ROME — Jervis Public Library, 613 N. Washington St., will host a free self defense class led by instructors at Bailey’s Karate School at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26.

In the event of poor weather, the class will be held the next day on Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m.

The class is designed to help adults gain knowledge and confidence in applying self defense techniques. During the one-hour program, participants will learn fool-proof techniques and practice these defenses on the trained instructors. This is a beginner’s class, so no prior experience is required.

“Jervis Public Library offers a wide range of services and programs for the public.  In this case, the program empowers folks by giving them the knowledge to protect themselves,” said Jervis Library Executive Director Lisa A. Matte. “Even if an attendee never has to actively use the skills learned to protect themselves, the skills result in enhanced self-confidence.”

Matte said holding the self-defense class at the library allows patrons to try the class in a location they’re already familiar with, so they may be more likely to attend than go to a studio on a “cold call.”

“Many services at the library are an opportunity to try something out without a financial commitment,” she said. “That could be borrowing something to be sure you like it before you buy it — such as the library’s ukuleles, disc golf sets, a fancy coffee drink from superofficial, a State Parks pass, or snowshoes — or attending a program before you purchase a membership or series of lessons, such as exercise classes with the YMCA, this self defense class with Bailey’s, wellness classes with Bianca Johnson of Full Lotus Yoga, or ukulele lessons.”

As for working in collaboration with local businesses, “Jervis is proud to partner with local businesses and non-profits so all folks in the community can participate in what the community has to offer,” Matte said.

“This self defense class with Bailey’s is a terrific example of one of our many community partnerships.”

Registration is required for the program. Adults and teens ages 15 and older are invited to attend.

For more information or to sign up, call the library at 315-336-4570 or stop at the Reference Desk on your next trip to the library.