AT THE LIBRARY: A Year Of Laughter

Amid The Stress, Try This Yoga: Breathe, Stretch, Smile 

Column and photo by Tara Bannon Williamson | Park Hill Branch Librarian

I once asked a library customer, the late bookseller Lyman Rhodes, what he would like to do more of? 

His one-word reply has always stayed with me: “Laugh.” 

Some days it doesn’t feel that there is much to laugh about, so how do we find or create more opportunities?

The physical benefits of laughter are many, according to laughteryoga.com. The core workout alone is reason enough to incorporate more laughter into your life. The breathwork involved increases oxygen and can help build cardiovascular tone and strength. By energizing the body through laughter and play, you can positively influence your mood and release stress by producing endorphins, while reducing cortisol. 

Laughter Yoga has been around since 1995, thanks to Dr. Madan Kataria, and it’s something that has been part of my life since 2017. Unlike other forms of yoga, Laughter Yoga does not involve mats or vigorous stretching. Laughter yoga features playful games interspersed with gentle breathing and light movement and stretching. 

The best part of Laughter Yoga is that it is simple, fun and accessible to people of all fitness levels. Participants can move about the room or remain seated, adjusting to their unique comfort level. 

“One of the big benefits is community,” says Vicki Rottman, a member of Denver Laughter Yoga’s Giggly Guidance team. “I have become part of this community. We meet every week. [Since starting], I can laugh more easily. Even just watching a movie or a play, I’m not afraid to laugh out loud. I laugh more easily and more frequently. This comes in handy in everyday life — sitting in a traffic jam, but laughing!”

Coming together in community to laugh together is how I want to spend more time in 2026. Being silly and accessing my childlike joy helps me through the harder parts of my day as someone who serves the public at the library and wants to make a difference in the world. For me, Laughter Yoga is an important part of self-care.

Would you like to be a part of making Park Hill the neighborhood that laughs together the most? The Denver Laughter Club currently meets at St. Barnabus Church at 1280 Vine St. every Monday (except for the first of the month, when it meets virtually). Sunday afternoon sessions are also available every week online with Levity Leah. 

This year, the Park Hill Branch Library will host an in-person Laughter Yoga event once a month, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

We hope to see you at the library and laugh with you soon — just like Lyman hoped we would.

 January Library Programs

Note: All Denver libraries are closed Jan. 1 to observe New Years Day, and Jan. 19 to observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday.

Pauline Robinson Branch

Toddler Storytimes | Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their grown-ups.

Kids Create/Art Works | Tuesdays starting Jan. 13, 4:30-5 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 am-noon

Explore open-ended art, craft, and building materials. Grown-ups are encouraged to join their younger participants or kids needing extra support for a fun, inclusive experience. Ideal for ages 0-5.

Drop in tech Help | Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m.

Need help navigating the internet, email, or social networks like Facebook? Have questions about your phone or tablet? Want to know how to access eBooks? Drop by to get your questions answered and learn how to use tech more effectively.

Tweens Game | Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join us for games in a chill space just for tweens. Hang out with friends and explore awesome games. Ideal for ages 9-12.

After School Kids Connection | Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Dive into art projects, games, and activities. It’s the perfect place to play, create, and make new friends. Grown-ups are encouraged to join their younger participants or kids needing extra support for a fun, inclusive experience. Ideal for ages 5-12.

Computer Basics: Getting Started | Thursday, Jan. 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Learn the basics of using a computer. No experience required. Make sure you come with questions.

Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, Jan. 24, noon-1:30 p.m.

This month we will be discussing Swift River by Essie Chambers. All are welcome.

Park Hill Branch

Baby Storytimes | Thursdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers. 

Toddler Storytimes | Fridays, 10:15-10:45 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. 

Death Café | Monday, Jan. 12, 2-3:30 p.m.

Death Café is an international movement that invites people to gather and normalize conversations around death, to make the most of LIFE. This is not a grief support group or counseling session. Respect for all views is a priority.  

Laughter Yoga | Wednesday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Enjoy playful laughter exercises interspersed with gentle breathing and stretching. Strengthen the immune system, increase tolerance to pain and combat the negative effects of stress. Accessible to people of all fitness levels.

Family Book Celebration | Thursday, Jan. 15, 4-5 p.m.

A monthly book celebration. Come celebrate stories and reading with activities for the whole family. Share favorite books and connect with fellow readers to explore a book, series, or theme together. All ages and abilities are welcome. Read the book or books at home, then join us to participate in fun activities. January’s topic TBD.

No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or

anything in between.

Level Up Tweens | Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Formally called the Tween and Teen Advisory Board, we meet monthly to share ideas, shape

library events, and help create a welcoming space for everyone. 

Lost Creek String Band | Saturday, Jan. 24, 3-4 p.m.

Lost Creek String Band is a local ensemble that weaves together the rich tones of guitar, violin, dulcimer, mandolin and bass with vocal harmonies. Experience soulful renditions of beloved classics and modern hits.

Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. and the Pauline Robinson branch library at 5575 E. 33rd Ave.