Wellness Classes For Older Adults A Wonderful Resource At Carroll Gardens Library

Participants at last Thursday's Wellness class for older adults with instructor Akwesi Asante

Yoga instructor Akwesi Asante

The Carroll Gardens Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at 396 Clinton Street at the corner of Union Street, is offering some wonderful daytime programing including book time for babies and toddlers, kids science programs as well as hosting an English conversation group and an open writing memoir group.

For the past few years, our local branch has also been hosting wellness classes for older adults on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am. Thanks to Carroll Gardener and library volunteer Rosalie Wysokowski, who has been coordinating these excursive classes, the offerings include Aerobics, Strength Training, Chair Excercises, and Yoga.

Just recently, fellow library volunteer Harriet Libstag has been able to secure a $1000 donation from Ridgewood Savings Bank at 244 Court Street thanks to Branch manager Frank Guevara.

The donation funds Akwesi Asante, the yoga instructor who teaches the Thursday class.

This past Thursday, I attended Asante's class and was inspired by the group of women who had come out to take it.  Many of the exercises focused on balance and on building up strength. Akwesi Asante has a wonderful kind and humorous way about him, which made the class fly by and put a big smile on everyone's face.

The older adult wellness classes as well as the other programs at the library are absolutely free, so please take advantage of them.

“Carroll Gardens Library hosts programs for people from all walks of life – children and seniors, students and professionals, lifelong New Yorkers and new Americans,” said Sheila Schofer, Brooklyn Public Library’s director of neighborhood services. “Everyone is welcome at Brooklyn Public Library.”