Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) understands the importance of public libraries in our rural communities. Not only do they provide free and equal access to books and information, but they are often a safe place for children during the summer months and weekdays after school, providing homework help, games, book clubs and oftentimes, snacks for children. They serve as a gathering space for business meetings, parent groups and fitness classes and provide access to high-speed internet connections –this sometimes being the only option for people without.

Mayo Clinic Health System – Chippewa Valley in Bloomer collaborated with the GE Bleskacek Family Memorial Bloomer Public Library to offer free classes for youth and seniors and sponsor healthy snacks for all the library youth programs.

Maria Seibel, Community Engagement Specialist with Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin, facilitates the library's “Fun with Food” and “Strong Bodies” classes. Fun with Food is an after-school event for elementary-age children. Every week, children are invited for an hour after school to enjoy a healthy snack and learn about important health topics, such as staying active, limiting your screen time, and keeping your lungs healthy. Maria also facilitates Strong Bodies – Basic Fitness Class twice weekly at the Bloomer Senior Center. Strong Bodies is a fitness class geared toward those 50 and older, it is an 8-week class that has been shown to increase strength, muscle mass and bone density. Both classes have received positive feedback and continue to garner active participation from library patrons.

Mayo Clinic Health System values its collaborative efforts with other nonprofit organizations and government agencies, such as public libraries, to address community needs. Collaboration allows community partners to maximize resources and achieve better outcomes to create an environment that promotes health and well-being for all.