From line dancing and yoga to Scrabble and chess, the Public Library of New London has a lot going on this summer with a host of activities to explore fitness for the mind and body.

The fitness theme runs across the adult, teen and children’s summer reading programs where library patrons will be invited “to explore a variety of ways to exercise their minds, improve their health and emotional well-being.”

There are also books. Lots of books.

Reading is still the centerpiece of the library’s programs. The activities are a fun way of getting people motivated, bringing families together and learning something beneficial along the way, said Madhu Gupta, the library’s head of information services and manager of the nonprofit resource center.

“They can have fun and take something with them,” Gupta said.

The adult summer reading program, “Exercise Your Mind – Read,” runs from June 17 to Aug. 19 and includes tournaments, workshops, games, drawing, movies, challenges and new books. All of these activities will focus on brain exercises, physical fitness, nutrition, stress relief and positive thinking, Gupta said.

The workshops include a July 23 family yoga session and an Aug. 20 lunch and learn workshop on healthy living.

There are also Scrabble, brain teaser, Sudoku and chess tournaments throughout the summer months. Competitors will vie for a chance to have their name added to a heavy weight championship belt for each tournament.

Patrons can also participate in a reading challenge. There will be a display at the library where patrons can browse the summer reading shelves, add books to a scale and keep a log for each title. They will be able to obtain a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.

There’s also a plethora of youth programs that follow a similar fitness theme and include books events, tournaments and games.

The children’s reading program is “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read,” and a teen program is called “Get in the Game.”

Michele Belanger, head of the library’s youth services, said K-6 youth can present their reading log once a week at the library and spin a special raffle wheel to earn tickets towards prizes. Extra tickets are awarded for things like push-ups or jumping jacks.

For a child not yet in kindergarten there is 1,000 Books before Kindergarten and other special programs for tweens and teens in grades 7-12.

Some of the youth offerings include a June 24 event called “Can you read a book standing on your head?” when Samer Delgado “brings his unique and special flair to fitness with a group workout for kids and parents.”

On July 24 children ages 5 and up can learn about yoga in a magic show with magician and registered yoga teacher Debbie O’Carroll.

Belanger said the library has been actively recruiting youth for their programs, visiting schools and encouraging kids to keep reading this summer to “prevent the summer slide.”

The library has a full list of offerings on their website, or simply visit the library.

g.smith@theday.com