Public Libraries Provide a Range of Valuable (And Often Overlooked) Resources for Seniors

Given the ever-growing tsunami of reading material available online 24/7, it’s not surprising that many American adults never bother to visit their local libraries. “What? That big building downtown with the books? Who needs it?”

The answer: all of us. Libraries continue to play a crucial role in fostering the literacy and educational attainment crucial to a community’s economic and cultural well-being. In addition, they provide a wide range of often overlooked resources particularly valuable to seniors. Here are just a few ways seniors can enhance their quality of life through visiting the library.

Free Books: An obvious one, to be sure, but ready access to engaging and culturally relevant reading material is even more important as people age. Not only does it pass the time in a fulfilling way but
reading also provides a pleasant and effortless opportunity to stay mentally sharp. Those books on the library’s shelves represent a universe of compelling stories and new information just waiting to be explored. And it won’t cost you a cent.

Multiple Media: It’s incumbent on libraries these days to keep pace with advancing technology, and the institutions by and large are succeeding. Indeed, today’s libraries are stocked with DVDs, CDs and audiobooks of every description. In addition, services like Hoopla enable library patrons to access this media material from their own phones and computers.

Join the Team: One of the prime challenges many retirees face is identifying activities that will both keep them busy and provide a sense of purpose. Your local library offers a wide range of just such volunteer opportunities, everything from giving reading lessons to conducting story times to lending a hand at fund-raising book sales.

Get Social: Libraries are increasingly becoming a hub for seniors to gather not just for book clubs but chess clubs, bingo clubs and more. As a result, libraries are playing an ever more important role in helping seniors overcome the sense of isolation that often accompanies retirement. Simply put, libraries offer seniors numerous ways to meet new friends and develop new interests.

Home Away from Home: Libraries offer many seniors much-needed access to computer labs and printers that can be used to fill out medical or federal forms or simply connect with loved ones through social media and email. Air conditioned in the summertime and heated in the winter months, libraries project a comfortable, cozy environment for visitors all year round.

Enhanced Accessibility: In addition to providing books, libraries offer access. Whether it’s providing materials in large print for seniors with low vision or implementing easy access to bookshelves for those with limited mobility, libraries go above and beyond to be a place where all are welcome. Many also have space for assistive technology, such as electronic magnifiers or auditory accessories.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.