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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 [email protected]
Colleen ZavrelOshawa Senior Citizens [email protected]