1. Focus on:
Seniors
LIBRARY SERVICE
TO SENIORS
→ “Librarians have been criticized
for interpreting the needs of older
adults in a narrow, stereotyped
way, using a ‘medical’ model of
old age to concentrate on
providing a limited range of
services for those unable to leave
their homes or living in
communal homes” (Kendall,
1996, p. 17).
→ Traditionally, there is a lack of in-
house programming for seniors,
DEFINING SENIORS: NEEDS although seniors are enthusiastic
about what is offered (Piper, et
• Now constitute a rapidly growing proportion of the population al., 2009).
→ “The great majority of [public
• Need to move away from perceiving older people as a libraries] gave a low priority to
homogenous grouping on the sole basis of chronological age program development for older
adults” (Turock, 1987, p. 137).
• Trends: Declining solidarity of family care, changes in family
patterns, dispersion of generations and increased C OLLEC TIONS S ERVING SENIO RS
dependence on a personal community that is increasingly o Large Print
o Audiobooks
focused on friends, not family o Periodicals
o Partnerships with CNIB
• Older people need access to sustained, interpersonal o E-books and audiobooks
interactions through social networks
SE RVIC ES SE RVING SENIO RS
• The Public Library is a potential source for helping seniors o Homebound services or
build new ties to non-kin (friends) to access support deposit collections at
nursing and retirement
• Older people need opportunities to contribute meaningfully homes, and hospices
o Computer classes
• Interpersonal relationships as significant geared at seniors
o Reading Clubs
o As peers mobility and physical capacities fade, older
o Flexible or extended loan
people need to secure continuity of emotional and periods
practical support through interpersonal relationships

2. 1
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THE LOREM IPSUMS SPRING 2016
Our Library and the Community Served:
PETERBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY: Pe te rbo rou gh i s a h u b o f activ ity
• Known for exceptional quality of life
Mission: The Peterborough Public Library is our • Located in the Kawarthas tourist
community's connection to a world of resources to region
inform, inspire and enlighten • Diverse commercial and agricultural
• They are located at the heart of base
Peterborough • Two post-secondary institutions
• They have two branches • Well positioned as a “hub” with
• 35% of the population are active card major airports between Toronto and
holders Ottawa
• Annual program attendance: 9,155 • Activities which attract an “active
older adult” population
Se rvic es Cu rre n tly O ffe red for Sen io rs: • Walkable, vibrant downtown area
— Computer Classes Pe te rbo rou gh v alu es cu ltu re
— Memoir Writing and Storytelling • “Levels of activity far above those
— Kniterary Night (all adults welcome) typically found in other communities
— “Shut-in service” of its size” (Municipal Culture Plan
— Accessible equipment and space (2011) p.31
• “Well preserved built heritage”
PETERBOROUGH: • Cultural industry linked positively to
“quality of life” and “continued
economic prosperity” for
Population:
Peterborough
City: 74,600
Including County: 135,000 Pe te rbo rou gh v alu es se ni ors
• City Website dedicated page – easily
Population is aging: accessible
2006: 13% of the population age 55-64 • Health Supports, Agencies – links to
2011: 15.3% of the population age 55-64 businesses geared to seniors needs
Total: 15% change between 2006-2011 • Social activities
• “Seniors rates” for monthly/seasonal
transit pass
• “HandiVan” special transportation
• Tax Assistance – for 65+ with low
income (-25K)/Tax Rebate for
Heritage Property Owners
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