Library partnerships bring exercise equipment to the community

During the summer, a partnership between the Northeast Ohio Medical University Library, Sequoia Wellness Center and Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna was formed.

The NEOMED library funded by the Wish, Cope and Life Foundation at SCF works with local organizations and public libraries to bring reliable health information and resources to the community. Increasing education and awareness on physical activity and available programs is a priority for Portage County noted in the 2022 Community Health Improvement Plan. To address this priority issue, Reed Memorial purchased exercise equipment including resistance bands, kettle weights, tennis sets and more to be checked out for personal use by library patrons. Sequoia Wellness Center was able to provide literature to pair with the equipment which provides instructions for the equipment and easy work outs and stretches.

This partnership will provide a free and accessible way for residents of Portage County to get moving. We thank Reed Memorial Library Adult Services Outreach Librarian Anne Duffy, Sequoia Wellness Center Worksite Wellness Coordinator Maureen Laubacher, NEOMED Reference Librarian Colleen Duchon, and NEOMED Health Information Resources Assistant Mackenzie Blake for your collaborative efforts in making physical activity more accessible in Portage County.