Ed Worso, GCPL Director
GCPL is committed to providing a welcoming environment where people of all ages can engage, connect and be inspired. All our locations and departments value our senior citizens and work to offer a collection and programming that appeals to this segment of our patrons. Following are some of the ways we engage with our seniors.
Hearing loops: All GCPL locations are equipped with hearing loops. A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to ‘T’ (Telecoil) setting.
Programming: Although GCPL prides itself on offering diverse programming for all ages, we recognize that Geauga County is an aging population. Among our recent offerings are the following programs aimed at seniors:
- A matter of balance
- Alzheimer’s signs
- Retirement coaching
- Medicare made easy programming
- Now what was I saying?
- Senior scams – how to avoid them
- Senior chair volleyball
- Chair yoga
- Diabetes management
- Early heart attack care
- Healthy eating as we age
- Digital novice classes
- Storytimes focused on kids and grandparents
Partnerships: We partner with numerous agencies that have an interest in seniors. We collaborate with the following agencies to make programming decisions: University Hospitals, Alzheimer’s Association, Senior Centers, Department on Aging, Retired Teachers Association, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Ohio Attorney General’s Office and others.
Collection: Not only do we provide a robust collection that appeals to virtually all interests, we also offer the following:
- Large print collection (we also provide magnifier bookmarks)
- Audiobooks in numerous formats (CD, digital). Playaways are especially appealing to seniors because they do not require a smart phone or other device.
Special events: Senior tour – During the fall of 2017, local senior centers transported a group of about 20 around to all GCPL locations where GCPL staff members shared information about the services we offer that improve seniors’ lives.
Volunteer opportunities: Seniors provide valuable services to GCPL staff and patrons. Our senior volunteers call patrons for holds and handle other tasks. Additionally, seniors often staff our AARP tax assistance programs.
Outreach: Mobile Services visits people who are homebound, many of whom are seniors. Additionally, GCPL’s Mobile Services’ Lobby Stop vehicle visits nursing homes and senior centers, wheeling carts of materials to people with mobility issues.
If you have any ideas regarding how GCPL can expand services to seniors, please give us a call or email marketing@geaugalibrary.net.