Older adults & seniors
Among the many diverse communities that libraries serve, older adults and seniors continue to be a growing population with unique needs. Libraries are adapting programming and outreach strategies, developing senior-friendly spaces, and implementing adaptive technologies for this community. In this section you will find lists of helpful suggestions, case studies of individual libraries, and other resources to help your library provide better services to older adults and seniors.
Self-paced courses and webinar recordings on this topic are freely available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.
Most Recently Added
Libraries Foster Social Connection: Responding to the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
Publish Date: Webinar / 4 January 2024
Explore ways to intentionally design for social connection in library services and programs.
Let’s Talk Race: Community Healing through Conversation
Publish Date: Webinar / 14 November 2023
Richland Library launched the open-source Let’s Talk Race Curriculum, providing a set of easy-to-follow resources for other organizations to implement locally to deepen community connections.
Resources for Supporting Veterans and Military-Affiliated Patrons
Publish Date: News / 1 November 2023
Libraries play a vital role in serving the diverse needs of their communities, and one group that often benefits greatly is our nation's Veterans, current military members, and their families. Chances are you’re already doing great work in welcoming ...
Golden Hour with the Library
Publish Date: News / 14 February 2023
Forsyth County Public Library is taking programming on the road to meet some of their senior community members where they live. Golden Hour with the Library offers interactive activities based around a theme, such as travel, holiday traditions, or cr...
Practical Strategies for Engaging Veteran and Military-Affiliated Patrons at Your Library
Publish Date: Webinar / 11 January 2023
This webinar introduces practical and engaging library programming ideas for serving veteran and military communities.
Remember Your Patrons Living with Memory Loss
Publish Date: Webinar / 7 December 2022
Presenters share simple ways to create more dementia-friendly libraries and provide examples of literacy activities and programs.
Libraries & Veterans National Forum Toolkit
Publish Date: News / 25 October 2022
Veterans, military service members, and their families are among users of virtually every library across the country. Indeed, libraries play a significant role in supporting veterans and military-affiliated patrons by welcoming them to the community,...
OurStoryBridge: Creating Community Through Stories
Publish Date: Webinar / 17 August 2021
The OurStoryBridge project has released a free toolkit of resources for libraries to create online, three-to five- minute oral histories.
Partnerships as the Key to the Future of Rural Library Services to Older Adults
Publish Date: News / 3 August 2021
When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, public librarians grappled with the challenge of how to continue supporting the types of social connections they had, pre-pandemic, facilitated through engaging programming and inviting spaces. For many older adult...
Outreach Programming: Serving Hidden Patrons
Publish Date: News / 23 January 2020
Perry Memorial Library in Henderson, NC is a rural library serving Vance County where approximately two-thirds of the county's population is either under the age of 18 or over the age of 60. Yet mobility issues and lack of transportation meant these ...
