Librarians say 'Om' at Bloomingdale Library

Yogis didn’t need a book to figure out what downward-facing dog was last night at the New York Public Library on 100th Street.

The NYPL’s Bloomingdale Branch hosted its first yoga class on Wednesday—part of a larger initiative to reach out to the surrounding community, according to library manager Rebecca Donsky.
“We have the space, so I think we would be doing people a disservice if we didn’t provide active events that are good for mind and body,” Donsky said.

Local yoga instructor Christa Avampato, founder of Compass Yoga, said she suggested hosting a weekly free class to bring yoga to people who aren’t normally exposed to it.

“My goal is to teach yoga to underserved populations, so I wanted to offer a free class, and I really wanted it to be in my own neighborhood,” Avampato explained.

Pricey gym memberships are out of the question for many in the area, and as Avampato pointed out, many specialized classes like yoga, kickboxing, and spinning can feel intimidating to a first-timer. She said believes an informal and relaxed atmosphere is less daunting to a beginner than a professional studio, where everyone is decked out in Lululemon.

“You don’t want to walk into a yoga studio where everyone is looking all athletic and wonderful when you’re a little out of shape and have never done it before,” Avampato said.
Donsky said she thought the local library would be the perfect place for a comfortable yoga class.

“The library has become more of a community center. We still have the books—it’s still a nice, quiet place to read, study, and relax—but people are coming here to hang out,” Donsky said.

The 15 attendees included college students, parents, and even a Columbia grandparent, who attended with her friends. “Yoga is good for all ages. It is stress-relieving and relaxing, and even if you can’t do every pose, it’s great for your body,” Avampato explained.

Donsky said she was thrilled with the turnout at the class.

“It got quite a buzz,” she said.