What?

Librarians are using technology to confront obesity in their community head on – and the kilos are rolling away as library users now regularly work out in the reading room. Be Fit Not Fat was launched in October 2012. Outreach through schools drew an enthusiastic response: 180 people attended exercise classes in the library, using Wii fitness consoles, and 43 seriously overweight teenagers and mothers joined an intensive programme. To make sure weight loss is lasting and safe, the library works closely with fitness specialists, doctors and nutritionists.

So what?

Be Fit Not Fat combines action with interaction. During physical exercise classes in the library, participants use a  Wii Fit Plus console. This is a video gaming console programmed for fitness training. The console transmits a moving image of a fitness trainer to a television screen. Exercisers then create their own exercise program by using a remote control device to manipulate the image of the trainer.

Participants in the intensive fitness and nutrition program have created a Facebook page and a lively blog, for sharing experiences, giving encouragement and celebrating weight loss. Using library computers, they consult nutritionists in the capital city, Bucharest, many kilometers away, via the online communication tool, Skype.

I look different, feel different, and my husband and child appreciate the difference! Without Pietrari Local Public Library I would not have succeeded! Ileana Nitu, 22 kilograms healthier

What?

6 librarians and 6 NGO representatives from the participatory 3 countries were trained about the practical principles of engaging communities in democratic decisions and community projects, as well as plan for the implementation of the citizens hub in their libraries. Then, the 6  community teams formed by librarians, local NGO representatives and citizens worked together, and opened Citizens Hubs – spaces for citizens to gather and work together towards being active citizens involved in their communities.

So what?

Through this project,  Vâlcea County Library developed new library services and programs aimed to support communities’ needs and to develop these communities: health education programs, programs that encourage women to develop their own business, volunteer programs to involve citizens in promoting cultural and historical objectives from their communities. 

What?

Elderly people received Nordic walking sticks to walk and recuperate.

Nordic walking greatly improves physical and mental well-being, increases the release of endorphins 5 times, normalizes the central nervous system: improves sleep, well-being, improves performance, helps to overcome depression; affects posture, improves the feeling of balance and coordination, strengthens the vestibular apparatus; up to 90% of all muscles of the torso are trained at the same time (all muscle groups of the leg, thigh, arms and shoulder girdle, abdomen work; muscles of the neck, back and chest muscles additionally develop), the body’s defenses are stimulated, immunity is increased ; pressure and load on the knee joints and spine decreases. Nordic walking strengthens the musculoskeletal system, does not require special training and has virtually no contraindications.

So what?

38 seniors aged from 50 to 83 years actively engaged in Nordic walking, and gained material support with appropriate equipment. In addition to walking, the group is engaged in breathing exercises, which is relevant during a pandemic. The activities encourage communication of group members, leading to dissemination of relevant information about life in the community and promotion of a healthy lifestyle in the community.