• Non-binding registration
• Microphones
• Visibility (even subtitles)
• Lighting
• Short handouts
• Time for sharing
• Early seating
• One Page reminders for
upcoming events
• No fines
• Punchcards for fines, bonus
materials, extensions
• Discounts for trips, events
• Technology drop ins
• Appointments for extra help or
designated times
• Repeating popular event
Second Chapter Café
Whitehall Public Library, PA
• Coffee bar
• Collection including
puzzles, gadgets
• Programs
All Libraries Provide:
• Social Opportunities
• Education
• Entertainment
• Assistance and Training
• Resources
• No or Low Cost Services
• Independence
Fits lots of requirements
from previous page
Maybe a younger Friends
group is needed also
Can fund senior programs
or special events
Should have its own special
events/rewards
Train library volunteers
May have to end and
restart periodically as
members change
Options for
Growing Clubs
“Club Connection Slides”
Realistic timeline for staff
while retaining interest:
monthly, weekly,
quarterly
Duplicate club during
day and evening
Multi-generational
Streamlined registration
Easy to participate
Rotate leaders or project
leaders
Club Connection: Library Academy
What do you wish more of the public knew?
Four Weeks
Presentation on Each Department
Quick Trainings
Fun Handouts
Based on Community Police Academy
State Department on Aging
Spousal Impoverishment
Illinois Family Caregiver Support
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Basic Overview of Types of Retirement Accounts
Voter Registration
AARP Card discounts
Feature Chamber businesses with senior
promotions
Senior business fair
Travel and transportation for less (handout in
summer or around holidays)
FAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT SUPPORT
Gaming Night
Reading Night
Healthy Snacks
Movie Nights
Crafts
Special Events
Day Trips or Free
Tickets to Museums
Grandparents Raising
Children Groups
Materials on State Support
Family Programs
School Readiness
College Application
Process Support
Financial Aid or Family
Finance Workshops at
Same Time as Kids’
Events
Partnerships with hospitals, health
departments, agencies
Living Wills
Screenings and drives
Information and resources
Medicare
Showing people how to look up medicines
Housing funding
Health and Fitness
Health Fair: gyms, simple screenings,
demonstrations of classes
Self-Defense
Wellness and Healthy Living
Grocery Stores: new food choices
No Sweat Sugar Free
Couponing
Mental Health: stages of grief, holiday stress
Microwave magic (also
good for new adults)
Four ingredient recipes
$5 dinners
Super salads & soups
Ethnic foods and history
Restaurant festivals
Safety and Scams
Internet and phone scams
Basic self-defense
Travel safety – international and domestic
Identity and password safety
MYSTERIOUS EVENTS
Crimescene as display
or one-time program
2008 Texas Teen Reads
Manual
Mystery flavors
Classic crime TV &
movies
T/F Town ordinance
laws vs. historical
Self-Defense
Puzzle tournaments
Puzzle & Scrabble
crafts
Organizations to help Age in Place
Information on Hospice
Representatives from Day Programs
Organizations with Senior Programs
Housing Representatives
Veteran Benefit Speakers
Value of items
• Selling Online
• Antiques Expert Fair
• By Theme: Books, Jewelry, Glassware
• Values of Popular Items by Decade
• Display of Items with Resources
Budget
When to have
the events
Spotty
attendance
Staff time
Subjects that
appeal
All of the above
WWI
From Over There to Your Library
•Meatless meals
•Famous ads and
marketing campaigns
or commercials
•Genealogy program
on military records
•Live Streaming
lectures from National
War I Museum and
Memorial:
https://theworldwar.org/
visit
TOPICS FOR BOTH WWI AND WWII
VEGETABLE GARDENING, CANNING AND
MEATLESS MEALS
KNIT YOUR BIT: PATTERNS KNIT FOR
SOLDIERS
WWII AND THE BATTLE ON THE HOMEFRONT
Rationing, Vegetable Gardens and Spam: WWII Foods
Norman Rockwell, Marvel and other memorable art from
WWII
Skype program with WWII Museum Staff:
http://www.nationalww2museum.org
Local Veterans’ groups or reenactors
Rosie, Spies and Farm Corps: the role of women during
WWII (Marilyn Monroe)
Memorabilia sharing Victory Tea
• Not Just in November
• Collect Photos, Memorabilia
• Veterans Benefits, Spouses
• Records of What Units from Area Were in Each Major
Conflict Including Civil War
• Vintage Car Shows
• Vintage Apron Decoration (or
Poodle Skirts) for multiple
generations
• History of Billboard Hits
• Soda Fountain Mixology
• James, Audrey or Marilyn Movie
Fest
• Korean War
60’S
Elvis, the Beatles, Neil Diamond and Woodstock
October Sky, the Rocket Boys and Space mania
Tie Dyeing (socks, accessories, something different)
Cooking Trends: in the van,easy gourmets,
Cocktail Parties
Anniversaries: Assassinations of JFK, Bobby and MLK Jr.
70’S
•10 Tips for Saving Energy
in Your Home
•Retro Game Night , or
What can you build with an
Erector set or Tinkertoys?
•Woven Oven Mitts,
Macrame
•Saturday Night Fever
Moves
•History of Tupperware
•Owls Everywhere Again
•Bingewatch Bradys and
other popular TV
Sewickly PL Pinterest Board
https://www.pinterest.com/mgs311/
decades-1970-s/
Fashion
Food
Music
Books, movies or TV from that time or set in
that time (Happy Days)
Tutorials and demonstrations of dance steps
Photos – ask patrons for memorabilia, prom
pictures, recipes from that era for contest
Trivia Contests
World of Ideas
Virtual Travel and tasting
for countries, regions
World of Flavors tour with
phrases
International holiday
traditions
World famous candies
Artists by country, copy
their style on tiles, t-shirts
Local travel through time
LIBRARY LUAU
History of Hawaii
Dancing
Decorations
Ukulele
Taste of the Hawaiian Islands
Pineapple, Poi and Spam?
Volcanoes and more travel
presentation
Drink mixology
WWII tie-in with history
• Electronic library resources and
downloadables
• E-readers changing print size
• Simple photo and movie editing
from phones
• Help with gadgets
Setting up Goodreads shelves, other social media
New library technologies: 3-D printer,
downloadables
Test gadgets or services for other seniors
Prizes for completing or entering
Online chat with reference
Downloadable app – show staff
Sign up for program
Link to library social media
Put item on reserve online, or online search
Use online databases
Download ebook or audio book
Part-Time or Volunteer Opportunities
Resume Writing, Tips
Job Hunting
Computer and Social Media Training
Flea Market or Craft Fair
RECIPE SCRAPBOOKING
Glue copies onto 8 ½ x 11 cardstock or scrapbook paper
Stickers, printed recipes and quotes from cutters
Page protectors for 3-ring binder
Have patrons bring copies and exchange for drop in
program
Ties in with holiday or international themes
Retro Recipe Exchange
Jello
Vintage Holiday Foods
Classic Chicago
Candies
Desserts by the Decade
Vintage Tea Parties
Kolackies and More
Apple Pie and History
of Harvest Foods
RETRO CRAFTS MODERN FUN
Flower Loom
Quilling
Pom Poms (think roller
skates)
Macrame (but no plant
hangers)
String Art
Woven Barrettes
Fascinators
Scrapbooking
Knitting/Crochet
Quilting
Computer Crafting:
printing transfers
3-D Paper Crafts,
origami, ornaments
Terrariums
Club Connection:
Crafting for Charity
• Cards for Senior Centers,
Veterans
• Knotting Blankets
• Knitting/Crocheting: clothing,
blankets, squares for blankets
• Blankets for Animal Shelters
• Sell or Raffle Items for Charity
Club Connection: Creative Writing
• Memoirs
• Flash Fiction
• Calligraphy
• Journaling
• Basic Blogging
• Website Creation
• Non-fiction Writing
• Query Process
• Magazines Seeking Senior Stories: Reminisce
• Self-Publishing
• Book Talk on Writing Craft Books
MUSIC DANCE
Festival
Connected to Dates: Elvis’
Birthday
Summer or Outdoor
Programs
Beatles’ Tribute Bands, Civil
War Music, Renaissance
Big Bands
High School Musicians
Veterans and Memorial Day
Events
Local Trips for Concerts
Preview Upcoming
Seasons
Teach dance steps for
classic steps
Victory Tea or Prom for
Seniors
Demonstrations with
Music from
Professionals
Ethnic Dance Groups
HOLLYWOOD COMES TO THE LIBRARY
Gourmet
Popcorn
After Hours
Oscar Night
Party
Short Movie
Festival
Local Actors,
Filming
Locations
Hollywood
History by
Decade
50 Shades of Racy
Reading
Sweet Reads
w/Cupcake
Decorating
Crafty Reads
Delicious Reads
Forgotten Reads or
Shocking Reads
Novel Bites: Book Club
Food Suggestions
Edgy and Sexy Reads
Easy lending, registration
Flexibility in choices, themes
Skype with authors
Books set in past, even children’s
Non-fiction
Play audio
CREATURES
Adults read to dogs too!
Local animal scavenger
hunt
Pet parades – virtual or
live
Get Caught Reading
with an Animal
Vacation pet photos
Dog food for fines – help
the shelters and pantries
Make Blankets for
Shelters
Union City Library
Packing them in!
What subjects are of particular interest to today’s senior citizens and why.
How to use trends and short programs to replicate and create your own programs.
How to extend popular topics into clubs or recurring events for seniors.
Census According to the Census Bureau's "middle series" projections, the elderly population will more than double between now and the year 2050, to 80 million. By that year, as many as 1 in 5 Americans could be elderly. Most of this growth should occur between 2010 and 2030, when the "baby boom" generation enters their elderly years. During that period, the number of elderly will grow by an average of 2.8 percent annually. By comparison, annual growth will average 1.3 percent during the preceding 20 years and 0.7 percent during the following 20 years. (See graph below.)
After my background: I enjoy both teens and seniors. Enthusiasm shown in different ways, often very frank, but respect library services that are geared towards them. I am a sandwich generation – helping my mother arrange care for my father with Alz and Parkinson’s. Many issues and limitations facing seniors from meeting hundreds of them at my programs and getting to know many. Both teens and seniors continually surprise me.
Building Great Programs for Seniors (ALA Editions Workshop) A 90-minute workshop, Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 2:30pm Eastern/1:30 Central/12:30 Mountain/11:30am Pacific By building programs that engage and attract active seniors to your library, you can help reinforce your library’s status as an important community center for residents of all ages.
Topics include:
What subjects are of particular interest to today’s senior citizens and why.
How to use trends and short programs to replicate and create your own programs.
How to extend popular topics into clubs or recurring events for seniors.
My Grandma Alessio – I show her picture at the beginning of many of my vintage programs
What subjects are of particular interest to today’s senior citizens and why.
How to use trends and short programs to replicate and create your own programs.
How to extend popular topics into clubs or recurring events for seniors.
First – history – how many seniors, who are they, where do they come from
Second – why would they come to the library and how we serve them
Third – program ideas at least to take and replicate easily either by hiring low cost speakers in many cases or how to replicate them realistically in library settings that are stretched already with staff, funding and time constraints
**many of these can be adjusted for different ages to include families, or another separate event
Fourth – what to do when something is really popular and why this is both a good and bad situation to have!
If I use your library photo or mention your library, email me to get a prize.
Enter a program you did even if it is exactly what I discuss in the text box. Or enter something else that worked well for you – or didn’t. Equally important to hear about failures! I’ll draw randomly among all comments for these prizes. If you enter a lot of comments, you’ll have a lot of chances to win.
I’ll get your email and ask for shipping address – and get it out to you. These are two new books out this summer.
Social Security website
During the Great Depression preceding the passage of the Social Security Act, "soup kitchens" provided the only meals some unemployed Americans had. This particular soup kitchen was sponsored by the Chicago gangster Al Capone.
Stone Soup type parties. Stretch the tiny bit of meat even further
National archives time life photo
http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-8-20-senior-living-generations/ all info on next slides
Named by Tom Brokaw who wrote: “It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.”
Grew up during the Great Depression
Many served in the armed forces during World War 2
Racial and ethnic minorities of the generation, especially African Americans, endured extreme prejudice and abuse, including shameful institutionalized racism that was Jim Crow law and segregation
Characteristics:
Perseverance in face of adversity
Courageousness
Frugal spending habits
Traditional values
Also known as the Post-War Generation, the “Lucky Few”, and “The Traditionalists”
May have grown up during Great Depression but generally too young to have served in Second World War
Most Korean War veterans are Silent Generation members
Silent Generation African Americans also grew up during era of Jim Crow but fought for and achieved significant strides in civil rights during their adulthood
Characteristics:
Hardworking
Logical
Loyal
Traditional outlook and clear sense of right and wrong
Conformist
Interviewing a baby boomer couple about civil rights - 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Came of age during the civil rights movement and desegregation
Witnessed Vietnam and corresponding anti-war movement, with many members of this generation having been drafted into the service
Ushered in a more permissive and socially liberal culture
Characteristics:
Independent
Competitive
May have more open-minded social values than older generations
Focused on health and wellness
Values individuality
Understanding their interests: In common: hardworking, independent, courageous, frugal, and then more open minded and socially aware when we get through to the Boomers
Photo of Southern Vintage Treats
Talk logistics for a minute: Recently I had to take my mom for eye treatments and was struck by how un-senior friendly the place was, though seniors were main customers. Had to yell names often. Confusing parking lot with small perpendicular rather than slotted spots. Dim lighting with chairs facing away, no clear set up for appointment and insurance lines. Having mom make appointments for 3 months ahead with patch on her eye.
Logistics: samples on plates ready to hand out – keeps germ spread and confusion to a minimum
Many take registration, but let others come. If fee, some can come later
Microphone – I’m loud but seniors need to hear
Handouts but understand they may not be cooking at home – like to have something to look at during program, and no age likes size 10 type!
Short and sweet.
Lighting – safe to come in. May not be used to meeting rooms or night set up at library. Is it clear where the program is?
Allow participation – many seniors at my shows have told me no one listens or cares about their stories. Plan time for talking afterwards. Some may come visit you and talk a lot later.
Many come in early for their seats – depending on sight and hearing issues.
Short reminders about upcoming events. I’ve seen sign up sheets with cards on upcoming programs where they could sign up and take a reminder.
No fines, punchcard or discount for bus trips, events
Book a librarian – few took advantage
Training for staff on working with seniors.
Bookmobile | Massillon Public Librarywww.massillonlibrary.org1280 × 960Search by imageAnne Juhasz, Outreach Services Manager, at Faith in Action's Senior Health and Lifestyle Fair at the Massillon Recreation Center on September 27.
Http://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2011/02/17/Whitehall-library-has-space-for-just-senior-citizens/stories/201102170398
Whitehall
Funded by a $4,000 LSTA grant, this space is primarily for older adults–
Enjoy a cup of coffee at our self-service coffee bar!
Explore our special collections of books, DVDs, CDs, games, puzzles & gadgets!
Attend a wide variety of programs
Meet friends & have a great time!
**Social opportunities slow memory loss
Social Opportunities
Education
Entertainment
Assistance and Training
Resources
No or Low Cost Services
Independence
**for other ages too like teenagers
Pew Study
Among seniors with an annual household income of $75,000 or more, 90% go online and 82% have broadband at home. For seniors earning less than $30,000 annually, 39% go online and 25% have broadband at home.
Fully 87% of seniors with a college degree go online, and 76% are broadband adopters. Among seniors who have not attended college, 40% go online and just 27% have broadband at home.
Among older adults, tablets and e-book readers are as popular as smartphones: Among the general public, smartphones are much more common than either tablet computers or e-book readers, such as Kindles or Nooks. But tablets, e-book readers, and smartphones are each owned by an identical 18% of older adults. In fact, the proportion of older adults who own either a tablet or an e-book reader is actually larger than the proportion owning a smartphone. Some 27% of seniors own a tablet, an e-book reader, or both, while 18% own a smartphone.
27% of older adults use social networking sites such as Facebook, but these users socialize more frequently with others compared with non-SNS users
One-quarter of seniors use online social networksToday 46% of online seniors (representing 27% of the total older adult population) use social networking sites such as Facebook, and these social network adopters have more persistent social connections with the people they care about.
Some 81% of older adults who use social networking sites say that they socialize with others (either in person, online, or over the telephone) on a daily or near-daily basis. Among older adults who go online but do not use social networking sites, that figure is 71%; and for those who are not online at all, it is 63%.
Just like a TAB
Friends of Birmingham PL
Do you have a group that is large, opinionated, feisty and would come in every day if they could and discuss certain topics? This as we know is both good and bad.
Quarterly to start if not enough real interest – like quarterly community fairs, such as job fairs, volunteering fairs, housing fairs, flea market
During the day
Multi generational maybe for families in evening w/ youth services,
Streamlined registration – sign up at end of each, by phone, in person
Tie in to Charitable Efforts
Opportunities to Welcome New Folks – no one likes lots of rules – imagine if you have memory issues
Rotate Leaders or Project leaders – inclusion w/o division
Will mention several with club potential and ideas after topic in Club Connection Slides
Volunteering opportunities: Many libraries have volunteer coordinators as it can be necessary to harness the volunteer help and opportunities. The popularity of Friends groups indicates a willingness of library volunteer candidates.
Friendship club – where they come each week for different programs
Library Council
Where they run their own – like TAB
Move on to popular topics for seniors
Surveying seniors at the end of programs will help lead to new topics, but also ask about life concerns. While big numbers will not be the goal at these programs the library can be a lifeline for information and support. Of course we can’t handle legal concerns but they can know about benefits.
More than a link, the library could offer podcasts about these laws, or speakers. My siblings and I went to a few speakers on benefits to learn about money my parents qualified for with their housing.
The IL one has a directory of services for seniors. No doubt the reference desk will use these. Any of these topics could go for another program.
Library board or local candidate forums – or info on how to run!
From Morguefile
Neighborhood places with senior discounts – filer, website, or fair
At next Chamber meeting, ask who has discounts for seniors.
Would those folks like to participate in a local business fair?
Again, coupon clipping
National parks, nearby sites. Do they know about library resources? Bookmarks in reserves are a good way to promote events.
Financial experts to meet with them
No club connection here! But necessary and continually important topic
Working with local hospitals and agencies. Many have classes or clinics – could some be offered at the library?
County health dept. does screenings for depression and other illnesses
Medicare and medicine affect most areas of seniors lives, worries, and future issues
Health Screenings, drives
Information, insurance realities, links and resources for signing up
List of Medicare housing – changes in medical or senior laws and benefits each January?
Many libraries had links on Obamacare or q/a prominently on their sites.
Do many seniors have wireless networks at home or smartphone? No, but know how to use ones at library. Many have e-readers or devices to watch things on.
Drivers tests – laws, procedures, local information
Health fair for families – classes at YMCA
Fairs are not intimidating – requiring exercise, people can pick up materials at leisure
Health Fair time – not like a club, but maybe class demonstrations at lunchtime each Thursday or something like that. May attract more than seniors
AARP found seniors eat fast food when they don’t feel like cooking.
Food programs are always popular, and seniors may well attend cooking ones even if they no longer have a kitchen or inclination
Ethnic food fests – run by high school foreign language clubs, attended largely by seniors $3 fee, restaurant food
Who else might enjoy these programs? Everyone! Tour restaurants bus trip. Does your library have bus trips? Our library is planning some for Route 66 for the summer – day trip.
Good after holidays when children gave them gadgets or cookbooks
Scams with local police dept.
Some police depts. Do basic self defense
Internet and phone scams – very well attended, local pizzeria offered food to get people to come – offered in morning and at night.
FIL didn’t know credit card needed to fly, pay for luggage – anniversary trip
CSI for seniors
Library crimescene – one day or set up as display **Prize for most creative, most elaborate (no truth needed)
Footprints on floor
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/projects/ttr/2008/manual/whodunit.html Texas 2008 Teens Read Manual
Local police always popular (drug sniffing dogs at teen holiday program)
Mystery flavors – drop of essential oils, unusual chocolates and prizes for guessing correctly, potato chips
Housing fair: many libraries have preschool fairs or a booklet describing those facilities.
You may want to consider having a virtual housing fair. Send an electronic form to the directors of senior facilities and day care centers asking for information on types of care, special programs, if Medicare, Social Security or Veterans benefits are accepted, how many people are there and how many staff. Those could be compiled with links or printed for handing out at applicable programs.
A housing fair would have representatives from facilities for a drop in program at the library.
Programs on buying and selling homes appeal to lots of different ages, including the sandwich generation who may have to help their parents clear out and sell. It may be information that can’t wait for a program and you will be compiling it at the reference desk but some good speakers on the topic can help others get ready.
Topics and speakers related to these needs include:
Director of senior center on what to bring and pack, storage options
Realtor on how to get the house ready in economical fashion – or what repairs really get value in house sale?
Estate sale company
Some of my own collection, some from coworkers’ parents who were downsizing. Had to tell folks to stop giving me items
Any of it valuable? Not much. But valuable to me and my business.
Antiques fair, how to put stuff on ebay, do it at class
Antiques expert – get registration ahead of time, or first 50 people at time slot, maybe some would make offers
Mid-Century glasses and dishes
Decades fashion show
Help them look up value with display/resources
Aprons and more: program basically on nostalgia. I talked about Mitts, Trivets, Aprons and more. Some were crafty, some just remembered what they had and used and gave away.
Local cty fair has oldest contest. They have likely saved some old treasures
Bring in oldest cookbook, - idea from fair collections
Oldest recipe
Ribbon or trophy
www.pixelbay.com
At Exploritas, formerly known as Elderhostel, the proportion of travel adventurers over age 85 has increased more than 70 percent since 2004. In another study, seniors reported their common activities were reading (71%) and pursuing religious activities (53%). Other popular activities included bicycling, gardening, talking on the telephone and watching television. Even tennis, swimming, golf and exercise classes were more frequent forms of recreation than bingo or sewing. http://www.glynndevins.com/insights/2011/12/10-powerful-senior-living-statistics/
Could be a Club – Seniors could put a tack where they’ve been on trips on a map to advertise it
Popular event – Taste of Greece Europe, International Vintage recipes
Grandfather’s regiment. Arrow with Me.
Public Relations War
Fewer kids know about this – at least with other wars there are some veterans left to meet and listen to stories.
Local public libraries in my area did a One Book program with M.L. Stedman, the Light Between Oceans.
Food of WWI, served oreos, …
First time Victory Gardens were introduced
War of propaganda – public opinion was actively courted and united for the US to get involved NYPL did exhibits on the art and media used “ The Fight for the American Mind.”
Music from Irving Berlin
National War Museum in Kansas City, MO
1914 – 1918, some libraries delve into the 20’s and the Great Depression
Extension centers from state universities
Rationing, Victory Gardens and Spam: WWII Foods
Normal Rockwell, Marvel and Other Memorable Art from WWII
Skype program with WWII Museum staff: http://www.nationalww2museum.org
Veterans and VA events and speakers
US Navy 060526-N-4014G-019 Veterans from the Tidewater chapter of U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II (WWII) watch as the names of lost WWII submarines are read off
Nice to do program for Veterans day – many schools do not have the day off any more
Memorabilia for display
Have kids, teens make cards for area veterans hospital
50’s and 60’s were distinct in terms of fashion and music as well as in terms of historical happenings
Car shows
Aprons – pocket decorations, circle skirts, poodle decorations inexpensive lots of chefs aprons, or invite people to bring in a plain one, show some cute pocket or painting decorations. Use markers, printed and iron on transfers
Not hard to set up soda fountain bar
Luau – grass skirts, history, pineapple, Spam, music
Memorabilia sharing and showing at Korean War presentation and Social
Have any of you eaten Space Food Sticks? Email me for a prize
Blast Off or Space themes also work with some of the 60’s tie ins
Space exploration: Rocket Boys, October sky (set in late 50’s, start of 60’s space mania)
Show Blast From the Past
Play oldies plus new covers
Photo from national archives, Florida State Archives
Teens always ask if I have fashions in my closet
Books – Peyton Place vs. 50 Shades of Grey Bestsellers from each decade
Series – programs in each month by decade
Make it easy – same program – fashion photos, costume snack themed night, watching the movies
Sister City – had to have a German, Indian, Japanese, French – music, food, craft particular weeks
Turkish Delight
British Cadbury
Belgium Chocolates – Pepperridge Farm History
Japanese Pocky
Kolackies
Invite local patrons
Riverview Park was an amusement park in Chicago, Illinois which operated from 1904 to 1967.
American Fork PL
National Archives
Atlantic City
Dancing
Ukele music
Can hire
Serve pineapple
Make a volcano
Travel
Preserving Family Recipes
Writing memoirs
Story history for local history collections at library
Clubs – not just seniors, but lots of senior interest
Speakers from veterans groups
Electronic resources
Everyone shares progress at beginning
Example of speaker:
The Genealogy program will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 7:30 PM in the 2nd floor Classroom. The guest speaker for the evening will be Dr. Daniel Hubbard. Dr. Hubbard will present a program titled “Researching At Appomattox Court House: Genealogy through the Lens of the Civil War”.
This talk reviews how Civil War era records aren’t just about soldiers and sailors. Before, during and after the war, a wealth of different types of unusual records were produced that speak of that time and tell the story of a whole generation.
Daniel Hubbard is a full-time professional researcher who has been researching almost as long as he can remember. Inspired by family stories and a pair of genealogist aunts, he began to seriously conduct family history research at about eleven years of age. He spent eight years at CERN outside Geneva, Switzerland learning to handle very large research projects while performing research in particle physics (Ph.D. University of Michigan, Post-doc Harvard).
South Tynesdale, UK
Technology for seniors – new gadgets
My mother was indicating it is harder to order from catalogs over phone any more, has me help her with websites. She still sits and works with me, even though she doesn’t have a computer. Many can’t afford smartphones, and wireless technology in their homes. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want the skills or want to be left behind.
FIL with Netflix – is there someone there who can help you?
Tax forms
Movie and photo editing, digital scrapbooking
After gift times – bring in gadget and get basic help, some libraries worried about being responsible – patrons agree teens help, can’t download things on to it, just do basic operations, connect to manufacturer.
http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2014/01/reaching-senior-patrons-in-the-digitized-library/
**Classes taught by seniors
Senior appointment times? Used to make appointments – or have particular shift that’s not too complicated to remember – Mondays 9 – 11 a.m.
Small Class Sizes
Tip Sheets
Hands On
Follow Up
Social Support/Encouragement
Individualized Attention
By topic too
Set up senior blog, site
Tech scavenger hunt
Online chat
Program sign up info.
Download an ebook or audio book
Reality that many seniors have to work at least part time. Often part time is all that’s available after layoffs or early retirement. Some just want them to keep busy or for entertainment. Help them find part time jobs. A job fair will attract different ages, but a part-time job fair will bring out the seniors as well.
Indianapublicmedia.org
Seniors show in booths also take classes
Makerfest for Seniors
Or involve them in your Maker Fest
Cookin’ Up Nostalgia
All remembered this, one did it before I came back
Some seniors just love to make one thing over and over
Some can’t do it, enjoy trying
Show short presentation – You Tube! And let them work. I am not good at these crafts, I don’t have to be.
Talented folks – opportunity to socialize, give something back
NLW raffling items for charity
Flea Market/Craft Fair – or library group has tables at local fairs to raise money for Charity or Friends groups
Blogs/Topics for Seniors
Will draw more than seniors, depending on when and how you host it
Like Decades club
High schoolers play lots of marches
Opera and ballet previews – may not be able to afford to go there
Love to watch – more about memories
Academy Award Winners: history, show one from each decade
Academy Award Party
Family Movie Nights
Hollywood Trivia
Film Discussion Group
Foreign Films
Movie trivia
Dan and Raymond theme nights – Chase scene night was really popular
Anything filmed in your area? Prizes for catching scenes, buildings, etc.
Crossover from Decades also – winners by decade
Hollywood fashions by decade
Movie Fest Ideas
Gourmet Popcorn Demos
different spices
cheeses
Mix with pretzels, caramel sauce
Oscar Night After Hours, fundraiser movie fest
Oscar fest leading up to it
Local Famous People festival, places
Woodstock IL, Groundhog Day
Hollywood Hauntings
Dress Like Actor contest
Short Movie Night
Movie Theaters review
Decades of Movie Candy
Books with Pizzazz: Don’t be afraid to do sexy – remember that one?
Senior center – last topic
Banned books
Divergent or Dystopian
Will talk in detail about some of these on June 18 at book program webinar
Civil War tea, Anne Ylvisaker
Animals, last year we did Paws to Read in IL
Read to a dog popular in youth areas, why not for adults. Many seniors had to give up pets when they move to assisted living, and would enjoy this, or participating if they do not want to read out loud.
Animal scavenger hunt – take pictures of sightings in the area of birds, lizards, anything unique to your area
Pet parades outside the library - photo contest? Does your pet join you when reading? Get Caught Reading with an Animal
Do local pet shelters need something? Knitted blankets, supplies? Bring something in to erase fines, or have a Knit In to make the pet blankets
Creatures – also horror, we will get to that.