On the Go with Senior Services: Library Programs for Any Time and Any Place

The needs of adult library users vary greatly across age groups. Goodman, a retired adult services librarian, identifies a gap in services for users over 65, especially for those unable to come to the library. She gives a broad overview of the characteristics of the various generations, along with an outline of issues related to aging brains. The author recommends both a community and a library assessment in preparation for creating an action plan. She advocates taking programming into the community, partnering with other agencies serving the elderly. Part 2 provides detailed outlines for potential programs including discussion questions, suggested resources, and a list of references. The ideas proposed here are easily implemented and helpful. For a program on candy and chocolate, Goodman suggests creating a Powerpoint on the history of candy, recommending a mystery series featuring candy, showing a DVD of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and offering candy samples. She compiles a list of discussion questions to prompt patrons to recall their favorite candy growing up.