Across Halifax Public Libraries, movement is a meaningful part of community life. From laughter yoga and K-Pop dance to joint mobility workshops and heart health sessions, Library programs invite people of all ages and abilities to get active, connect, and feel their best—body and mind.
At J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library in Hubbards, Thursday afternoons bring sneakers, fresh air, and friendly faces as the local Running Club gathers and departs from the branch. Just outside, a couple wheels away on bikes from the branch’s Bicycle Borrowing program, ready for a ride along the coastline. Inside, families drop in to browse books or chat with staff—reminders that wellness and learning often share the same space.
The J.D. Shatford Run Club, launched in 2021, is one of many examples of how physical activity and connection naturally intersect at the Library. What began as a small community initiative has grown into a welcoming weekly ritual where residents meet to walk, jog, or run the scenic St. Margaret’s Bay Trail together. Each participant moves at their own pace, but the camaraderie is shared—encouraging one another, telling stories from the week, or celebrating small milestones. Service Advisor Janene McIsaac, who helps coordinate the group, says the joy comes from “seeing people show up for themselves and for each other.” The program’s steady success has inspired other branches to explore new ways to bring wellness and community indoors and outdoors.
This spirit of connection is mirrored in programs across the system that pair movement with mindfulness, learning, and laughter. Laughter Yoga, Chair Yoga, Dance for Older Adults, and Optimal Aging workshops help participants maintain mobility and confidence. Popular multi-week series, such as Your Heart Health Matters, Health Strategies for Perimenopause and Beyond, or Be Good to Your Gut offered in partnership with Nova Scotia Health’s Community Health Teams—help participants understand links between their habits and health outcomes, providing practical tools and tips for lifelong use, free of charge.
Younger audiences are finding their rhythm, too. K-Pop dance sessions and tutorials blend choreography and cultural exchange, welcoming both dedicated fans and curious newcomers to explore movement through music. Preschooler programming always draws on children’s energies to fuel learning and absorption of new concepts.
Movement at the Library isn’t about competition—it’s about participation. Whether through dance, cycling, yoga, or a shared walk on local trails, health and wellness initiatives at Halifax Public Libraries create pathways to belonging and well-being.
As one participant from Hubbards put it, “It’s not just about running. It’s about having a reason to get out, to move, and to see people who care if you’re there.”
These programs remind us that libraries move with their communities—in every sense, and are ready to cheer along the sidelines every step of the way.
This story was originally shared as part of Halifax Public Libraries' 2024-25 Annual Report. Read the full report and explore more, here.
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