COVINGTON, Ky. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in northern Kentucky, libraries are developing into more than just book repositories.

Covington native Erin DeSantis, is bringing the world of yoga to the northern Kentucky community. But before she begins every class, she stretches to find her own zone.

She says stretching allows her to,"...ground myself so I can feel the earth beneath my feet. Prepare me to teach people."

After her stretches she’s ready for her class,

She said, "Chair yoga brings accessibility to a traditional yoga practice. It’s about making everyone feel welcome.”

DeSantis has been a librarian for 20 years, but last year she was named Kenton County’s Public Library’s first health and wellness librarian. She works with people in the community of all ages, helping them improve their health both physically and mentally.

She shared, "We offer tai chi, we offer the meditation, we offer all kinds of different health offerings or classes.”

Over a dozen community members came out for this session, including Marilyn Baker, who says she’s been coming to the classes for over a year.

Baker said, "Erin makes you feel so successful. Even if you can’t do all the moves. Some of the floor moves are more difficult than others. And she just makes you feel like whatever you do is fine, and the intention is always out there that you will achieve your goal.”

DeSantis says her goal is to help people learn how to use yoga to heal themselves. She herself is recovering from past trauma.

She said, "It’s helped me heal tenfold. And I want to serve it out immensely to all people, everywhere, anyone that would like to find Earth and free breath in and free breath out.”

A variety of classes are offered throughout the year, including goat yoga, dance fitness and health focused classes. The Kenton County library hosts several free classes.