Serving Seniors with Panache Ontario Library Association Conference January 31, 2008

Serving Seniors with Panache

Ontario Library Association Conference

January 31, 2008

The Human Comedy

“I know, of course, that everyone must die, but I thought an exception would be made in my case.”

- William Saroyan

Oshawa

• 152,000 population

• Automotive industry (General Motors)

• Part of Greater Toronto Area

• 2005 Environics study

Environics Study

Blue-Collar Comfort– Young, prosperous blue-collar families in

exurbia

Mobility Blues

-Young and downscale mobile city singles

Lunch at Tim’s

-Working class old and young in industrial towns and cities

Oshawa Public Libraries

• Largest library system in Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa

• Largest library in Durham Region which includes: Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, Scugog and Uxbridge

Oshawa Public Libraries

• The Oshawa Public Library enriches the lives and potential of the people of Oshawa - by connecting them to the world of information and each other.

• 1.3 million circulations (350,000 items)• 1694 programmes delivered to 35,556

customers• Strategic Plan 2008 – 2011

Teens, Young Families and Seniors

Oshawa Public Libraries

• 4 branches serving very different populations

• The Northview and Legends Centre branches serve the most seniors

• Very different seniors at each location

Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre

• Non-profit, multi-purpose community facilities

• Adults 55+• Promotes the health and welfare and

happiness of seniors• Empowerment, social interaction,

public education & advocacy

Seniors’ Demographics

• Different populations of seniors and needs

• Confident – “I know what I want”

• Time for Lifelong Learning

• Club Sandwich Generation

• Frail seniors

Relationship Building

• Community Bar BQ 2003 where the Northview Branch Manager, the Program Coordinator for Seniors and a senior user discussed partnering

• Change from the 1980’s!

Relationship Building

• Meetings at the construction trailer for the new Legends Recreational facility

• Centre includes 4 NHL sized rinks; a fitness centre; a seniors’ centre, a library and a leisure pool

Why Partner?• Fast growing population• Seniors have the most leisure time • Cultural content from Library• Shared facilities• OSCC is a gateway to Outreach for

the Library: Day programs, Foot clinics

British Isles Series

• Joint programming gained momentum in 2004 with a British Isles Series:– Robbie Burns Day– Valentine’s Day– St. Patrick’s Day

Northview

Valentine’s Day

• Can be a very lonely day for widowed seniors

• One program was organized by seniors themselves, supported by the OSCC, including poetry, drama, songs

• Last year, we celebrated 2 great loves: chocolate and books

• This year – The Fame of the Rose will be highlighted

St. Patrick’s Day

• Reading

Organizational Cultures

• All Library programmes are free

• Business orientation vs. client-centred

• Union staff vs. Volunteer-based

• General Public vs. Seniors

Organizational Cultures• Appreciate each other’s worlds• Reaching Jess Hann Branch

customers (OPL)• Reaching John Street Branch

customers (OSCC)• Supportive management

Seniors’ Advisory Group

• Bimonthly meetings

• Brainstorming around programs

• Membership includes OPL and OSCC staff and seniors

• A good man is hard to find!

SAC

• Advice from OSCC

• Learn from staff about seniors

• Actively solicit input from senior members

• Buy-in and support from seniors

Coffee and News

• Piloted at Legends Branch

• Now a mainstay at every location

• Seniors like interactive programs

Video Discussion Series

• “Human Side of World War II”

• “Harlots and Starlets”

• “Religions Around the World”

What Will I Read Next?

• Aka “What should I read Next?” “Lunch and Learn”…

Plan once and deliver at 3 locations• Crafty Fiction• Scotland Fiction• Cookery Fiction• “Mummy” Literature

Depth of Research

• Use Novelist and other electronic resources

• Always include Canadian content

• History of subject or genre

• Include quotes and proverbs

• Find local experts (chefs, religious leaders, etc.)

Remembrance Day Teas

• 2006 – Year of the War Bride

• 2007 – Focus on Vimy Ridge

OSCC Day Program

• Adjust times for programs

• Jake Rude

June is Seniors’ Month!

Writing Contest

• 2007 – Memoirs

• 2008 – Travel Essays

• Treasured Books and Memories Tea

• Involved Durham Writers’ Group

Afternoon Matinee Series

• Lillie Langtry

• Lord Mountbatten

• London Walk: Old Docklands

• Progressive – build up audiences

• UK rights

Intergenerational Programmes

• Coronation Street- Canada’s favourite soap opera– View an episode together– English tea and treats– Trivia quiz and prizes

1. How many times has Fred Elliott proposed marriage?

• Three

• Seven

• Twice

Feature Programmes

Sistine Chapel

Christmas Moon and other delights

Looking for Mona

The Parthenon

Joint Events

• Hobby Expo

• Memories of South Oshawa

• Technology Fair

Community Events

• Spring Bar B-Q

• Swing into Summer

• South Oshawa Community Day

Community Events

• Deck the Halls

• Health and Wellness Expo– Alzheimer’s Society of Durham

Region– Seniors’ residences– Frail Elders’ Alliance

Ready, Set, Action!

Library without Walls at OSCC events

• Displays

• Pathfinders

• Registrations and Check-outs

Partnership has its benefits

• OSCC Speakers’ Bureau

• Shared programming space

• Library’s Graphics Department

• Connections in the community

Marketing

• Programme and Activity Guides

• Newspapers

Seniors plan their week – Library is a bigger drawn

than a niche market (i.e., seniors)

Marketing

• Flyers and posters

• Display cases at OSCC

Tips for success

• Be open to partnering

• It’s about time – take yours!

• Program timing

• Library staff’s passions, interests and personalities are always welcome!

Tips for success

• Don’t segregate seniors – what works for them will often work for others

• Work with strengths– OSCC: Food, music, grass roots

presence– Library: space, books,

knowledgeable staff

Canadian Library Association

Interest Group on Services to Older People:

Canadian Guidelines on Library and Information Services for Older Adults

http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Library_and_Information_Services_for_Older_People

• How to reach seniors without a well-organized seniors’ group in the community– Older Centres Association of Ontario– Church groups

Thank You!

Ellen StroudOshawa Public Libraries estroud@oshawalibrary.on.ca

Colleen ZavrelOshawa Senior Citizens Centreczavrel@city.oshawa.on.ca