SERVING SENIORS 2014 Kentucky Summer Reading Program Conference Sarah Hubbard Lexington Public Library

Why Focus on Seniors? Kentucky’s population is aging Rural areas especially see this at an accelerated rate 2/3 of households with minor children used a public library within the past year (2002) 1/3 of households with retired members used a public library in the past year (2002)

Part II Programming Concepts & Ideas

Welcoming Buildings

signage

parking lot

sidewalks

wheelchairs

caution markings

flooring

seating

shelving

special collections

Program Guidelines Daylight hours ONLY Consider a mid-day time slot during lulls Offer frequent very basic digital literacy classes – small class size Track community events to avoid conflict

Program Ideas Financial literacy and security Medical and health Continuing education Recareering Digital literacy Social/Support Groups

Financial Literacy Health care/insurance information Affordable housing Insurance Money investment and risk Scams Short- and long-term planning Social Security or Medicare/Medicaid benefits

Medical and Health Managing chronic health issues Caregiving New medical advances/choices Healthy choices Physical or mental health information

Continuing Education Craft instruction Household skills/organization Language learning

Recareering Second career opportunities Grandparents as parents

Digital Literacy Ongoing emphasis on extreme beginner courses: Using the Parts of a Computer Introduction to the Internet Computer safety Creating and saving documents Both class computers and access computers provided by library Classes can be one-time concept classes or ongoing social gatherings

Social/Support Groups Book talks/book discussion groups Guest lecture series Game nights Craft groups Movie groups Exercise groups Health groups Technology groups

Marketing Partnerships Outreach Flyers/Media

Partnerships Senior centers and assisted living facilities Literacy groups or writing groups / local authors Senior advocacy groups Local history or genealogy groups Craft/hobby groups

Outreach Fairs/festivals Senior centers Local history groups/relevant nonprofits Seminars

Flyers/Media Newspapers – community and specialty Community boards Senior centers Relevant nonprofits / newsletters Radio stations Government departments

Links The Changing Demographic Profile of the United States Kentucky Population Growth – State Data Center df Library WebJunction – Older Adults and Seniors Libraries – Transforming Life After 50 Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative Kentucky’s Aging Population – State Data Center Households’ Use of Public and Other Types of Libraries: