Non-Response: 1
Activity Details
Title: Blanchard, OK—Blanchard Public Library
Narrative: Health statistics for McClain County revealed that thirty-nine percent of adults were obese. Like the rest of the state, obesity continued to be a problem for youth. Just half of the adults in McClain County consumed recommended daily servings of fruit, and only 29.9 percent consumed the recommended daily servings of vegetables.
Poor diets can cause a multitude of health problems, so the Blanchard Public Library focused on healthy eating as its primary project goal.
Healthy cooking classes for children and teens were well attended with up to 70 participants in a class.
The Chopped Jr. cooking program encouraged easy and healthy cooking. Children wearing chef’s aprons provided by the Friends of the Library, participated in three rounds of cooking challenges that focused on adding fresh fruits and vegetables to family meals. During the appetizer round, children used hummus as a required ingredient. Spam was a "must” for the main dish competition, and low calorie sour cream was required for the dessert round.
Chef hats and cookbooks were awarded to teams that had prepared the winning dishes thanks to donations from community partners. After the program, one young man yelled across the library, “Mom, I’m cooking tonight!”
Other interactive cooking classes included; Story Time Rabbits (carrots), Story Time Doctors (apple sauce), Maker Monday Mango Peach Pie, Healthy After School Snacks, Butterfly Fruit, and Making Fresh Bruschetta.
As part of Child Health Day in October, local pediatricians read to children and talked about nutrition and exercise. The event allowed children to meet doctors in the “less intimidating” atmosphere of the library, and parents appreciated the opportunity to chat with the doctors.
A children’s play kitchen was set up in the library so even the youngest children could explore fruits and vegetables and act out the process of preparing healthy meals.
Children participating in the cooking classes received photo-album style cookbooks where recipes from cooking classes could be added to the book. One mother with three children let each child pick which recipe they wanted to cook at home because they were going to the grocery store right after the library program. If anyone missed a class, they could always pick up recipes at the library.
Many parents told library staff that they were cooking with their children at home for the first time ever or on a more frequent basis. Some parents reported they were surprised that their “picky eaters” were willing to try food from the library classes and they didn’t seem to notice when recipes used healthy, low fat ingredients. Children were interested in discovering different tastes and textures between fresh, cooked, and dried fruits and vegetables. Due to the success of the programs, two additional classes were added.
A partnership with the Chickasaw Nation resulted in a Healthy Plate program and children were able to make bagel pizzas that included ingredients from each of the food groups. Each child received a collapsible strainer to take home, and recipes from the program were printed so children could add them to their cookbooks. The Chickasaw Nation hosted another program focusing on the HealthyPlate model. Children made ice cream in a bag, and after kneading and squishing the bag, one youngster said it was the best ice cream he had ever tasted. All children received their own dishwasher safe plate that was divided to show how a meal should be apportioned.
Library staff reported, “We had families that made it a point to sign up for cooking programs as soon as the classes were posted. We also had parents return to the library and tell us that they were now planning meals with their children at home.”
Participant evaluations showed that 87% of caregivers had prepared at least one recipe from the cookbook, 97% committed to prepare at least two healthy snacks each week for a month, and 100% responded that they would commit to including more fruits and vegetables into their family’s meals.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.
Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person
Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 24
Average number in attendance per session: 34
Number of times program administered: 1
Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No
Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No
Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General
Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: BLANCHARD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 205 NE 10th
City: Blanchard
State: OK
Zip: 73010
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 386
Agree: 374
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 59
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 364
Agree: 390
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 6
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 59
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 346
Agree: 399
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 9
Disagree: 6
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 59
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 596
Agree: 162
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 59
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 619
Agree: 140
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 59
Activity Details
Title: Duncan, OK—Duncan Public Library
Narrative: Duncan Public Library used grant funds to lease a Beam that projected virtual, interactive games and activities on the library floor.This interesting and innovative form of exercise drew attention from many individuals and groups in the community. Grandparents brought their grandchildren for intergenerational “play” and a group of senior ladies were regular users. Family play nights were scheduled on Monday evenings, and toddler Beam times were available Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. Local daycare programs scheduled times for children to use the Beam. Individuals of all ages and abilities wanted to try the library’s new health literacy resource.
According to the librarian, “Our Beam brought a lot of new people to the library who had not previously participated in library activities. We formed a partnership with ThinkAbility,an organization that provides daycare to disabled adults. They scheduled regular times to use the Beam for movement. After a few months, the original ThinkAbility group reached out to other ThinkAbility client groups to engage in Beam activities together.” The interaction provided a fun venue for clients to meet each other and develop friendships.
Several organizations contacted the librarian for Beam demonstrations including Leadership Duncan, Friends of the Library Board, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and American Association of University Women of Oklahoma. Libraries in Oklahoma and Kansas contacted the Duncan librarian for information on the project.
A local citizen reported, “The Beam is just so much fun, and I can truthfully say it is meant for all ages. I am a long-time member of a local education/civic group whose members went to witness the Beam in action. Our members may all be “grown-up,” but we had a great time playing the games. Since the demonstration, several members have returned to the library with family members in tow, so the family could join the action. What a great asset to the library and to the community!”
According to J. Cole, secretary of Duncan Friends of the Library, “From its installation, the Beam proved to be a success through the participation numbers alone. In March, Friends of the Library unanimously voted to purchase the unit for the library.”
In addition to the Beam, the Duncan Public Library networked with other organizations to address additional ways to promote health and wellness of community members. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service provided several healthy cooking demonstrations, and trainers from Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative presented workshops that included; Eyeball 101, How to Communicate Effectively with your Caregiver, and the 6-week Diabetes Empowerment Program.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.
Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person
Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 23
Average number in attendance per session: 34
Number of times program administered: 1
Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No
Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No
Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General
Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: DUNCAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 2211 N. HIGHWAY 81
City: DUNCAN
State: OK
Zip: 73533
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 382
Agree: 278
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 63
Disagree: 12
Strongly Disagree: 2
Non-Response: 60
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 298
Agree: 345
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 84
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 4
Non-Response: 64
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 373
Agree: 253
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 78
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 91
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 367
Agree: 267
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 75
Disagree: 4
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 84
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 376
Agree: 259
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 85
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 77
Activity Details
Title: Elk City, OK—Western Oklahoma Learning Center
Narrative: Western Oklahoma Learning Center addressed several health issues including healthier food choices and cooking and a variety of exercise programs for their English as a Second Language (ESL) program as well as the community at large.
ESL students took advantage of four special classes and learned: the names of body parts in English; how to describe ailments and symptoms in English;protecting against colds and flu; how to read directions on prescription and over the counter medication; dealing with medical emergencies; calling 911;and how to communicate with a doctor.
The Learning Center sponsored a community walk to coincide with the National Day of Walking. Unfortunately, on the day of the walk temperatures dropped to 33 degrees with 30 mph winds! In spite of the weather, 16 individuals walked.
Two six-week Tai Chi classes averaged 17 participants per class, and a partnership with the local swimming pool provided four two-hour water-aerobic classes.
A six-week women’s exercise class met twice a week to learn how to use weights and resistance bands. Participants did not want to stop after six weeks, so the six-week course turned into an eleven-month course and is still meeting at the time of this report.
A participant of an exercise class reported, “I have osteoarthritis and scoliosis. My doctors have always stressed exercise, but I just couldn’t stick to a routine at home by myself. I love exercising with this class because we have so much fun together.”
Another participant said, “After having a knee replacement and completing physical therapy, I wanted to do something to continue rehabbing my knee. Someone suggested the women’s exercise class. It has helped so much to improve my range of motion and strengthened my knee. Then I was able to attend the water aerobics classes and pushed myself even more because of the ease of moving in the water. I appreciate the opportunity to attend these classes.”
The Healthy Sides for Holiday Meals featured demonstrations of ways to reduce sodium, butter, and other high calorie additions when cooking for the holidays. Other cooking classes encouraged using raw vegetables, whole grains, berries, and nuts.
A partnership with Beckham County Health Department and Western Oklahoma Wellness provided a community garden class. Participants learned how to plant and harvest fruits and vegetables that would be grown to help the local food bank.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.
Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person
Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 88
Average number in attendance per session: 16
Number of times program administered: 1
Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No
Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No
Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No
Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: WESTERN OKLAHOMA LEARNING CENTER
Address: 1502 W. 8TH ST.
City: ELK CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73644
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 66
Agree: 1364
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 1419
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 11
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 88
Agree: 1342
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 620
Agree: 806
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 1326
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 104
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Ft. Gibson, OK—Q. B. Boydstun Public Library
Narrative: The Q. B. Boydstun Public Library in Ft. Gibson had two primary goals— encourage the community to make healthier food choices, including fresh fruits, and vegetables and promote increased physical exercise.
An educator from Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service presented The Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables to teach healthy eating as a means of controlling weight and helping prevent disease. Participants left with healthy recipes that incorporated fruits and vegetables. During December, participants enjoyed making healthy and fun “Santa Bananas” with strawberries and bananas donated for the program. A participant in the All About Kiwis class wrote that she had purchased kiwis for the first time after trying them at the library. The owner of a local vegetable farm spoke about gardening and shared how to make raised bed gardens. Children learned about healthy eating during an interactive children’s story time featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The librarian used the story to talk about eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Another program from Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service showed teens how to make healthier versions of chicken nuggets and strawberry smoothies.
Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative educators presented four workshops at the library including; a series of Tai Chi classes, Walk with Ease, Eyeball 101, and Safer Driving Skills for Seniors.
A participant in the Tai Chi class wrote, “I’ve had polio, and this class helped to re-stimulate those muscles in my legs.”
Nine community members attended Eyeball 101 presented by an optometrist and board member from the Northeastern State University.
Driver Safety Skills for Seniors was presented by two Highway Patrol officers. Participants learned that senior drivers often have problems due to slower reflexes, loss of vision and hearing, and less flexibility. The majority of older drivers self-regulated their driving by avoiding driving at night and only driving short distances to familiar places. The highway patrol officers agreed that while older drivers had issues, the officers were more concerned for younger drivers who are frequently distracted by cell phones, radio, and passengers in their vehicles.
A six-week Seniorcizes class helped participants, averaging 70 years plus, improve balance, strength, and flexibility.
Several seniors who attended Tai Chi classes had not previously been library patrons, but returned to the library for other activities as a result of the project.
The library director reported, “…community members had a new perspective about services available at the library as more than just a place to check out books. Programs available to all ages—preschool children through seniors, focused on easy ways to improve health.”
Of note—Q. B. Boydstun Public Library is located in a region of the state with some of the lowest longevity rates in the country. Poor eating habits and lack of physical activity were just two contributors to the low life expectancy rankings. Efforts have been made to expand health literacy programs to other libraries in the system where three communities were listed among those with the five worst longevity rankings in the country.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.
Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person
