The Ypsilanti District Library, or YDL, has many programs and events for people of all ages to participate in. From books clubs to crafting events to fitness classes — the library has something for everyone.
The YDL recently received a grant, funded by Molina Healthcare, which helped them launch a new program for seniors called the "Moving Together" series.
Sam Killian, the Community Relations Coordinator at YDL, talked with The Eastern Echo about this new program.
"What we wanted to do with this money [the grant] was create programming for seniors," Killian said. "A program for seniors that felt more like programming that we would do for other age groups to make seniors feel more, you know ... bring them more fun."
Killian said the main purpose for the "Moving Together" series is to create a space where seniors can feel welcome at the library. He hopes that with this program, the seniors can connect with each other and engage in fun activities they enjoy.
"We wanted them to feel more connected with each other, connected with the library, see the library as a place where they could come and engage in things like art classes, exercise classes and yoga classes," Killian said. "We are doing cornhole and we are doing bingo. ... That kind of stuff."
YDL also is hosting fitness and art activities for seniors, according to its website.
In addition to the classes and other activities, there are also some challenges the seniors can be a part of. There is a special activity log that contains tasks and events that participants in the program can attend and complete. Things like checking out a book or making donations are examples of tasks on the activity log.
"Folks who want to participate with the challenges and events I was talking about, they can come to any of the library branches and pick up an activity log and tell us they want to participate," Killian said. "They get points for it. If they get up to ten points, they'll get a finishing prize. We wanted to make this kind of a game, as well."
Some of the events that are associated with "Moving Together" are in-person and other events are accessible virtually. Any and all senior citizens can participate. To find out when events take place and whether or not the events are in-person or online, visit the calendar on the YDL website.
