HENNESSEY, OKLAHOMA—The Hennessey Public Library is pleased to announce it has been chosen as one of 31 sites in the state of Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to receive the Health Literacy Grant for the 2019-2020 year.
Ruth Ann Library Director grant check
The funding, provided in part by a Library Services and Technology Act (LTSA) grant, allows the Library to play a key role in providing health and wellness resources for patrons in Hennessey and surrounding communities. The United Health Foundation listed Oklahoma 47th place for overall health status of its residents compared to other states in the nation, with number 1 being the most healthiest and number 50 being the least healthiest.
“We are excited to help our patrons learn how to eat healthier on a budget and how to get fit without a gym membership or fancy exercise equipment,” said Library Director Ruth Ann Replogle.
Replogle applied for the grant in August and received notice in mid-September that the Hennessey Public Library would receive the full amount ($3,750) requested. The Health Literacy Grant awarded to the Library will be divided into two projects, the first reaching adults and the second reaching youth. The overarching goal is to help adults and kids alike discover healthy lifestyle options by encouraging them to change their food habits and to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. “Kingfisher County residents battle obesity, namely because of poor food choices and lack of physical activity,” Replogle said. “We aim to change that by offering simple healthy lifestyle options and challenge Hennessey residents in particular to join us.”
Project One is a six-month health campaign for adults called the Healthy Hennessey Hero Series. Between October 2019 and March 2020, the Hennessey Public Library will host monthly classes taught by nutrition and fitness experts. Most of these classes will be held at the Library, 525 S. Main, and the best part is they are all FREE to the public. Partners include OSU Extension Office and 4T’s Family Market. The series kicks off on Oct. 22, 2019, at 6 p.m. with How to Sneak Veggies into Your Daily Diet.
Project Two will consist of a 10-week health campaign incorporated into the summer reading program. Between May 18, 2020, and July 24, 2020, the Hennessey Public Library will encourage kids to participate in a series of health and fitness activities as part of A Hero’s Journey. Partners include Finer Physiques.