On Feb. 15, the Midland Centennial Library took a different approach to promote physical activity among children with an initiative titled "Exercise like an Animal." The event, held in the library's activity room, aimed to make exercise enjoyable for children of all ages.
Valerie Aguirre, the exhibits coordinator at Midland County Public Library, directed the initiative by leading the children in a series of movements. The session had children mimicking Aguirre's actions, showcasing a variety of animal-inspired exercises. From walking like a crab to hopping like a bunny and balancing like a flamingo, the children were able to move around the room while also learning the different distinct movements of animals.
The initiative not only promoted physical fitness but also connected the activities with the ongoing exhibit at the library.
"We want to bring awareness to kiddos how exercise is good for you and how it can also be fun, and we showed this by making today's exercise animal-themed,” said Aguirre to Midland Times. “It gets them engaged and ties back to the Magnificent Me exhibit we currently have where we're focusing on healthy bodies, healthy minds, and everything else that makes up your magnificent body.
"As the exhibits coordinator, I find ways to tie in activities with the current exhibits, and it's a great way to get the kiddos at the library since it's after school and they can burn some energy off being here.”
Local sponsors, including the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, The Rea Charitable Trust, MCPL Foundation, and the Carnegie Circle, showed support of the current exhibit held at Midland Centennial Library Magnificent Me.
For more information about Midland County Public Libraries, visit their website.