Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 6 Issue 3

BABY BOOMERS AREN’T CALLED “SENIORS” ANYMORE – NEXT LEVEL PROGRAMMING FOR OLDER ADULTS INFORMATION FROM ARTICLE BY MARY BETH ZEMAN According to the State of America’s Libraries Report back in 2014, Baby Boomers, post-World War II individuals born between 1945-1965, are the largest segment of the US population (30%) and are creating new demands on library services. Libraries who offer services to this population must ask themselves the following questions: • Are they prepared in terms of collections, services, spaces, programs, staffing and communications? • Do they have the visibility, identity, and partners necessary to connect with Boomers? • Are they ready and able to allocate the resources necessary to respond to the age wave? The traditional paradigm, equating senior services with sedentary and retired adults or homebound individuals, has been replaced by a healthier and more active 55+ population, one that is not restricted to a “one size fits all” description. Some Boomers are still in the workforce, while others are looking to engage in the same activities as their younger counterparts. These days, chronological age is less important than individual preferences and circumstances. In some communities, libraries are creating new relationships with older adults by re-branding themselves as lifelong learning centers as well as establishing themselves as vibrant community centers where older adults can engage in and interact with one another. Many libraries have developed innovative and creative programs and approaches to working with these Boomers. Here are a few examples: • Next Chapter@ New York Public Library: special programming, new classes, multiple partnerships, grant-funded projects, a blog, and a Facebook page. • Senior Moments blog, Brooklyn Public Library’s blog that showcases unique programs for Boomers, such as Xbox gaming classes, poetry readings and computer training at the library. • Book to Action is a program model developed by Multnomah County Library in Oregon and now being replicated in libraries throughout California. It builds on the traditional book club concept, but in addition to collectively reading and discussing a book, Book-to-Action enables readers to put their new-found knowledge into action by engaging in a community service project related to the book's topic. MAY - JUNE 2016 PAGE 18 WRITERS’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 6 Issue 3 | Page 26