Wellness Classes at the New Haven Public Library

NEW HAVEN - Carmen Canales will demonstrate "how to manage stress using hypnosis therapy" from 2 to 4 p.m. May 3 at the Mitchell Branch Library, 37 Harrison St., according to a release.

There is no charge for the demonstration. Details at 203-946-8117.

Meditation classes designed for beginners will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday in May at Ives Main Library, the release said. New Haven’s Shambhala Meditation Center is providing these classes at no charge. RSVP 203-946-8130 x200.

Library Yoga classes will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays through June, with an additional Friday class in June, the release said.  All classes are held 1 to 2 pm at Ives Main Library, 133 Elm St.

All classes are $5; bring your own mat.

 - Monday classes, May 5-26, will be led by Mary Graham Johnston, and June classes will be led by Alison Beale (no class June 9—Library is closed). 
- Wednesday classes, May 7-June 4, will be led by Ellen Barrett, and by Alan Bitker June 18-July 9 (no class June 11—library is closed).
- Friday classes in June will be led by Debbie Kahan.

Saturday Tai Chi classes continue through the summer at Ives Main Library, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with Kathleen Brenner instructing.

In good weather the class will meet on the Terrace, and inside in rain. Classes are $8 each, drop-ins welcome.

For more information about any of these classes call the library at 203-946-8835. Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

Relax at the New Haven Public Library

NEW HAVEN - A session on group meditation and guided relaxation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 9 at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.

The “Break for Meditation” will be led by  Leslie Palumbo ( LCSW) and it is free and open to the public, library officials said in a release.

"Participants will explore with Leslie (shown at right) the sense of peace that permeates everything through energy work and the use of in-the-moment meditation techniques such as inner body awareness, the breath, nature, stillness, silence, and surrender," the release said.
Palumbo is a psychotherapist, Reiki master, and meditation teacher who uses a combination of mind-body approaches in her private practice, the release said.
Also, she has studied with Pema Chodron and Eckhart Tolle, and works with energy modalities in the Usui tradition, the release said.
She is writing and leading retreats, group and individual teachings on the gifts of grief and you can learn more at www.lesliepalumbo.com, the release said.
Library Yoga resumes at the downtown library from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 16, with Alan Bitker (shown in bottom photo) offering a 7-week series suitable for most fitness levels, the release said. Classes are $5 each and participants should bring their own mat. Drop-ins are welcome. Bitker is a certified yoga teacher with extensive training in Iyengar, Anusara and Kripalu styles of yoga. He is also a licensed massage therapist. Learn more at www.newhavenmassage.com.

For more information about New Haven Public Library programs, call Carol Brown at 203-946-8835 or visit the library’s website, www.nhfpl.org.

Editor's note: All information and the photos in this post were contributed