Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · 10d

The October newsletter includes the announcement of the 2025 I Partner with My Public Library Awards, A reminder about our new ConnectWell at the Library report, and How and why to join our monthly Birds of a Feather online conversation. Check it out!
letsmovelibraries.org/october-2025...

October 2025 newsletter | Let's Move in Libraries

OCTOBER 2025 NEWSLETTER The October 2025 newsletter of Let’s Move in Libraries includes: The announcement of the 2025 I Partner with My Public Library Awards A reminder about our new Connect...

letsmovelibraries.org

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · 23d

It was a full room at our session this morning at the Association for Rural & Small Libraries conference on Libraries Advancing Community Learning to Reduce Substance Use. Learn more about this project and access the learning resources at lacl.missouri.edu

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · 29d

“Maine State Library is delighted to partner with Maine State Parks for Library Card Sign-Up Month,” said Lori Fisher, Maine’s state librarian.
www.bangordailynews.com/2025/09/11/o... #EngagedLibraries

Your library card will get you into Maine's state parks for free later this month

Your library card won't just be your ticket for your imagination to wander but also your passport to many Maine state parks.

www.bangordailynews.com

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Sep 11

Share and extend your garden bounty at Spokane Public Library's fall harvest events
www.inlander.com/food/share-a...

Share and extend your garden bounty at Spokane Public Library's fall harvest events

Thousands flocked to Spokane Public Library's Shadle Park branch for its annual plant swap at the end of April, stocking up on plant starts necessary...

www.inlander.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Sep 10

New North Carolina library program "Cumberland Cooks programs powered by the library’s new Charlie Cart mobile kitchens, made possible through a $40,500 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services" bizfayetteville.com/more-news/20...

New Cumberland County Library program promotes culinary literacy | BizFayetteville

&nbsp;Each Charlie Cart mobile kitchen is a compact culinary powerhouse, featuring a convection oven, induction cooktop, sink, and ample storage for over a hundred utensils and kitchen accessories...

bizfayetteville.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Sep 9

Good new article on how public libraries are a key part of public health infrastructure, and need to be supported as such. www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/...

Libraries are public health hubs

The roots of community health and wellness extend out into the 9,000 or so public libraries across the U.S., writes Katherine O'Malley. But the Trump administration has moved to end federal funding fo...

www.wbur.org

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Sep 9

"Community gardens are becoming a local trend, with many similar projects in operation across Franklin County. This garden is different due to the partnership with and location at the local library, which helps tie it in with active community members." dailybulldog.com/features/car...

Carrabassett Valley Public Library goes beyond books with a community garden

The Carrabassett Valley Public Library goes beyond just books in its service to the region, also housing a community garden where people have come together through volunteerism to exchange knowledge…

dailybulldog.com

EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · Sep 5

Libraries, often unifying spaces, increasingly offer public classes on nutrition literacy, food security, and how to get a good meal on the table.

How Libraries Are Creating Community Through Food

Libraries nationwide are offering community classes on nutrition, food security, and how to get a good meal on the table.

buff.ly

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Sep 4

In small town North Carolina, "Gunn Memorial Public Library and Plough Girls Association partnered to present two free hands-on cooking classes for adults" www.caswellmessenger.com/news/article...

Community cooking program held in Yanceyville thanks to library and Lucindy

By Debra Ferrell

www.caswellmessenger.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Sep 4

In Spring 2025, 20 libraries across America joined Let's Move in Libraries and ConnectWell® for a Healthy Eating Challenge. On September 1, 2025, we released the report on this effort. Read the full report! letsmovelibraries.org/connect-well/

ConnectWell at the Library | Let's Move in Libraries

ConnectWell® at the Library Report released September 1, 2025 Full report name: ConnectWell® at the Library Report: Piloting 5-Week Wellness Challenge Model at Public Libraries to Evaluate the Publ...

letsmovelibraries.org

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Sep 2

Our September newsletter is out! It includes the release of the Nature-Smart Libraries Toolkit, A Let's Move in Libraries story from Georgia, A new Libraries for Health toolkit, The release of the ConnectWell at the Library report, and more!
letsmovelibraries.org/september-20...

September 2025 newsletter | Let's Move in Libraries

SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER The September 2025 newsletter of Let’s Move in Libraries includes: A Let's Move in Libraries story from Georgia A new Libraries for Health toolkit The release of ...

letsmovelibraries.org

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 29

"This unique program combines wellness and literature, encouraging residents to enjoy fresh air and movement while immersing themselves in audiobooks. Library staff will be on hand prior to the walk to provide support."
www.tapinto.net/towns/hoboke...

Hoboken Public Library Launches Audiobook Walk for Library Card Sign-Up Month

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Public Library invites the community to step into their stories with a special Audiobook Walk on Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m. Participants will gather at the Main...

www.tapinto.net

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 28

Thanks to grant from State Library (via IMLS) rural library in Western NC shows "The kitchen doesn’t have to be a scary place. With proper tools and knowledge, kitchen literacy grants families the tools to maintain healthy lifestyles." slnc.substack.com/p/cooking-up...

Cooking up Kitchen Literacy with the Fontana Regional Library!

The Library's Doing What Now?

slnc.substack.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 27

In small town Minnesota "Derek Wallace, owner of Owl City Cycles in Houston, was kept busy checking over bicycles, and making adjustments and repairs. The event was hosted by the Library through a grant from Thrivent Financial."
www.hometownsource.com/caledonia/ho...

Houston Public Library bike rodeo a hit with locals

The Houston Public Library was busy as a beehive - with bicycles- on Wednesday, Aug. 20, when 50 or more young cyclists brought their bikes to the library parking lot for mechanical and safety checkup...

www.hometownsource.com

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 27

Libraries, often unifying spaces, increasingly offer public classes on nutrition literacy, food security, and how to get a good meal on the table.

civileats.com/2025/08/27/h... @civileats.com

How Libraries Are Creating Community Through Food

Libraries nationwide are offering community classes on nutrition, food security, and how to get a good meal on the table.

civileats.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 26

“We are addressing the issue of food insecurity head-on. We see firsthand the challenges youth face,” Cat Huth, the library’s youth services librarian said. “These children often come in for a quick snack sometimes, but often they stay for hours at a time.” www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_n...

Library looking to expand kids fridge, help fight food insecurity

With food insecurity plaguing many Lawrence County children, the New Castle Public Library is finding solutions.

www.ncnewsonline.com

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 22

"ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – Roanoke County Parks & Recreation is working with the Roanoke County Public Library to bring community recreation to the Glenvar and South County Libraries." www.wfxrtv.com/roanoke-coun... #EngagedLibraries

www.wfxrtv.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 21

Learn how Boston Bikes and Boston Public Library teaming up!

www.iheart.com/podcast/1002...

Boston Library Branches Helping Residents Get Around On Bicycles - WBZ NewsRadio 1030 - News Audio | iHeart

Traffic and Weather Together on the 3s. Breaking News When It Happens.

www.iheart.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 21

Love this partnership in Western North Carolina (WNC). "WNC Repair Cafe organizer Dan Hettinger said they bounce around to different Buncombe County public libraries. The next Repair Cafe will be at the Black Mountain Public Library" Pics are from Pack Memorial Library. wlos.com/newsletter-d...

Sew you need a fix? Free repair resource mends items, stitches community together

At Pack Memorial Library, people dropped off things like clothing, backpacks and even stuffed animals that needed mending or small repairs.

wlos.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Aug 4

"Four Kentucky libraries are launching programs to keep families together, well resourced and educated, aided with $200,000 in grant money from the national nonprofit Youth Villages."
kentuckylantern.com/2025/08/04/k...

Kentucky libraries step up to keep kids out of foster care system • Kentucky Lantern

Four Kentucky libraries launch programs to keep families together and well resourced so children aren't unnecessarily removed from home.

kentuckylantern.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jul 31

The August 2025 Let's Move in Libraries newsletter is out! Read on for the final call for nominations for the I Partner with My Public Library Awards, inspiring stories from Oklahoma & Arkansas, Let's Move in Libraries in the news, and more! letsmovelibraries.org/august-2025-...

August 2025 newsletter | Let's Move in Libraries

AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER The August 2025 newsletter of Let’s Move in Libraries includes: The final call for nominations for the 2025 I Partner with My Public Library Awards Inspiring stories f...

letsmovelibraries.org

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UNCG Research @uncgresearch.bsky.social · Jul 24

💪 Looking to get fit? Try your local library!📚

Dr. Noah Lenstra’s Let's Move in Libraries initiative is inspiring libraries across the U.S. and around the world to boost healthy living in their communities.

Learn more at 🔗 researchmagazine.uncg.edu/2025-issue/l...

Libraries, For Your Health

Dr. Noah Lenstra's "Let's Move in Libraries" initiative is inspiring libraries in America and around the world to boost healthy living in their communities, as part of the growing library health movem...

researchmagazine.uncg.edu

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jul 22

In Virginia "Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and the Waynesboro Public Library hosting the event in partnership with the Waynesboro Office on Youth and Waynesboro Parks and Recreation." www.whsv.com/2025/07/21/r...

Ride, Read and Play event features Waynesboro Book Bike

Families are invited to celebrate the joys of summer with books, bikes and outdoor fun at the upcoming “Summer Ride & Read” event at Sunset Park.

www.whsv.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jul 21

"The first Thursday of each month, people can sign up to bring a dish out of a selected cookbook. Jennifer Colton, who runs the program, said participants select the cookbooks as a group, just like a normal book club." eastoregonian.com/2025/07/19/c...

Cookbook Club brings the flavor to Pendleton library - East Oregonian

For the price of making and bringing one meal, participants in Pendleton Library’s monthly Cookbook Club get to try up to twelve dishes.

eastoregonian.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jul 18

In Mississippi, the “Let’s Get Ready for Your Adventure” health fair organized in partnership between the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library and United Way of West Central Mississippi. www.vicksburgpost.com/2025/07/17/o...

On an adventure: public library hosts health fair (with photo gallery) - The Vicksburg Post

The “Let’s Get Ready for Your Adventure” health fair kept the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library anything but quiet Thursday afternoon. Organized by the United Way of West Central Mississippi, the...

www.vicksburgpost.com

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jul 17

In California "Dixon Public Library grounds came alive with community spirit as local volunteers gathered for the community garden workday was hosted in collaboration with the Master Gardeners of Solano County and Sustainable Solano." www.independentvoice.com/2025/07/15/5... #EngagedLibraries

Community Garden Blooms at Library | Independent Voice

The morning of July 12, the Dixon Public Library grounds came alive with community spirit as local volunteers gathered for the community garden workday from 8 a.m. to noon. The event, held at 230 N. F...

www.independentvoice.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jul 1

Great news from California! fullertonobserver.com/2025/06/29/v...

Victory for Park Access: State Library Parks Pass Funding Restored in Final California Budget - Fullerton Observer

California State Parks Foundation celebrated on June 27, the restoration of $6.75 million in funding for the California State Library Parks Pass program.

fullertonobserver.com

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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jun 30

Our July 2025 newsletter is out! Read on to learn about who has already applied for the 2025 I Partner with My Public Library Awards, which public libraries won the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grants, and more! letsmovelibraries.org/july-2025-ne...

July 2025 newsletter | Let's Move in Libraries

JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER The July 2025 newsletter of Let’s Move in Libraries includes: A call for nominations for the I Partner with My Public Library Awards A celebration of the 2025 public lib...

letsmovelibraries.org

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jun 27

In Kentucky "The Marshall County Public Library is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new outdoor space, designed to serve as a hub for library programming and community events." www.marshallcountydaily.com/2025/06/26/n...

New Outdoor Community Space at Marshall County Public Library to Open with Ribbon Cutting on July 2 | Marshall County Daily.com

The Marshall County Public Library is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new outdoor space, designed to serve as a hub for library programming and community events. The ribbon cutting

www.marshallcountydaily.com

Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · Jun 26

In Ontario "In partnership with Bruce County Public Library, ten season passes will be available at the Paisley Library branch for sign-out. Library patrons can borrow the passes and return them as they would other library materials." #EngagedLibraries cknewstoday.ca/midwestern/n...

Arran-Elderslie to offer free public swims and a Library Pool Pass

The Municipality of Arran-Elderslie will be offering free public swims at its two pools and a new Library Pool Pass program this summer.

cknewstoday.ca

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