Family Resources

Our libraries host numerous events and activities. Call them to see what's happening!!

Alexandrian Public Library..................................................................... (821) 838-3286
115 W. Fifth Street, Mt. Vernon, Indiana 47620
www.alexandrianpl.org/

The Alexandrian Public Library is the primary provider of information resources and services, enriching the lives of residents of Posey County and the surrounding area.

The Alexandrian Public Library serves the residents of Mount Vernon, Indiana as well as Black, Lynn, Marrs, Point and Robinson townships. The Alexandrian Public Library is open 9am-8pm Monday through Thursday, 9am-5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 1pm-5pm on Sunday.

Poseyville Carnegie Public Library....................................................... (812) 874-3418
55 S. Cale Street, Poseyville, IN 47633
http://www.pcpl.lib.in.us/

Current hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. CLOSED WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

Working Men’s Institute of New Harmony.......................................... (812) 682-4806
407 Tavern Street, New Harmony, IN 47631
www.workingmensinstitute.org

The mission of the Working Men’s Institute set forth by founder William Maclure in 1838 is the dissemination of useful knowledge to working men and their families. Maclure intended the Working Men’s Institute to bridge the information gap between the wealthy and the poor by providing libraries for average people. Today, the Working Men’s Institute still bridges the information gap by providing library services including public access computers to all of the people of Posey County.

 Learn how to keep your baby safe. Families may be eligible to receive a new Pack 'N Play after receiving safe sleep education. 

Safe Kids Worldwide® is a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries.  Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the United States and with partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more. Visit their site for safety tips and community information.

Play Outdoors

• Take a walk and enjoy the colors of all of the falling leaves
• Make a leaf pile and jump in!
• Bird watch
• Try making homemade bird feeders (fruit, peanut butter, birdseed)
• Play some outdoor games like tag, and hide-n-seek

Play Indoors

• Make microwaveable homemade s'mores
• Make a fort in the living room out of bed sheets and blankets
• Camp out in the living room and have a pajama party
• Hold a movie night with popcorn
• Put on some music and have a dance party
• Have a family story night -- no TV, gaming systems or devices, just sharing books as a family.

Face it - getting and staying healthy can be hard work. Here are some tips  from familydoctor.org to help you out!!

Eating better (for children and families)

• Start the day with a healthy breakfast. It refuels the body and provides energy for the day.
• Let kids help plan and prepare 1 meal each week.
• Eat together as a family as often as possible.
• Take time eating, and chew slowly. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to tell the body that you are full.
• Eat more vegetables and fresh fruits. Aim for a total of 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables each day.
• Eat more whole grains. Examples include oats, brown rice, rye, and whole-wheat pasta. Try to eat at least 3 ounces of whole grains each day.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Choose water, low-fat or nonfat milk, and low-calorie beverages.
• Serve a variety of foods
• Serve food in small portions.

Eating better (for parents)

• Reward children with praise, not food.
• Do not demand or reward “a clean plate.” Let your children ask for more if they are still hungry.
• Read nutrition labels for serving size. This information can help you select foods that fit your family’s needs.
• Bake, broil, or grill foods.
• Avoid cooking with butter or vegetable oil. Use healthier versions like olive, canola, or sunflower oil.
• Choose snacks that provide nutrients and energy. These are essential for active, growing children.
• Ask your doctor about vitamin supplements for you and your children.

Being more active (for children and families)

• Move more. Try to get between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Short sessions of movement throughout the day add up.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Walk as a family before or after meals.
• Make playtime with your family fun. Be active by shooting hoops or playing tag.
• Be active in the home. For example, you can dust, vacuum, garden, or walk the dog. These activities are good ways to burn calories.
• Include activities, such as hiking or biking, when you go on vacation.
• Know your daily calorie needs. Balance calories you consume with calories you burn.
• Limit TV, computer, and video game time to less than 2 hours per day. Encourage physical activity instead.

Being more active (for parents)

• Park the car farther away at work or stores.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.
• Exercise while watching television at home. Use a machine, lift weights, and stretch.
• Walk to do errands.
• Be a role model for your children. Do something active every day.

​

How active are you?

Use the examples below to measure your level of activity. Get a mix of levels and try increasing over time.

Moderate                                       Vigorous                                            More vigorous
Walking                                           Jogging                                              Running
Treading water                             Swimming laps (light effort)     Swimming laps (heavy effort)
Bicycling (10 mph)                       Bicycling (12 mph)                       Bicycling (more than 14 mph)
Dancing                                            Low-impact aerobics                   Step aerobics
Yard work/gardening                   Mowing lawn with hand mower   Digging a ditch
Hiking                                               Playing doubles tennis                Playing singles tennis
Vacuuming                                     Moving furniture                             Playing basketball or soccer
Playing with children                 Weight lifting                                    In-line skating

Things to consider

Follow these additional tips to create a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.

• Keep a food journal. Track what you eat, how much, when, and why.
  
• Keep an activity log. Track your exercise: type, time, and level.
  
• Eat at the kitchen table. Avoid eating in the car or while watching TV. This helps you focus on how much you eat and can help prevent overeating.
  
• Put workouts on your calendar so you keep them. Set exercise clothes out the night before.
  
• Set goals you can achieve. For example, aim to eat more vegetables and less high-calorie foods.
  
• Eat only when you’re hungry. Do not eat because you are bored, tired, or stressed. Instead, create other habits. For example, take a walk, play a game, read a book, or call a friend.
  
• Try not to overeat. Once you aren’t hungry anymore, push the plate away.
  
• Shop for groceries on a full stomach. This will help you make healthier food choices. It is harder to resist impulse or poor choices when your stomach is empty.
  
• Be smart about what you drink. Most drinks are empty calories.
  
• Choose water or low- or no-calorie drink options. A 32 oz. regular soda has up to 400 calories.
  
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.