, or otherwise!
Anne Arundel County Public Library is here to support you in pursuing winter wellness, whether through our ongoing events, our books and ebooks, or our online Library Exclusive Resources.
Remember that we always have ongoing COVID vaccine clinics, as well as hundreds of exercise DVDs that you can check out from our library locations, and almost 70 health & fitness courses you can follow along with online through Udemy, but the events and resources below are extra special to boost your spirits during this dreary time of year.
No matter your concern (or your age!), AACPL wants to help you . . .
. . . Maintain Your Physical Wellness
- AAC Health Department – “It’s Worth a Shot” – Tuesday, February 22 from 10 AM to 2 PM at Odenton Library - There will be a table set up in the outer lobby to hand out COVID 19 resources and PPE.
- Introduction to Vitamix – Thursday, February 24 at 2 PM on Zoom - Explores simple and fun uses for the Vitamix. Tips, tricks, and recipe sharing.
- Free Children’s Vision Screening – Saturday, February 26 from 11 AM to noon at Linthicum Library - Sponsored by the Linthicum Lions Club
- Free and Confidential HIV Testing – Thursday, March 10 at Brooklyn Park Library - No appointment required. Gift cards to the first 15 people tested. Sponsored by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.
- Beginner Line Dancing Fun – Thursday, March 10 at 6 PM at Severna Park Library - Do you like doing the Wobble or the Cupid Shuffle? Come learn some more beginner line dances and discover a fun, low impact physical activity!
- SMASH! The Diet Culture – Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 PM at Busch Annapolis Library - Includes information about the myths of BMI, how to spot a harmful diet, embracing Body Positivity, and intuitive eating. This is a three-part program, but you may attend one or all – other events on April 19 & May 17.
- Self Defense for Women and Everyone Else – Saturday, March 19 at 2 PM at Brooklyn Park Library - Take a free lesson in Kung Fu with the Wulin Institute.
. . . Nurture Your Emotional Wellness
- Mind Resilience for Young Children – Thursday, February 17 at 6 PM on Zoom - Join mental/behavioral health experts to learn about strategies and techniques that young children can use to develop the strengths, skills, and resources that interrupt and prevent downward spirals, and enable and promote upward spirals.
- Bullet Journaling 101 – Tuesday, February 22 at 7 PM at Severna Park Library - Join us for an evening of learning the basics of this activity and its applications for your mindfulness practice and productivity.
- DIY Bath Bombs and Body Scrubs – Saturday, February 26 at 10 AM at Edgewater Library - Make homemade bath bombs and body scrubs using natural materials and essential oils
- Journaling for Wellness – Monday, March 7 at 6 PM on Zoom - Experience the power of journaling for our mental health and well-being. Whether you're new to journaling or already have a journaling routine, you'll have the opportunity to journal with guided prompts and gentle structure in community.
- Family Mindfulness Class – Thursday, March 17 at 4 PM at Brooklyn Park Library - Join Dr. Peters, certified mindfulness professional, for an interactive combination of games, creative activities, scientific mini-lessons, light yoga poses, discussion, and breath work.
. . . Bolster Your Social Wellness
- Practice or Learn to Knit! If you're into knitting, come practice your craft with kindred spirits at the library! AACPL offers regular events, in-person and online, for all experience levels. Most groups meet once a month. Browse through our upcoming knitter-focused events here.
- The Wednesday Wind Down – Every Wednesday from 3 PM to 5 PM at Mountain Road Library - The world, and school, can be a pretty rough place for teens - why don't you take a break? Spend an afternoon with us relaxing, making art, playing games, and more.
- Celebrate. Period. – Monday, February 21 at 3 PM at Discoveries: the Library at the Mall - Socialize with friends and take time to appreciate your period by making your own menstruation self-care kit. Health & wellness info will be available to take home.
- Conflict Resolution Workshop – Monday, March 7 at 7 PM on Zoom - Join the Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center for an interactive and non-judgmental virtual workshop that will challenge you to identify your emotions and to better communicate in order to create a more peaceful and understanding atmosphere.
- Stories & a Stroll – Thursday, March 17 at 11 AM at General’s Highway Corridor Park (Hosted by Discoveries: the Library at the Mall staff) - Join us on the trail for stories and a stroll. We will walk, sing, read, and dance our way around a local park trail.
Finally, we also highly recommend you check out our extensive Winter Wellness curated list – it includes books in all formats, as well as online classes on platforms like Creativebug. We sincerely hope you enter springtime feeling your most thriving and resilient!