During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, libraries in northern Kentucky are expanding their role beyond being book repositories. The Kenton County library is offering free classes aimed at helping the community improve their mental wellness. These classes cover a variety of topics such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and women’s health. The libraries in Covington, Erlanger, and Independence are all providing these resources to the public.
Erin DeSantis, a Covington native, is introducing the community to the world of yoga in northern Kentucky. Before each class, she takes the time to stretch and find her own zone. Grounding herself allows her to feel connected to the earth beneath her feet and prepares her to teach others. Chair yoga, which DeSantis specializes in, aims to make everyone feel welcome by bringing accessibility to a traditional yoga practice. As the first health and wellness librarian at Kenton County’s Public Library, DeSantis works with community members of all ages to improve their physical and mental health.
Classes such as tai chi, meditation, and various health offerings are available to the public. Over a dozen community members attend these sessions, including Marilyn Baker, who has been participating for over a year. DeSantis creates a supportive environment where individuals can feel successful, regardless of their abilities. Her goal is to help people use yoga as a tool for healing, drawing from her own experiences of using yoga to recover from past trauma.
The Kenton County library offers a variety of classes throughout the year, including goat yoga, dance fitness, and health-focused courses. These free offerings support the community in improving their overall well-being and accessing resources for mental health awareness. The library is becoming a hub for promoting physical and mental wellness in northern Kentucky.