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Libraries play key roles in the communities that host them. Far more than simply a venue that stores books and recordings, the typical public library these days has become something of a community crossroads for all kinds of “unlibrary-like” activities.
Arts and culture, nutrition, recreation and employment are just random examples of the kinds of services even smaller libraries offer. The lists can get quite long.
The Peter White Public Library in Marquette gets a lot of ink here and attention elsewhere for the programs it offers, and rightly so. Even a brief scan of its website reveals a myriad of activities happening on a daily basis, all choreographed to fit with users’ schedule. The PWPL is among the largest facilities of its kind north of Cadillac. It’s well managed and is considered a community gem.
But certainly it isn’t the only local library doing great work well beyond lending books and movie discs. Take the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, for example. A venerable structure that dates its opening to 1904 and the nationwide philanthropy of industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library is a community showpiece the entire city should be proud of.
The interior’s architecture perfectly supports either quiet contemplation or raucous recreation, depending on the program at hand. And indeed, it offers a wide variety of programs that Ishpeming-area residents and visitors can enjoy.
One such program that sits well outside traditional library offerings was described in Mining Journal reporting on Thursday. The Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, using a recent $1,200 grant, will offer group health and exercise classes for adults to promote wellness and combat loneliness and isolation. The ICPL will offer these classes to the community at no cost to attendees.
Classes are being offered for adults throughout the summer during the library’s summer reading programming lineup. Beginners and newcomers are always welcome to join, and all classes are free and open to the public. All classes are held at the library.
This program is an outstanding example of the evolving role libraries play in their communities. Tai Chi Qigong, Pilates, chair yoga and Zumba are about as far from the Dewey Decimal System as one can get. Yet, all of it is going to be available ICPL and we’re betting a lot of people will take full advantage.
So check out what’s happening at your public library. Library managers pride themselves on having something for everyone.